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An iconic tourist hotspot renowned for surfing, Newquay‘s Fistral Beach has wonderful big, wild waves and is a centre for many surfing competitions such as the high profile Boardmasters which attracts elite pro surfers from around the world. That’s how good this beach is for surfing, but it also all amenities you could need.
The west-facing beach is bookended by two headlands which keep the waves compact, powerful and regularly between 6-8 feet, but even novice surfers can learn to catch a Cornish wave here, too.
For non-surfers, the waves are still highly watchable, while the sand is golden, fine for buckets and spades or a picnic.
With impressive views, it is well worth a visit all year round. It is windswept in winter, and sheltered by cliffs and dunes in summer. It is also a beautiful clean beach, so spend some time there taking in the beauty and power of the sea.
Of note, Fistral is home to the infamous Cribbar, attracting big wave surfers. Happening only a few times a year, if you are lucky enough to see it, the swell and weather combine to create waves of up to 30ft on the reef, with a brilliant view from the Headland which overlooks it. It needs a big swell, a good south-easterly offshore wind. So spectacular is it, that it was not surfed until 2004.
Categories: Dog Friendly Walks & Beaches, North Cornwall Beaches
