Portheras Cove Beach

Please note, the cliff-face along Portheras Cove Beach is unstable and the beach has experienced rockfall in recent months. Visitors are required to be extra cautious and under no circumstances should people sit under and near the cliffs.

Lifeguard cover: There is no lifeguard presence at Portheras Cove Beach

Portheras Cove is the ‘locals’ beach every visitor dreams of finding. Its secluded sandy bay, turquoise waters and craggy Cornish headlands can be found at the end of a valley on the Penwith Peninsula, between Morvah and Pendeen. Partially owned by the Duchy of Cornwall from the sea up to the median high tide line, the remaining beach, foreshore, and cliffs are owned by three local farms.

Signs at the beach warn of strong undercurrents if swimming. Also, because of the Alacrity shipwreck, which was blown up in the 80s, there have been reports sharp pieces of metal remaining in the sand. These pieces are especially prevalent on the low tide line, making swimming and paddling dangerous with bare feet. The rip current, off-shores winds and unpredictable weather also adds to the danger of swimming here. Without lifeguard cover, its best to only swim when in company.

It's best to be aware that the beach does not have any public facilities including toilets and bins. Please respect the beach and take all litter and belongings away with you at the end of your visit.

This secret cove, often visited by seals, is on Cornwall’s wild Tin Coast and is an SSSI designated area, so visitors are asked to respect all wildlife and make sure to keep a distance from wild visitors to the cove.

Isolated and only accessible on foot, the South West Coast Path passes above it with steep rocky steps leading down past a waterfall onto the beach.

The iconic Pendeen Lighthouse, built in 1891, has parking beside it from where you can walk to the beach.

There is no mobile or wifi signal on the beach.