Gecko Beach

One-bedroom cliff-top apartment in Porthtowan, the surf village 4 miles north-west of Truro. Gecko Beach sleeps 2, with a balcony looking down over the sand. The footpath to the beach starts at the door and reaches the surf in under a minute.

The apartment is a one-up, balcony-out layout: open kitchen and living area with double doors to the deck, one bedroom, one bathroom. Wi-Fi, allocated parking, and a washing machine are included; no dishwasher and no pets. Changeover is Friday. The block faces west, so the balcony catches the sunset over the breakers.

The Blue Bar sits 50 metres along the clifftop and serves food into the evening. The Unicorn pub is in the village. Walk south on the South West Coast Path for two miles to Chapel Porth, with the Wheal Coates tin mine engine houses on the cliff above. Surf school and bodyboard hire run from the beach in season. St Agnes is 4 miles east, Truro 4 miles inland for shops and the cathedral.

Best for couples on a surf or coast-path weekend, or anyone who wants a sea view without the price of a four-bed house. Less good for families - it's a one-bed apartment - or guests who need a dishwasher.