(DDM) – A picturesque village in Cornwall, Carbis Bay, is earning praise from visitors who claim it’s “way better” than its famous neighbour, St Ives.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that tourists describe the coastal spot as a serene escape compared to the bustling tourist magnet just a mile away.
Carbis Bay, nestled less than ten minutes from St Ives, has become a haven for those seeking clear blue waters, golden sand, and quiet relaxation.
While St Ives attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year with its busy harbour, art galleries, and lively nightlife, many travellers now say the smaller bay offers the same natural beauty with fewer crowds.
According to TripAdvisor reviews, tourists appreciate Carbis Bay for its peaceful charm, soft sand, and family-friendly environment.
One user, identified as @Vegetarian82, wrote that the beach looked “like something from a Mediterranean holiday,” praising its calm waters, child-friendly sands, and small caves that fuelled imaginative stories for kids.
Another reviewer, @Safari279601, said walking from St Ives to Carbis Bay was “a marathon but worth it,” describing the sea as “amazing clear blue water” and the setting as “a must-see.”
Background
Carbis Bay lies roughly one mile southeast of St Ives, separated by a short car ride or a scenic coastal trail that takes under an hour on foot.
St Ives remains Cornwall’s most famous seaside town, known for its art scene, local galleries, and half-a-million annual day visitors.
However, that same popularity has led to congestion and high accommodation costs, driving travellers to nearby alternatives such as Carbis Bay, which maintains a slower pace and more natural surroundings.
TripAdvisor user @Flyinghigh1000 commented that Carbis Bay is “clean and very nice,” adding that it feels “much nicer than St Ives – less touristy and more connected to nature.”
Another reviewer, @CornishMorgans, urged travellers not to miss the destination on a sunny day, calling it “much nicer than the St Ives beaches.”
A Global Spotlight
Carbis Bay gained international attention in 2021 when it hosted the G7 Summit, welcoming world leaders such as Boris Johnson, Joe Biden, and Emmanuel Macron.
That event transformed the quiet Cornish village into a global landmark, showcasing its luxury hotels, coastal scenery, and high-end hospitality.
Since then, the area has experienced a modest rise in tourism, yet it has retained its small-village appeal and reputation for tranquility.
Accessibility and Experience
Carbis Bay and St Ives are connected by a short eight-minute drive, a 14-minute cycle, or a 43-minute coastal walk, making it easy for visitors to enjoy both destinations in one trip.
While Carbis Bay has fewer entertainment options than St Ives, travellers say that’s part of its appeal, fewer crowds, less noise, and more connection to the sea.
Its golden beach and calm surf make it perfect for swimming, paddle-boarding, or simply relaxing away from Cornwall’s busier tourist hubs.
Looking Ahead
Travel experts predict Carbis Bay will continue to attract visitors seeking authenticity and peace as tourism in Cornwall expands.
For many Britons and international travellers alike, the verdict seems clear, Carbis Bay may be smaller than St Ives, but it’s winning hearts with its unspoiled beauty and calm.
In a country known for crowded seaside escapes, this quiet Cornish gem is quickly becoming the UK’s favourite hidden paradise.
