
Porthmeor Beach
St Ives, Cornwall · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
St Ives' Atlantic-facing surf beach, painted for a century in the town's famous light, right under the Tate.
Open Porthmeor Beach on the interactive map →- Sea temperature
- ~16°C in the warm season
- Water
- Exceptionally clear Atlantic blue — the light that built an art colony
- Sand
- Pale gold grit-sand between granite headlands
- Swimming
- Lifeguarded through the season; waves most days
- Surf
- St Ives' surf beach — a reliable beach break with schools on the sand
- Best time to visit
- May-Sep
- Setting
- Directly below Tate St Ives, closed off by the chapel-topped Island headland
- Beach type
- Surf coast
- Blue Flag
- Yes
- Region
- Europe
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Porthmeor Beach: frequently asked questions
Where is Porthmeor Beach?
Porthmeor Beach is at St Ives, on the coast of United Kingdom.
What is the sea temperature at Porthmeor Beach?
In the warm season the sea at Porthmeor Beach reaches about 16°C. Exceptionally clear Atlantic blue — the light that built an art colony.
When is the best time to visit Porthmeor Beach?
The best time to visit Porthmeor Beach is May-Sep. Europe's beach season peaks in July and August, with June and September quieter and cheaper.
What kind of sand does Porthmeor Beach have?
Porthmeor Beach has pale gold grit-sand between granite headlands.
Is Porthmeor Beach good for swimming?
Lifeguarded through the season; waves most days.
Can you surf at Porthmeor Beach?
St Ives' surf beach — a reliable beach break with schools on the sand.
Does Porthmeor Beach have Blue Flag status?
Yes — Porthmeor Beach holds Blue Flag status, awarded for bathing-water quality, safety and facilities.
Photo: Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France from France (CC BY 2.0) · source