Porthmeor Beach is where the artistic and surfing sides of St Ives meet. Tate St Ives stands just above the sand, while waves rolling in from the Atlantic make this one of the town’s best-known surfing beaches.
A proper Atlantic beach
Porthmeor faces the open sea, giving it a different character from the more sheltered beaches around St Ives. Conditions can range from calm summer water to powerful surf, so always pay attention to local safety information and lifeguard guidance.
Try surfing
If you have ever wanted to learn, St Ives is a good place to give surfing a try. Lessons and equipment hire are available locally, with options for beginners as well as more experienced surfers.
Check conditions and availability on the day rather than assuming the sea will cooperate with your plans.
Stay for sunset
Porthmeor is also a great place to be late in the day. Its west-facing position can produce beautiful evening light and memorable sunsets when the weather is right.
Art, food and beach in one place
You can easily combine several classic St Ives experiences without travelling anywhere. Visit Tate St Ives, walk onto the beach, stop for food and then stay near the water into the evening.
That simplicity is one of the reasons I like Porthmeor so much.
In peak summer it can become busy, so come earlier if you prefer more space. Outside the main season, bring a jacket and walk along the sand instead.
Porthmeor is not just somewhere to sunbathe. It is one of the places where St Ives’ relationship with the Atlantic feels strongest.
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