Where Is the Best Area to Stay in St Ives?

Choosing where to stay in St Ives can make a real difference to your holiday. Do you want to wake up beside the harbour, step straight onto the sand, wander out for dinner in the evening, or enjoy a quieter coastal base with easy access to town? At Orange Roofs, many of our holiday cottages and apartments are within around 200 metres of a beach, the harbour or the heart of St Ives, making it easy to explore without relying on the car. St Ives is wonderfully compact, but each area has its own character. From the historic lanes of Downalong to the golden sands of Carbis Bay, here’s our guide to some of the best areas to stay in St Ives.

Downalong

If you picture St Ives as a maze of narrow lanes, traditional fishermen’s cottages and glimpses of the sea between whitewashed walls, you’re probably picturing Downalong.

Occupying the narrow stretch between St Ives Harbour and Porthmeor Beach, this is one of the town’s most atmospheric areas. Wander along Back Road East and West, The Digey and towards Smeaton’s Pier, and you’ll find galleries, cafés, historic cottages and plenty of character.

The harbour, Porthmeor, Porthgwidden and Harbour beaches are all within easy walking distance, making Downalong particularly appealing if you want to leave the car behind.

 

For a central stay, Enys Cottage is wonderfully positioned, with the harbour, beaches, galleries, restaurants and independent shops all close by.

Sea Fever is another excellent choice, particularly for those searching for dog friendly apartments St Ives. This stylish cottage has spectacular harbour views and a sun-trap balcony overlooking Smeaton’s Pier.

And when it comes to food, you’ll find some of the best seafood restaurants in St Ives nearby, including the Mermaid Restaurant, perfect for enjoying fresh local flavours after a day by the sea.

 

Porthminster

Porthminster has a distinctly different feel. With its palm trees, soft sand and generally calmer waters, it can feel surprisingly Mediterranean on a sunny day.

It’s also one of the most convenient areas for families and anyone travelling by train, with St Ives station just above the beach. The coastal path towards Carbis Bay starts nearby too.

Porthminster is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxing on the sand, while the harbour is only a pleasant walk away.

 

If you’re looking for holiday cottages close to Porthminster Beach, Orange Roofs has a selection of properties within easy reach of the sand and the South West Coast Path.

Porthia Penthouse is a luxurious two-bedroom holiday apartment in St Ives with a private balcony and far-reaching views across St Ives Bay.

Alternatively, 1 The Coach House offers the rare benefit of two private parking spaces and is ideally placed for the coast path towards both Porthminster and Carbis Bay.

 

Central St Ives

For maximum convenience, it’s hard to beat staying in the heart of St Ives.

Fore Street is the centre of the action, with independent shops, delis, cafés, galleries and restaurants providing plenty to discover. You can pick up a traditional Cornish pasty, browse local art or stop for a drink before wandering down towards the harbour.

 

 

Artist’s Light puts you right in the middle of this lively atmosphere, with Fore Street virtually outside the front door.

For something a little quieter, Rose Cottage is tucked away on peaceful Rose Lane, just moments from the centre, while Painter’s Cottage offers a characterful base close to Fore Street, the harbour and Porthminster Beach.

 

The Harbour

There’s something special about staying directly beside St Ives Harbour. At high tide, the sheltered water is popular for swimming and paddleboarding, while the waterfront itself is lined with restaurants, cafés, pubs and traditional tearooms.

6 Sunnyside is a top-floor holiday apartment with spectacular views across the harbour and St Ives Bay towards Godrevy Lighthouse.

Meanwhile, Artists Harbour is just metres from Harbour Beach and is particularly well suited to guests travelling with dogs.

For uninterrupted waterfront views, 2 Harbour House sits directly on The Wharf, putting beaches, restaurants, shops and galleries within moments of the front door.

 

There’s always something new to discover on St Ives’ food scene, from relaxed cafés to lively places for dinner and drinks. Mazza is one of the newer spots worth seeking out, so for more inspiration, take a look at our guide to 10 new cafés, restaurants and bars to discover in St Ives.

The harbour is also a fantastic place to be during special events, including St Ives’ famous New Year’s Eve celebrations.

 

Porthmeor

If your perfect St Ives holiday involves surfboards, sandy toes and spectacular sunsets, Porthmeor could be the place for you.

The beach is one of Cornwall’s best-known surfing spots, with St Ives Surf School nearby. Tate St Ives, Porthmeor Beach Café and the harbour are all within easy walking distance too.

 

Atlantic Blue is a dog-friendly apartment close to Porthmeor with wonderful sea views, while Glas Mor has an impressive private balcony overlooking the beach. For direct access to the sand, 20 Barnaloft sits directly above Porthmeor and has private beach access.

 

Carbis Bay

Just a short train journey or coastal walk from St Ives, Carbis Bay offers a slightly slower pace. Its sheltered golden beach is ideal for swimming and paddleboarding, while the South West Coast Path provides beautiful walks in both directions.

Carbis Bay also has its own restaurants, cafés and local amenities, so you can enjoy a quieter coastal stay without feeling too far from the action. It’s also where you’ll find local favourite Beck’s Fish and Chips, and our guide to the best fish and chips in St Ives and Carbis Bay is worth a read before your stay.

 

For a coastal base, Porthia is within walking distance of Carbis Bay Beach, the coast path and the railway station.

Pencroft is an excellent choice for families and dog owners, with an enclosed garden and private parking, while 1 Moonrakers combines luxury, spectacular sea views and a wonderful sun deck with hot tub.

 

So, which area is best?

Ultimately, it depends on the type of holiday you’re planning. Downalong is perfect for character and atmosphere, Porthminster for easy beach access, central St Ives for restaurants and shopping, the harbour for unbeatable waterfront views, and Porthmeor for surfing and sunsets.

If you prefer a quieter coastal retreat, Carbis Bay may offer the best of both worlds: a beautiful beachside base with St Ives just a short journey away.

Ready to start planning your St Ives escape? Browse Orange Roofs’ collection of holiday cottages and apartments in St Ives to find your perfect base.

And for everything else you need to know before you visit, from beaches and things to do to local tips and practical advice, take a look at:

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting St Ives, Cornwall.