Located on the Penwith Peninsula, between the villages of Morvah and Pendeen, is Cornwall’s best-kept secret, Portheras Cove. This stunning and secluded beach is only accessible on foot, with some steep rocky steps leading down past a waterfall onto the beach. Partially owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, this is truly a ‘locals’ beach that may fly under the radar of those who don’t already know of it.
Offering some peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this sandy cove makes for a great beach day for those looking for some relaxation. Although, while the turqoise waters certainly look inviting, swimmers should be warned of potential debris in the stretch of the sea.
With a strong undercurrent, this area can be particularly dangerous, while Portheras was also the site of the Alacrity shipwreck, the wreckage of which was blown up in the 80s, leaving pieces of sharp metal that are still found in the water and sand to this day.
There is also no lifeguard at Portheras, and the phone signal is rather spotty, so if you do wish to venture into the waters for a dip, just ensure that at least one member of your group remains on the sand and can contact someone if necessary.
While it might not be the best beach for swimming, Portheras is a great destination for wildlife watching, and is considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Seals are among the animals that call this cove their home.
Visitors to Portheras have taken to TripAdvisor to share their experiences on the beach, with one writing: “This is a really nice beach, white sands crystal clear waters and the opportunity to spot seals and other sea life from the advantage point of the high cliffs and down on the beach.
“Its fantastic because its not that easy to get to down, steep rocky paths and a good walk make this beach quiet!
“Once down, be careful. The currents are strong, and the cliff face is badly eroded. I would not recommend sitting too close if you look at the precarious nature of it.
“No facilities, toilets or anything remotely touristy make this ideal for people who want a good adventure.”
While another added: “This is one of my favourite places. It takes a bit of effort to get there, but well worth it. The sand is glorious. The two seals were very curious that day and swimming very close to a family of swimmers in wet suits.
“Maybe they thought they were relatives. Don’t forget to pop into Boat Cove on the way to see the sweetest, colourful working fishing cove.”
And a third said: ” We have spent hours and hours at this beach over the years; it’s one of the best beaches in Cornwall. Why? The access is from a limited car park, across fields, stiles, via a meandering path through scrubland, then down a steep, rocky path, and finally over boulders, before getting to the sand.
“So…..never any kids! Yay! The beach is secluded, peaceful, surrounded by cliff-rock, with beautiful clear waters, where you can often see seals. It’s perfect. A perfect walkers/hikers stopover from the coastal path. We love it! (but shhhh, it’s a secret!)”
