Carbis Bay cottages

Self-catering holidays in Carbis Bay

Carbis Bay is often described as the Caribbean of Cornwall, and it’s easy to see why…

Tropical island or Cornish coastline? It’s easy to get the two confused when the sun’s out on a holiday in Carbis Bay. White sand, azure water, gently lapping waves, Carbis Bay is a haven of calm on the South Cornwall coast. Just a mile east of St Ives’ pumping swells, this beach is perfect for swimming because of its sheltered aspect and largely flat sea conditions. It has also been awarded its Blue Flag status due to its clean water conditions.

St Ives is a 5-minute train journey away, where you can gaze from your carriage window across panoramic views as you trundle along above the shore. The train comes every 20 minutes in peak season, with the last train returning at 10pm. Or if you feel like stretching your legs, take to the South West Coast Path for half an hour, and you’ll reach the town’s art galleries, boutique shops and eateries. A 4-mile drive will take you to Hayle, with its yawning estuary and wildlife. Self-catering holidays in Carbis Bay cottages mean you’re perfectly situated to explore as much of Cornwall as you desire.

Choose one of our holiday cottages in Carbis Bay this year and make your stay perfect.

Browse our last-minute availability for your next beach getaway.

Beach life

Carbis Bay

Located less than a mile out of St Ives, Blue Flag Carbis Bay Beach is a wide, golden sandy beach with calm seas. Its sheltered location makes it perfect for families and activities like stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking.

Ocean Sports Centre on Carbis Bay Beach offers lessons, and the hire of deck chairs, wind breaks, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, as well as SUP safaris and eco tours.

Lifeguards

Carbis Bay Beach is lifeguarded daily from 7 July to 2 September

Dog friendly

A seasonal dog ban is in place between 15 May and 30 September, between the hours of 10am and 6pm. Dogs are welcome all year round on nearby Porthkidney Beach.

Porthminster Beach

Only a short drive away, you can find the award-winning Porthminster Beach at St Ives. The stunning sandy beach has excellent views of St Ives town and is home to the Porthminster Beach Café, ideal for a seafood lunch on the terrace.

The 3 miles of golden sands that make up Towans, Godrevy and Gwitihan Beach are also in easy reach.

Where to eat and drink?

There are so many fantastic places to eat in Carbis Bay, including:

The Beach Club Restaurant – pizza and seafood served right by the sea.

La Casita – warm Spanish eatery offering paella and tapas plates.

Una Kitchen – AA Rosette-winning Cornish chef Glenn Gatland serves seasonal, locally sourced produce.

The Ugly Butterfly – an all-day, fine-dining experience created by chef Adam Handler.

Breakfast

– Porthminster Beach Cafe  

– The Bean Inn (vegetarian)

Walks

Carbis Bay to St Ives (1.2 miles) – this scenic coastal path follows the cliffs from Carbis Bay Beach to the outskirts of St Ives.

Knill’s Monument Walk starts in St Ives and climbs up to the landmark Knill’s Monument. It provides panoramic views over St Ives Bay. The walk is fairly steep but it’s only a 1.5-mile round trip.

Godrevy Headland Walk (4.5-mile loop) – walk from Gwithian Towans through Godrevy Nature Reserve out to the Godrevy Lighthouse perched offshore. Stunning cliff scenery and sea views.

Tehidy Country Park (11.7 miles from Carbis Bay) – just outside Camborne, this large country park has woods, lakes and trails. Nice for an easier walk away from the coast.

Porthkidney Sands Walk is a lovely 2-mile walk from Lelant out to the sweeping Porthkidney Sands and back. The short walk on either side of the railway line high above St Ives Bay is known for rare wildflowers and migratory birds.

Retail

On the main road up the hill, Carbis Bay has a small number of shops including a barber shop, hairdresser, chemist and a mini supermarket.

The cobblestoned lanes of neighbouring St Ives are a paradise for shoppers, including boutiques, art galleries, books, pottery, jewellery, homemade fudge shops and anything else your heart desires.

Beach Retreats recommends

• Watch grey seals at Mutton Cove near Godrevy or Seal Island, just outside St Ives. The cute mammals haul out there most of the year, allowing walkers to view them from the clifftop above.
• Take a scenic walk from Carbis Bay to Godrevy Cove to see the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse.
• Join a wine tasting tour at Polgoon Vineyard, gain insight into the activities of a working Cornish vineyard and sample the local produce.
• Visit the famous St Michael’s Mount. The historic castle and sub-tropical gardens are set on an island just off the coast of Marazion and can only be reached by boat or the causeway at low tide.
• Discover the charming seaside town of St Ives right next door. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the Tate St Ives gallery, and enjoy the cafés and restaurants.
• Explore modern art installations at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, offering panoramic views of the bay.
• Swim in the UK’s most celebrated art deco seawater lido, the geothermally heated Jubilee Pool in Penzance.