See the BEST beaches with this South Cornwall road trip itinerary

Broad beaches, gently lapping waves and dozens of family friendly activities – South Cornwall is a glorious destination. 

While North Cornwall is more rugged and wild, South Cornwall is more accessible – but  still with incredible beaches!

In fact, while Newquay and St Ives get all the fame, some of these beaches on the south coast of Cornwall make it into my list of the top in the country.

Here’s a route you can follow from east to west, stopping at some of the best beaches along Cornwall’s southern coast.

Readymoney Beach, Fowey

Beneath cliffs just a short walk from Fowey town centre, Readymoney Beach is a sheltered sandy cove that feels far more remote than it is!

The water is calm and (usually) swimmable (although there is no lifeguard – swim at your own risk), and there’s a well-worn path up to St Catherine’s Castle above. 

It’s great for a morning dip or picnic before exploring the town!

Take a look at the best things to do in Fowey here.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in town, Trenython Manor Hotel and Spa is an elegant spot around a 10 minute drive away. See its listing here.

Lantic Bay

Between Fowey and Polperro, Lantic Bay is one of the south coast’s most photogenic beaches – but it’s also one of the least accessible. 

The steep walk down from the National Trust car park keeps it quiet even in summer. Bring everything you need with you and check the tide times. 

It’s stunning, but it’s not lifeguarded and there are rips in the water, so do swim at your own risk.

Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth

Just ten minutes from Falmouth’s centre, Gylly is one of Cornwall’s few Blue Flag beaches! 

The water here is clean and usually calm AND there’s a lifeguard in the summer months. So it’s usually a popular spot for paddleboarding or swimming! 

It’s also got easy access, with public loos, a café and a car park just behind.

While you’re in the area, you can’t miss Pendennis Castle. Here’s my full post on it!

Take a look at the best things to do in Falmouth here.

The Sandy Duck is a popular boutique guesthouse in town – take a look at it here.

Poldhu Cove, Lizard Peninsula

This is a sandy, south-facing beach that’s more low-key than Kynance but still has that classic Lizard feel!

Popular with families and surfers alike, Poldhu has a seasonal lifeguard and a great café right on the sand. 

It’s easy to reach and makes a good stop if you’re driving around the peninsula.

Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula

I was reluctant to put this on here, as it can be very busy and overcrowded, but there’s no denying that Kynance Cove is one of the best  beaches in Cornwall. 

HOWEVER, I would advise against visiting in the summer season. Instead, take a look at the other Lizard Beaches here. 

During low and shoulder season? Kynance Cove is incredible.

With white sand, vivid turquoise water, and towering serpentine rock formations, Kynance Cove looks more like somewhere in the Med than the UK! 

It’s one of Cornwall’s most photographed beaches — and for good reason. At low tide, you can explore sea caves and winding channels between the stacks. 

But timing is everything: parts of the beach disappear entirely when the tide’s in. If you do visit in the summer, the car park (run by the National Trust) fills up very quickly. So arrive early, check tide times and bring sturdy shoes for the path down from the clifftop.

Here’s my full guide to Kynance Cove.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay on the Lizard, I recommend Housel Bay Hotel, which is in striking distance of Lizard Point. Click here to see its listing.

Praa Sands

Backed by fields and rolling hills, Praa Sands is a delight.

It’s one of the best surfing beaches on the south coast, especially for beginners (advanced surfers  will want to head up to the north coast).

The sand is white, the views are long, and there’s a small village behind with places to eat and a beach shop.

To access the beaches in the south west of  Cornwall, you could stay in Penzance. I’m a big fan of the contemporary rooms of Hotel Penzance – take a look at its listing here.

Porthcurno Beach

Possibly the most photographed beach in South Cornwall, thanks to the dramatic cliffs and turquoise water – Porthcurno Beach does get busy, despite its quite isolated location. 

This is largely because it’s just over the hill from the Minack Theatre! 

The sea here is stunning but can be strong, so swim at your own risk.

Pedn Vounder Beach

Accessible only via a steep path from the clifftop, it’s  very important to be careful at Pedn Vounder. 

Don’t attempt the climb if you don’t feel like you can manage it, and be extremely careful. 

Pedn Vounder is growing in popularity thanks to its crystal-clear waters and gorgeous backdrop. It’s right next to Porthcurno but far less built-up!

Just be aware of the tides: at high tide the beach is almost entirely submerged.

Nanjizal Beach

We’ve saved the best ‘til last!

Nanjizal Beach is the most remote on this list. There’s  no road access or facilities – but it’s famous for a sea arch, also known as the  “Song of the Sea”. 

It’s reachable only via the South West Coast Path from Land’s End or Porthgwarra. So on this road trip, you’ll need to park at either and walk to Nanjizal from there. If you’re up for a hike, it’s well worth a visit!

If you’re interested in seeing the north coast as well, here’s my North Coast Cornwall beaches road trip itinerary.

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