Porthtowan

A scenic sandy beach surrounded by steep cliffs along West Cornwall's north coast. Porthtowan attracts surfers to enjoy its consistent powerful waves and families to experience the clean waters.

Holder of a Blue Flag Award five years running, the glistening shore offers walkers the opportunity to explore the South West Coast Path and take in the impressive coastline and wildlife.

Water quality

• Benefits from the 1999 Porthtowan Clean Sweep scheme
• Porthtowan sewage treatment works offers secondary treatment and ultraviolet disinfection before discharge through an outfall at Porthtowan stream. This discharge is designed to protect bathing water quality
• There are emergency/storm overflows from the pumping stations at Echo Corner and Porthtowan Beach and an overflow from the sewage treatment works. Overflows exist to protect homes, gardens, roads and open spaces from sewer flooding normally after storms
• Bathing water quality in this area can be affected by urban drainage and agricultural runoff.

Quality Awards 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 EU Standard Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent TBC Blue Flag Good Beach Guide

Local activities and interests

Swimming and walks.

Toilets, shops, food and litter bins. RNLI Lifeguard service 29 April - 25 September, plus Easter weekend and October half term. Porthtowan Surf Life Saving Club.

A well-known beach for surfers of all abilities. Strong tube waves are known to hit the shores at Porthtowan.

Latest quality samples: visit the Environment Agency's website.