Porthleven is the most southerly working fishing port in the U.K. with an active fleet today. Boats go out from the harbour both fishing commercially and for angling trips. The village has a shingle beach that runs for approximately two miles in a south-easterly direction to the neighbouring village of Gunwalloe. Set half way along the beach is the south west’s largest natural lake, “Loe Pool”. The lake is separated from the sea by the infamous “Loe Bar”. The Bar produces many bass during the summer months but they can also be caught during the winter. Cod, whiting, conger and dab can be found during the colder months with ray and pollack available all year round.

At low tide, there are excellent rock pools and the 50 ton Giant’s Quoit (believed to have floated here in an iceberg as it is of a rock type not found anywhere in the U.K.!) is visible to the West of the harbour entrance. At low tide, you can walk along the three miles of sand and pebble beach to Loe Bar and Gunwalloe Cove, just be aware of the tides.

The harbour faces South West and is famous its massive sea defences and in storms, the huge waves thundering onto them is truly impressive.

Surfing around Porthleven is definitely not for the novice, but the experienced surfer can enjoy an excellent reef break. Controversy surrounds this break as it takes certain conditions to work
properly and can get busy, but on its day...

The coast here can be dangerous for swimming and the large sandy beach at Praa is favoured by families, but with the Coastal Path so close by and the unique flora and fauna of the Cober Eastuary make this an ideal base for walkers.

The town still retains its traditional Cornish feel and there are many pubs and restaurants along the harbour side, perfect for a deserved drink, watching the boats come in with their catch.

For the golfer, Praa Sands Golf Club offers a 4122 yard Par 62 (64) course that will prove a sound test of skill as it is deceptively challenging. Commanding views across to Porth Leven as with many coastal courses, the weather will play a large part in your round! No handicap certificate is required to play here.

Porth Leven has an active gig club and most evenings in the season will see the boats out with the various teams and age groups training or racing. Always keen to introduce people to Cornish gig rowing, you may be lucky enough to get a trip out, if the sea is kind.

Gig rowing is steeped in history in Cornwall and the boats are works of art. Teams from all over Cornwall come to race and competiton is fierce!