Nanjizal Beach

About Nanjizal Beach

Due to its remote location and relative inaccessibility, Nanjizal (or Nanjizel) has remained more or less untouched and never really gets busy. Most of the people you will see here are walkers doing the coast path. That said, over recent years the beach has become more popular owing to numerous Instagram appearances.

Situated at the end of a short, shallow valley, the beach changes from year to year. Sometimes the beach is a pretty boulder strewn cove, whilst at others there is plenty of golden sand stretching right across the bay.

One thing is constant though - the unusually clear blue water. 

For those not content with taking in the view there are an abundance of caves and interesting rock formations to be explored.

The Song of the Sea

One of the most striking features of Nanjizal is the sea cave known as the "Song of the Sea". Something of an Instagram sensation, the original name of this tall rock archway is a little less pretty - Zawn Pyg, meaning pointed chasm.

What makes the Song of the Sea so enchanting is the lagoon of emerald water which runs through the cave and the magical light which floods through the arch in the afternoon.

The two natural pools within the cave are known as Big and Little Muzzan. When the tide is right these can be a beautiful spot for taking a dip. On calm days it is usually safe to swim in the pools whatever the tide, but bear in mind that the far end of the cave is open to the Atlantic swells which can be very powerful here.

Nanjizal is a great place for wildlife. Sitting within a Site of Special Scientific Interest it is well known among the birdwatching community. The bay is also a good spot for seal watching, particularly towards the north-western end of the beach at Zawn Reeth.

This end of the bay is home to a distinctive rock formation known as the "Diamond Horse". The granite outcrop is roughly diamond-shaped, although I have read somewhere that the name comes from the quartz in the rock which sparkles in the sunlight.

Just around the corner from Nanjizal is the dramatic chasm of Zawn Peggy directly opposite on the cliffs at Higher Bosistow.

The beach had a brief moment of fame in 1966 when Doctor Who's "The Smugglers" episodes were filmed here with the TARDIS making an appearance on the beach.

What does the name "Nanjizal Beach" mean?

Nanjizal comes from the Cornish "Porth Nansusel" which means "Cove of the Howling Valley"

Visiting Nanjizal Beach

As with all of Cornwall's beaches it is important to check the tides when planning a vist. We would recommend aiming for low to mid tide as the beach size is much reduced at higher tides. See Nanjizal Beach tide times.

When is the best time to visit Nanjizal Beach

Where is Nanjizal Beach

Nanjizal sits just to the south of Land's End in Cornwall's far west. It is quite a remote, rural spot with the nearest villages of any significance being Sennen or Porthcurno, which are around a mile and a half away.

Nearest town: Porthcurno

Find accommodation near Nanjizal Beach

Directions

There are several ways to reach Nanjizal but all of them involve a bit of a hike.
The recommended way is walking the coast path from Land's End. It's about a mile south of here.

You can also walk the path from the south, parking up at Porthgwarra. There is a car park here and it's roughly about the same distance.

The alternatives involve parking near Polgigga and walking (drive on pain of death!) up private roads and farm tracks.

Parking

There is no parking as such at Nanjizal as the beach itself is over a mile from the nearest public road. The nearest official parking is at Land's End, Porthgwarra or Sennen Cove. Whilst Land's End is the closest the other two options will be cheaper.

Access - How to get down to the beach

Nanjizal is located at the end of an unpathed farm track around 15 to 20 minutes walk from the nearest parking. Beach access is via a set of quite steep wooden stairs and once on the beach itself there are often large rocks to negotiate.

For these reasons we would not recommend Nanjizal for those with mobility issues or families with very young children.

Is Nanjizal Beach dog friendly?

Dogs allowed on Nanjizal beach all year round

Does Nanjizal Beach have lifeguards

This is a remote beach and there is no lifeguard cover

Is Nanjizal Beach suitable for swimming?

The pools within the sea cave at the southern end of the beach are the only reliably safe place to swim at Nanjizal, and this is still dependent on tides and conditions.

There are times when the main beach is safe to swim, but considering this stretch of coast is legendarily treacherous caution is advised. Along with the often powerful Atlantic swells, strong currents and possibility of being cut off by the tide, there is also the consideration that there are no lifeguards and the remote location.

What facilities are there at Nanjizal Beach?

There are no facilities at Nanjizal. Travel light, bring only what you need and leave nothing behind.

Things to do at Nanjizal Beach