Right now, the White Island is 30C, whereas parts of the UK could reach 40C this week. Now seems like the perfect time to head to the beach for a little cooling dip
The beach is truly stunning(Image: Getty Images)
As everyone who’s been to Ibiza likes to tell you, the Balearic island is more than just Pacha, 50 euro glasses of Prosecco, and ecstasy tabs. It’s also very pretty.
Ibiza’s coast is defined by turquoise waters, dramatic pine-forested cliffs and hidden sandy coves. The most visually stunning spots are scattered across the island, with top-rated options including the sunset views at Cala Comte, the lush nature of Cala Saladeta, and the iconic rock formations at Cala d’Hort.
Right now, the White Island is 30C, whereas parts of the UK could reach 40C this week.
In Cornwall, the thermometer is bopping around the mark, making a trip to the coast a tempting prospect. Happily, there is a beach that shares many of the qualities of those on the comparatively chilly Ibiza.
It sits beneath towering cliffs that shield it from the wind, with stunningly clear waters that prove ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Porthcurno has pure white sand with gorgeous turquoise waters to match. It has the ability to transport you to paradise.
The sand is made up of seashells pounded to powder by the sea over millions of years, which is partly responsible for the beautiful colour of the water. Porthcurno’s south-facing direction, flanked by high headlands, provides natural shelter from the wind and weather, giving the beach its own near-microclimate. The towering cliffs on either side make it easy to find a sheltered spot even on the most blustery of days.
The renowned open-air Minack Theatre is carved into the cliffs above, meaning you can enjoy a Shakespeare play with a sea view.
The theatre was the vision of one woman who decided to carve a clifftop theatre at the bottom of her garden. It’s well worth the climb up the cliff path, if only for the view back down over the bay. You need to book tickets in advance for performances.
The best time to visit is mid to low tide. At low tide the beach widens dramatically, and you can walk to nearby Pedn Vounder. As the tide retreats from Pedn Vounder, a golden sandbar rises out of the turquoise sea creating a shallow lagoon pool. It’s visible for around two hours either side of low tide, according to Cornish Secrets Anywhere We Roam
In the late nineteenth century, Porthcurno became the British connection point of the world’s very first international telegraph cable, stretching all the way to India. In the inter-war period, the cable office briefly became the busiest telegraph station in the world, capable of transmitting up to two million words a day. The Porthcurno Telegraph Museum is right there and well worth a visit.
Driving is by far the easiest way to get to the beach, with public transport options sadly limited. It takes about 25 minutes from Penzance or 45 minutes from St Ives. The car park fills up quickly on peak days, so arrive early or late.
Dogs are banned from the beach between 15 May and 30 September, between 10am–6pm. RNLI lifeguards patrol from mid-May to the last weekend of September.
One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor the beach was “absolutely breathtaking. The most amazing beach beautiful white sand and turquoise sea. Breathtaking views and definitely one of the best beaches you will ever find.”
Another said: “Spent the day here, it’s just like being abroad, clear blue skies water, perfect sandy beach and so peaceful. No arcades, no boats, no noise, just gorgeous.”