Porthleven Beach (Cornwall)

Information
Porthleven beach is next to the harbour and near the village centre.
Porthleven beach is separated from the harbour by the granite pier which lies in front of the Porthleven institute and clock tower. When the tide is out it is possible to walk in an easterly direction along Porthleven beach for approximately three miles, past Loe Bar and Penrose Estate. Alternatively, you can walk along the coast path the coast path out of the village with the Porthleven beach below you.
At high tide, the beach all but disappears.
Excellent surfing location for intermediate to advanced surfers with a natural reef break. Best months is between September and December but you will always get a strong surfing community and on big days news will travel and may get packed.
On a calm day a good location for SUP with choices of the protected harbour and the beach front.
The beach is a short walk along the harbour to the village centre where you have parking, shops and a selection of cafe and pubs.
We have no current information on dog restrictions for Porthleven Beach.
Why not check other beaches nearby as we have no beaches around The Lizard, 215 beaches in Cornwall, or check our list of Cornwall Dog Friendly Beaches.
Video:
Beach Water Quality
Water samples are taken at regular intervals during the bathing season and at the end of the season the water quality is classified as:
- Excellent: the highest classification meaning the water is cleanest
- Good: generally good water quality
- Sufficient: meets minimum standards
- Poor: You are advised not to swim. The beach will stay open and an action plan should be in place to improve the water quality.
Tides
7 Day Weather Forecast
Our weather forecast for The Lizard in Cornwall is split into two widgets. The first shows a timeline containing temperature, wind, sunrise/sunset and chance of rain, whilst the second shows the forecast for the week ahead including severe weather alerts when available.
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  Porthleven beach is next to the harbour and near the village centre. Porthleven beach is separated from the harbour by the granite pier which lies in front of the Porthleven institute and clock tower. When the tide is out it is possible to walk in an easterly direction along Porthleven beach for approximately three miles, past Loe Bar and Penrose Estate. Alternatively, you can walk along the coast path the coast path out of the village with the Porthleven beach below you. At high tide, the beach all but disappears. Excellent surfing location for intermediate to advanced surfers with a natural reef break. Best months is between September and December but you will always get a strong surfing community and on big days news will travel and may get packed. On a calm day a good location for SUP with choices of the protected harbour and the beach front. The beach is a short walk along the harbour to the village centre where you have parking, shops and a selection of cafe and pubs.
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What do others think ...
2 Reviews on “Porthleven Beach (Cornwall)”
- Barnsey Post author
  
  11 months ago
  We visited and unlike the other reviewer seems were lucky and had nice calm weather. This was great for us and our kids as it was not too busy and they loved the rock pools by the harbour walls as well as the sand.
  The harbour area has some interesting shops and not just the usual Cornwall tourist tat. We had a meal in the Harbour Inn that although was not special was good value. Recommend this as a stop if you are touring the Cornish south coast.
  Reply ↓
- Anonymous
  
  4 years ago
  Always too rough.
  Been to Porthleven twice and on both occasions it has been too rough to go onto the beach. I am sure it is good but is exposed and so make sure it is a calm warm day.
  Reply ↓
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