Carbis Bay

Carbis Bay in St Ives is one of the most classic beaches in Cornwell. © Shutterstock

Where? Bay, Beach Rd, Carbis Bay, St Ives, United Kingdom
Getting there: 40 min. by car from Truro

Pristine white sand. Striking turquoise water. Lush vegetation. Carbis Bay will almost make you forget that you're in the southwest of England. St Ives is the perfect seaside resort for those who appreciate the usual amenities: restaurants, bars, shops and water sports are all available nearby.

Fistral Beach

The Cribbar Reef is responsible for the high waves of Fistral that can be up to ten meters in height. © Shutterstock

Where? Newquay TR7 1HY, United Kingdom
Getting there: 30 min. by car from Truro

The water may be freezing cold, but visually Fistral has a lot to offer: impressive waves pile up in front of the wide, light sandy beach. This beach isn't considered one of the best surf spots in the world for nothing and it's a regular site for various competitions. If you're in the mood for excellent fish after riding the waves, you should reserve a table at The Fish House.

Related: The 7 Best Restaurants in Cornwall

Constantine Bay

North Sea vibes and relaxation galore: Constantine is perfect for a day of swimming with the family. © Shutterstock

Where? South West Coast Path, Padstow PL28 8JP, United Kingdom
Getting there: 45 min. by car from Truro

On vacation with the kids? Then Constantine Bay is the right spot for a beach day. While the little ones run around the fine sandy dunes and the teens swim in one of the rock basins, the adults hang out by the shore and catch some rays.

Kynance Cove

A dream seaside resort at low tide and a great vantage point on the Atlantic at high tide: Kynance Cove. © Lukasz Suchocki

Where? South West Coast Path, Mullion, Helston TR12 7PJ, United Kingdom
Getting there: 1 hour by car from Truro

Kynance Cove is the epitome of a dream beach: clear turquoise waters that grow deep blue in the distance. Gorgeous white sand. The exciting backdrop of leafy cliffs jutting out of the water make this beach an absolute place-to-see in Cornwall. A little above the sand, a small café offers classic English tea and great views.

Porthcurno Beach

The steep cliffs protect you from the strong winds and on the soft sand you could lounge comfortably all day. © Shutterstock

Where? Porthcurno, Cornwall TR19 6JX, United Kingdom
Getting there: 1 hour 10 min. by car from Truro

Are we still in Cornwall? If it weren't for the iconic, steep granite cliffs, you'd probably think you were by the Mediterranean Sea. Porthcurno is pleasantly sheltered from the wind and is suitable for families with children. Any visit to the beach should include a trip to the Minack Theatre, built by Rowena Wade in the 1920s, and the Telegraph Museum.

Sandymouth

House-sized cliffs loom behind the sandy expanse of Sandymouth – an incredible seaside setting. © Shutterstock

Where? Sandymouth, Stibb, Bude EX23 9HW, United Kingdom
Getting there: 1,5 hours by car from Truro

A beachy paradise if there ever was one: between golden sands and fine pebbles, towering cliffs and small rock pools, you'll enjoy ultimate bliss. Hikers will enjoy the South West Coast Path, an imposing coastal trail. Photographers will appreciate the myriad motifs.

Pendower Beach

The Cornish Riviera is the perfect getaway. © Shutterstock

Where? South West Coast Path, Truro TR2 5PE, United Kingdom
Getting there: 30 min. by car from Truro

Located on the Cornish Riviera in Truro County, Pendower scores with miles of golden sand that eventually merges with Carne Beach. It's equally suitable for families as it is for couples and singles in search of sun and the sea. If you get hungry in between meals, you can grab a delicious panini at one of the snack carts or the small beach café.

Sennen Cove

Big waves and small crowds: Sennen Cove is perfect for secluded days of swimming or surfing. © Shutterstock

Where? Penzance TR19 7DF, United Kingdom
Getting there: 1 hour by car from Truro

After a long walk along the coastal path Land's End, you can make yourself comfortable at Sennen Cove and enjoy a day of swimming. The high waves will have surfers' hearts beating faster and the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape make the beach the perfect place for a leisurely day by the water.

Holywell Bay

As the waves roll out, you'll be able to catch a glimpse at Holywell Cave and a rollercoaster in the distance. © Shutterstock

Where? Newquay TR8 5PG, United Kingdom
Getting there: 30 min. by car from Truro

Just a hop, skip and a jump from one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, the majestic St Winefride's Well, lies another little "wonder:" Holywell Bay. Surrounded by grassy dunes, it's not just good for swimming and surfing. Holywell invites you to explore: at low tide, Holywell Cave is uncovered and in the distance, an old Argentinian roller coaster appears in the sea. 

Gwithian Beach

Gwithian is among the best beaches for surfers in all of England. © Shutterstock

Where? 990 South West Coast Path, Hayle, United Kingdom
Getting there: 40 min. by car from Truro

The beach at Gwithian Towans is fringed by wildly beautiful sand dunes and offers views of the Godrevy Lighthouse, said to have inspired Virgina Woolfe's iconic novel. When the wind rushes through here, which happens quite often due to its exposed location, it's a surfers paradise. Low tides expose large rock pools, inviting you to swim (but be mindful of the sea and the swell!).

Honorable mention: Bedruthan Steps

The strong currents of the Bedruthan Steps make swimming impossible. However, the sight alone is worth the visit. © Jake Hinds

Where? Carnewas at Bedruthan near, Padstow PL27 7UW, United Kingdom
Getting there: 45 min. by car from Truro

Swimming isn't allowed here, but staring certainly is: the Bedruthan Steps are a series of imposing rocks on the beach near Newquay and Padstow. An impressive sight! At low tide, you can descend to the beach via a steep staircase, but due to strong currents, you should never go into the water here and beware of the high tide.

Related: Our Summer Hotspot Cornwall