Porthloo Beach, Cornwall — Beach Guide & Water Quality

Nearest town / village: Isles of Scilly
Parking: Limited / none on site — check locally
Coordinates: 49.92310, -6.31370

About Porthloo Beach

Porthloo Beach is a sand beach on the Cornish coast, close to Isles of Scilly.

This is one of Cornwall's quieter, more natural spots with few or no facilities on site — bring what you need for the day, and take your litter home with you.

Dogs are welcome here all year round. Cornish beaches can have strong tides and fast-changing conditions, so check the tide times and any local safety signage before you head down, and take particular care if you plan to swim.

Porthloo is a long sand-and-shingle beach on St Mary's western shore, just north of Hugh Town, looking across to Tresco and Samson. Gig sheds and a boatyard back the beach — pilot gig racing is Scilly's national sport and this is one of its home shores. The water is sheltered in most weathers and the sunsets over the off-islands are the island's finest.

Getting there

Porthloo Beach is reached from the coast near Isles of Scilly. Head for the village and follow the signs or the coast path down to the shore — many Cornish coves involve a short walk from the nearest parking.