Not the Caribbean, not the Maldives – this beautiful beach is in the UK

A beautiful UK beach that’s perfect to visit in May has been compared to the Caribbean, thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoiled sand – and even locals agree

You don’t have to hop on a long-haul flight to lap up the pristine shores and azure waters of the Caribbean, as there’s a stunning beach right on our doorstep that starkly compares.

The coastline of the UK is perhaps one of the most diverse and striking. There are dramatic whitewashed cliffs in Devon, stretches of golden sand beaches in Dorset, azure waters in Scotland, and traditional Victorian piers stretching out to sea in Somerset.

Yet among these picturesque shores is Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall, which has been compared to Caribbean vistas, thanks to its sugar-white sand and sensational, crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s a sheltered oasis with rugged cliffs encircling the sandy shores, and thanks to its south-facing position, it offers a natural shelter from coastal winds, alongside warming temperatures.

It’s often been dubbed one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, and the experts at GO Outdoors ranked the Cornish beach, near Land’s End, among its top 10 for the ‘best UK beaches to visit this Spring’. It’s ideal for a day spent at the beach, whether you’re building sand castles, having a picnic, playing games, or simply reading a book against its scenic backdrop.

Dubbed a UK paradise, one fan shared on TripAdvisor: “I am Cornish born and bred, and can recommend lots of lovely beaches to visit in Cornwall. But Porthcurno beach wins hands down every time! It is truly stunning! We visit as often as we can – you could well be in the Caribbean!”

Another wrote: “The most amazing beach, beautiful white sand and turquoise sea. Breathtaking views and definitely one of the best beaches you will ever find.” A third also noted: “An absolutely beautiful beach in Cornwall with really clear water and white glorious sand and some stunning scenery, a very special beach, one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in the UK.”

With notoriously clear waters, it’s ideal for a paddle or swim, and has often been a popular spot for bodyboarding. There’s also a small stream that runs down one side of the beach, ideal for young children and families as a safe place to play in the water.

For those looking to explore the coast on foot, there are ample coastal paths that wind around Porthcurno. The South West Coast Path is situated just behind the beach, where ramblers can stroll west to Porthgwarra, “a reclusive cove”, or walk east to discover Treryn Dinas, “the iconic headland that features a promontory fort that dates back to the Iron Age”, as Visit Cornwall notes.

Yet visitors to Porthcurno Beach may also find themselves transported to Greece, thanks to its renowned open-air theatre overlooking the breathtaking coast. Minack Theatre, which dates back to the early 1930s and still runs performances from May to September, sits atop the rugged cliffs with its magnificent architecture echoing that of the famous Theatre of Dionysus.

Aside from its picture-postcard scenes, that is enough to warrant a visit, the experts at GO Outdoors found that Porthcurno Beach has an average spring temperature of around 10C and an average of 7.3 hours of sunshine per day. While it may feel a little brisk along the coast at times, it’s well worth exploring one of the ‘best beaches in the UK’ to feel as though you’ve stepped onto the sandy shores of the Caribbean, minus the scorching heat.

Calum Jones, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors, offered advice for anyone looking to enjoy a beach day trip. “As the days get longer and the weather warms up, spring is the perfect time to explore the stunning coastlines across the UK. From Druridge Bay Beach in the North East to Immeridge Bay in the South West, there are breathtaking beaches to discover all around the country,” he said.

“When planning your spring beach trip, keep in mind that British weather can still be unpredictable. Bring a waterproof jacket to stay dry in case of sudden showers, choose supportive, waterproof footwear for any slippery sand or rocks, and layer your clothing so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures.

“Sun protection is also important, even in spring. Apply a generous layer of suncream before you head out, and don’t forget a cap and sunglasses to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.”

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