Cornwall is a destination for beach lovers, nature worshipers, and history enthusiasts. While many countries have wonderful beaches, hypnotic waters and a relaxing atmosphere that defines the concept of a beach vacation, Cornwall has all of this and a touch of mystery and history. There is something magical about the bays of Cornwall. They are hidden in the pages of history still whispering stories about wooden boats, brave people, hardworking fishermen and, yes, sometimes, smuggling. A trip to Cornwall is more than just a beach trip. It’s a fascinating incursion into a historical place that was blessed with fabulous coves, golden sand beaches, and hidden bays.
Having as background picturesque little villages, rich in architectural gems, legends, and art, Cornwall will lure you in with some of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Porthcurno Cove
When you visit the small and beautiful Porthcurno Cove, you find it hard to believe that this little bay, guarded by mysterious granite cliffs was once the center of world telecommunication. And yet, this is absolutely true! Porthcurno connected Britain with America using huge cables buried under the sand. You can find out more about this unusual characteristic of this small cove at the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum. Once you get familiarized with the historical past of this picturesque bay, you can just relax on the white sand that creates an exotic atmosphere, especially when the sun gently hits the granite rocks and cliffs. There are times when Porthcurno can be visited by a reasonable Atlantic swell, creating the perfect setting for surfing and enjoying the fast waves. For superb views across the bay, just climb the steps that lead from the beach to the legendary Minack Theater. You will also find there a café and an exhibition center.
Prussia Cove
Prepare to travel back in time and enter the world of smugglers while enjoying one of the most beautiful coves you have ever seen. Called Prussia after the “King of Prussia”, the nickname of John Carter, a famous 18th-century smuggler, Prussia Cove hasn’t been touched by time. King of Prussia was a pretty famous smuggler in his days, known for operating from Bessy’s Cove. While his smuggling days are over now, Bessy’s Cove still has a beautiful sandy beach and intriguing caves, as well as a small harbor and slipway used now by the local fishermen. Picturesque granite fishing huts and a beautiful Neo-Elizabethan house, Porth-en-Alls, create the background of this infamous cove. This beach is a great place for diving and snorkeling regardless of the stage of the tide, but you should keep an eye for high water to experience the true beauty of the cove’s underwater paradise.
St Michael’s Mount
Sunken in a thousand years of history and legends, St Michael’s Mount is more than just a bay with a pretty beach. It’s an amazing island on its own, a place that has a legendary granite causeway where giants and pilgrims once walked on. Wrapped in the scents and colors of sub-tropical gardens that will make you think about the Canary Islands and Mexico, and dominated by the presence of a proud castle, St Michael’s Mount is a beautiful village where the old meets the new with nonchalance, impressing visitors with stories about a medieval castle and a sub-tropical paradise. The beach that lies peacefully under the imposing silhouette of the castle is Marazion beach, a strip of sand privileged to have it shores caressed by Mount’s Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. While at high tide St Michael’s Mount is definitely an island, at low water the island is connected to the mainland by a superb granite stoned causeway that is over 360 m long. This is the road used by pilgrims between the 8th and 11th century when the castle was a monastery.
Kynance Cove
It’s impossible to talk about the coves in Cornwall without stopping for a few moments to admire Kynance Cove, one of the most photographed and admired bays in the area. Snuggled under frowned cliffs, in the vicinity of Lizard Point, this cove enriches the scenery of Cornwall with turquoise waters and white sand. It is a superb beach, guarded by interconnected caves and islands, which has been visited and appreciated for its beauty since the Victorian times. The bay is a bit remote but this doesn’t stop those who want to truly embrace the fascinating beauty of this area and discover the jewel in the crown of the Cornish Coast.
St Ives
No trip to Cornwall is complete without visiting the charming town of St Ives and discovering its wonderful beaches. A real town with an absolutely breathtaking architecture and the perfect scenery for amazing photos, St Ives is home to some of the most wonderful beaches of the Cornish coast. A small harbor and town, yet an impressive artistic center, St Ives is itself a muse for artists from all over the world. The full force of the Atlantic swell can be discovered at the picturesque Porthmeor Beach, situated in the north, while the south facing the beach, Harbour Beach, is where you can relax in a sheltered bay while enjoying the beautiful views of the town. Porthminster and Porthgwidden are waiting for you in the east, small little jewels of sand that create the perfect setting for a relaxing beach day in a subtropical oasis.
More information check the Visit Cornwall website at: https://www.visitcornwall.com
More places
