A stunning coastal village nestled within a sheltered bay in West Cornwall stands as Britain’s premier traveller’s haven.

Tucked away in a peaceful cove along Cornwall’s south-western shoreline, this charming fishing settlement boasts unparalleled beauty and sweeping panoramic views.

With just a handful of homes in the village – predominantly serving as holiday accommodation – this coastal jewel is genuinely magnificent.

Previously a thriving fishing centre, nowadays just one fishing vessel operates from its informal harbour, whilst the cove remains under private ownership of Lord St Levan, connected to St Michael’s Mount.

His St Aubyn estate manages several village properties, offering them as holiday accommodation, and maintains overall stewardship of the locale, ensuring the spectacular cove remains publicly accessible, reports Cornwall Live.

Situated between Cornwall’s renowned Land’s End and Porthcurno – Porthgwarra represents a concealed gem awaiting discovery. Scenic rambles along the South West Coast Path delivering unrivalled Atlantic Ocean vistas enhance this fishing village’s enduring appeal, whilst a slipway and serene, untouched cove establish it as an enticing location demanding exploration.

Hidden historic passageways, originally constructed for fishermen and tin miners in bygone eras, contribute to Porthgwarra’s mystique, its picture-perfect landscape rendering it an essential destination.

Porthgwarra is renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty and rugged landscape, offering safe swimming within the cove – provided swimmers avoid straying beyond the headland where strong currents pose a potential risk.

A captivating history

Nestled at the base of Porthgwarra Cove lies a tunnel, excavated by tin miners from St Just. This passage once facilitated beach access for farmers’ horse-drawn carts, enabling them to gather seaweed for use as fertiliser.

Another tunnel, this one extending towards the sea, allowed fishermen to reach ‘tidal hulleys’. These were constructed into the rocks to store shellfish prior to their bi-weekly market trips.

These hulleys featured wooden flooring and topcovers with trapdoors, but ceased operation around two decades ago. The rope laid out on the beach was utilised to stabilise boats during landing.

It wasn’t until the mid-1800s that a true community began to form in the Porthgwarra area. By the close of the 19th century, the iconic granite slipway had been constructed, along with the tunnels.

A trip to the Minack Open Air Theatre is an absolute must.

Arguably one of the most stunning locations globally, this world-renowned treasure sits atop golden cliffs, boasting breathtaking views over the startlingly turquoise sea and panoramic vistas of Porthcurno Bay – all just 3.2 miles from Porthgwarra.

Another superb choice involves undertaking the circular route to Minack Theatre from Porthgwarra, which guides walkers past St Levan’s Church and Porthchapel beach, while offering ramblers stunning vistas across Pedn Vounder and Porthcurno, accompanied by exotic wildlife, historical monuments, and a diverse selection of wildflowers.

Be sure to visit the celebrated Trewidden Garden located on Penzance’s periphery.

This 15-acre garden is celebrated for its collection of camellias, rhododendrons, and magnolias, its maze of paths leading to quiet corners with the most breathtaking views. Originally planted in the 19th century by Thomas Bolitho, Trewidden Garden is a thing of beauty.

Porthgwarra Beach or Porthgwarra Cove serves as the principal attraction of this diminutive fishing hamlet, commonly regarded as amongst Cornwall’s most scenic beaches.

Poldark fans may recall it from the (in)famous scene where Ross Poldark goes skinny dipping and Demelza secretly watches on.

A thoroughly cherished tourist spot, Porthgwarra Beach offers unrivalled Atlantic Ocean panoramas. The cove’s crystalline waters prove perfect for swimming, kayaking, or merely relaxing on the sand whilst basking in the sunshine.

It truly represents an ideal location to decompress as the rhythmic waves lull you into tranquil repose. The beach boasts a fascinating past, having been a key location for smuggling operations in bygone days.

A complex maze of stunning tunnels can captivate visitors for hours on end, whilst the abundant variety of raptors and seabirds in the vicinity is bound to hold nature and wildlife enthusiasts spellbound. Those fortunate may even glimpse seals or dolphins frolicking in the cerulean waters below.

There’s a single café, Porthgwarra Cove Café, serving this delightful fishing village, which closed its doors in November 2025 for the winter season and will reopen (likely towards the end of March/April) with the advent of spring and the onset of the tourist season.

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