Porthleven lies on the west coast of the Lizard Peninsula near Helston and is popular with visitors as well as locals.

Porthleven to many is the quintessential Cornish fishing village. It has a picturesque harbour and clock tower and boasts a number of excellent inns, restaurants and cafés for those requiring refreshment. Our suggestions for refreshments would include the Kota and The Square Restaurants; Kota Kai and Amélies; Nauti but Ice (ice cream parlour) and the Harbour and Ship Inns.

The beach, known as Porthleven Sands lies just to the southeast, to the left of the harbour and pier. The beach, a mixture of coarse golden sand and some shingle alters its character dependent on the season and prevailing weather conditions. It is quite unusual in that the beach shelves a lot more than is usual in Cornwall.

There is lifeguard cover at the western (Porthleven) end of the beach from early July until early September, to cover the School holidays.

It is dangerous to swim here and should only take place where and when indicated as safe by the lifeguards.

Porthleven Beach is not a really a surfing beach and snorkelling is not at all advised. There is a reef however just to the north of the harbour which can create a powerful wave under certain sea and weather conditions. This 'break' is only for experienced surfers and then not at low water. It can become very busy but our advice is to watch from the safety of dry land.

There are toilets at the back of the pier, behind the clock tower and there is also a 'Seasonal Dog Ban' with dogs not permitted from the Harbour Wall to the Blue Buoy steps from Easter Day until October and from 7.00am to 7.00pm. There are no restrictions for dogs on the rest of the beach.