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Home / Beaches / Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach

Пляж Фистрал
United Kingdom · Beach · Newquay
Blue Flag high
Best month: August

Best for

Ideal for surfers of all levels and lovers of active recreation. Suitable for families thanks to lifeguards and developed infrastructure. Not suitable for lovers of calm water — there are almost always waves here.

Best month

August

Water
+12.8°C
Length
750 m
The most famous beach in Newquay and one of the best surf spots in the UK. It features golden sand and consistent waves, popular with surfers and beachgoers.
Surface
sand
Waves
strong
Entry
moderate
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
The most famous beach in Newquay and one of the best surf spots in the UK. It features golden sand and consistent waves, popular with surfers and beachgoers.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • One of Europe-s best surf beaches
  • RNLI lifeguards
  • Blue Flag
  • Developed infrastructure: cafes, restaurants, rental
  • Showers and toilets
  • 250-space car park
  • Surf schools

Cons

  • Paid parking (expensive)
  • Crowded in high season
  • Strong waves and currents
  • Water is cool for swimming
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for surfers of all levels and lovers of active recreation. Suitable for families thanks to lifeguards and developed infrastructure. Not suitable for lovers of calm water — there are almost always waves here.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Fistral Beach is the home of British surfing and the British Surfing Association. It hosts major surf competitions and festivals, including Boardmasters.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
750 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
high
Average Water Temp
+12.8 °C
Max Water Temp
+17.0 °C
Wave Type
strong
Wave Height
1.6 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
June July August
Season end
September
Best month
August
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
minimal
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
2.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats.
Insurance & Connectivity
Get travel insurance and mobile internet before your trip
Travel insurance
EKTA — international coverage
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Visitor insurance
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
10 pcs
Best restaurants

The Fish House Fistral

Seafood

Seafood restaurant overlooking Fistral Beach. Fresh local fish and shellfish.

Rick Stein-s Fistral

Fish and Chips

Rick Stein-s restaurant with fish and chips and seafood.

The Stable

Pizza

Popular pizzeria with beach views.

Nearby cuisines

Seafood

Fresh Atlantic seafood: prawns, crabs, fish

Must try: Prawns, crabs, fresh fish

Fish and Chips

Traditional British dish: battered cod with chips

Must try: Battered cod, chips

Pizza

Italian pizza with various toppings

Must try: Margherita, seafood pizza
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
vibrant
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
noisy
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
No
Natural Shade
none
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Wetsuit Cash Sunglasses
Best Time to Swim
Best time is from June to September. In the morning the waves are more consistent for surfing. In the evening — beautiful sunsets over the Atlantic.
Local Rules
Dogs are allowed year-round. Littering and open fires are prohibited. Swimming only between red and yellow flags.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Bikes & scooters
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Local car rental
Localrent — direct from local providers
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

International Surfing Centre

Centre with shops, restaurants and surf schools

Boardmasters Festival

Annual surfing, music and arts festival

Newquay

Town with beaches, restaurants and entertainment

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Fistral Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +12.8°C, warms up to +17.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Fistral Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — strong. Average wave height — 1.6 m. Strong waves will please surfers but require caution when swimming with children.
Fistral Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Fistral Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 750 metres.
Fistral Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June, July, August. It ends in September. The best month for a holiday is August. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Fistral Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — minimal. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Fistral Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Fistral Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Fistral Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: The Fish House Fistral, Rick Stein-s Fistral, The Stable. Cuisines available: Seafood, Fish and Chips, Pizza. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Fistral Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Wetsuit, Cash, Sunglasses.
Fistral Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Best time is from June to September. In the morning the waves are more consistent for surfing. In the evening — beautiful sunsets over the Atlantic.
Fistral Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Dogs are allowed year-round. Littering and open fires are prohibited. Swimming only between red and yellow flags.
Fistral Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Fistral Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for surfers of all levels and lovers of active recreation. Suitable for families thanks to lifeguards and developed infrastructure. Not suitable for lovers of calm water — there are almost always waves here.
Fistral Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Fistral Beach is the home of British surfing and the British Surfing Association. It hosts major surf competitions and festivals, including Boardmasters.
Fistral Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: One of Europe-s best surf beaches, RNLI lifeguards, Blue Flag, Developed infrastructure: cafes, restaurants, rental, Showers and toilets, 250-space car park, Surf schools. Cons: Paid parking (expensive), Crowded in high season, Strong waves and currents, Water is cool for swimming.
Fistral Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: International Surfing Centre, Boardmasters Festival, Newquay. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Fistral Beach: does the beach have a Blue Flag?
Yes, the beach holds the international "Blue Flag" certification. This means the beach meets high standards of water cleanliness, safety and infrastructure.
Fistral Beach: how do I get to the city of Newquay?
The beach is located near the city of Newquay. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Newquay.

City

Newquay

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.