Praa Sands is an ideal base for exploring this area of South West Cornwall, convenient for Porthleven. Helston, St Michael's Mount and Penzance. A half-hour drive brings you to Land's End in the west and the Lizard Peninsula in the east.
The mile-long sandy beach is the main attraction, and the resort has all the usual amenities—cafes, beach shops and a pub. The proximity of the car-parks and other facilities make it an ideal family beach. Most types of accommodation are available but the area is best known for its caravan and camping parks.
Beyond the beach, the landscape of rolling hills is dotted with interesting villages, churches and historic sites. At Germoe you can find the arched stone seat of St Germoe in the churchyard, while at the church of St Breaca at Breage you can admire the 15th century wall paintings and a 3rd century Roman milestone. Climb the summit of Tregonning Hill, near Ashton, and you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of Mount's Bay and the Lizard. It's also worth exploring the remnants of the hill's Iron Age fort and settlement, but beware of unfenced mineshafts.
West of Praa Sands lies Kenneggy Cove and beyond that Prussia Cove - a sheltered secretive inlet, once the haunt of John Carter, Cornwall's most notorious smuggler. To the east is the high cliff scenery of Rinsey Head and Trewavas Head, with its impressively sited engine houses. Below these cliffs, reached by a steep path which was probably cut by smugglers, you'll find the lovely tidal beach of Porthcew (Rinsey Cove).
