Pictures of Porthcurno

About Porthcurno

You do not have to go to Greece or Italy to enjoy the delights of open air theatre. Porthcurno is the home of the unique Minack Theatre, whose magnificent setting rivals that of any open air theatre to be found anywhere. The theatre has a long history that stretches back to 1932 when it first opened with a performance of The Tempest, since when thousands have flocked to this the Minack to enjoy the pleasures of Theatre in a picturesque setting.

High granite cliffs shelter the beautiful white sandy beach which is both a sun trap and a haven for sun worshippers. Porthcurno is safe for swimming and surfing and in the summer months gaily painted canoes, fishing boats and yachts, provide a colourful spectacle along the shore-line. There are many attractive coastal walks which offer glorious views over land and sea. The area is home to an abundance of wildlife with some rare and beautiful flowers and plants flourishing in the fields and meadows of the surrounding countryside.

There are many myths and legends surrounding these ancient parts of Cornwall and you will have no difficulty finding a local inn with a friendly 'mine host' happy to regale you with tales of the days when smuggling provided the main income for many local families. Times in those days may have been hard but the folk-lore is certainly stirring and colourful.

All along this famous coastline you will find attractive villages, intreguing little coves and beautiful bays and beaches. One of the most exquisite spots is a site which is now owned by the national trust, Treryn Dinas. This is a high, jagged headland that was fortified during the iron-age, it affords the most wonderful vista's in every direction.