Cornwall's dramatic coastline is blessed with charming villages, each with its own distinct character. While St Ives and Padstow enjoy the bulk of yearly visitors, many equally enchanting spots remain relatively undiscovered.
Here are five underrated Cornish coastal villages worth seeking out and capturing through your lens.
1. Portloe
Tucked into a steep-sided valley on the Roseland Peninsula, Portloe epitomises the unspoilt Cornish fishing village. Its handful of whitewashed cottages cluster around a tiny harbour where colourful fishing boats still land their daily catch. The village's location within a protected cove means development has been minimal, preserving its authentic character. Dawn visits offer the best opportunity to photograph the boats reflected in the harbour waters against the backdrop of lush green hillsides. Parking is limited though, so remember that if you visit.
2. Porthgwarra
This tiny cove near Land's End achieved momentary fame as a filming location for Poldark, but outside summer weekends, it remains delightfully peaceful. The small beach is accessed via steps cut through rock, lending a sense of discovery as you emerge onto golden sand. Above the cove, coastal paths lead to spectacular viewpoints where Atlantic waves crash against granite cliffs. The unusual tunnel through the cliffs, originally used by fishermen to access the beach, provides a unique framing opportunity for photographers.
3. Kingsand and Cawsand
These twin villages on the Rame Peninsula occupy a curious position—geographically in Cornwall but with the distinctive character of neighbouring Devon. Narrow streets wind between pastel-coloured cottages adorned with hanging baskets, opening occasionally to reveal stunning views across Plymouth Sound. The villages' east-facing position makes them perfect for sunrise photography, as the first light illuminates the ancient buildings and glints off the water. Despite their charm, their location away from Cornwall's main tourist routes keeps visitor numbers manageable even in peak season.
4. Coverack
Perched on the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula, Coverack offers a gentler face of Cornwall's often rugged coastline. Its crescent-shaped harbour is sheltered by a small headland, creating a natural harbour where fishing boats bob alongside small pleasure craft. The village is characterised by whitewashed cottages and slate-hung houses that line the single road hugging the shoreline. What makes Coverack particularly special is its geology—the harbour sits on a rare rock formation of banded gneiss that creates striking patterns when exposed at low tide.
5. Polperro
While not exactly unknown, Polperro receives far fewer visitors than it deserves. This picture-perfect village features whitewashed cottages festooned with flowers that crowd around a small harbour, connected by pedestrianised alleys too narrow for cars. The absence of modern development gives Polperro a timeless quality that's increasingly rare. For photographers, the blue hour just after sunset offers magical conditions as the village lights begin to twinkle and reflect in the harbour waters, creating a scene straight from a postcard.
These five villages represent a slower, more authentic side of Cornwall that rewards those willing to venture beyond the tourist hotspots. Each offers not just beautiful scenery but a glimpse into Cornwall's rich maritime heritage and continuing fishing traditions. By sharing images of these lesser-known gems, you're not just collecting likes but helping to preserve and celebrate the distinctive character of Britain's coastal communities.
Remember that the charm of these villages lies partly in their peaceful atmosphere—consider visiting in spring or autumn when you can experience their authentic character without the summer crowds.
