Mevagissey is on the south coast of Cornwall, around five miles south of St Austell, within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

What is Mevagissey known for?

Mevagissey is known as one of Cornwall's busiest working fishing ports, with a characterful twin harbour, a strong fishing heritage and narrow streets packed with charm.

What is there to do in Mevagissey?

You can wander the harbour and watch the boats, browse the village's shops and eateries, and take a tourist fishing trip or the summer passenger ferry to Fowey. Sea fishing from the outer pier is also popular.

Is Mevagissey worth visiting?

Yes. As a genuine, bustling fishing village with a picturesque double harbour and plenty of character, Mevagissey is one of the most enjoyable stops on Cornwall's south coast.

How do you get to Mevagissey?

Mevagissey is reached by road from St Austell on Cornwall's south coast, and in summer a passenger ferry also links the harbour with Fowey across the bay.

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Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

By the Down The Cove editorial team

Mevagissey

A working fishing port with bags of character, Mevagissey sits on Cornwall's south coast a few miles below St Austell. Its inner and outer harbours bustle with fishing boats and pleasure craft, and the narrow streets are always full of life in summer.

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Quick notes for your visit

Place to stay

Plan your visit

A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.

Mevagissey works best as a base for small, unhurried coastal moments: a beach walk, a harbour visit, and time together without over-planning.

Best forA softer base for exploring: less rush, more time for beaches, harbours and local food.

Family stays, slow weekends, coastal exploring and simple Cornish breaks.

Getting thereParking, arrival and the practical first steps.

Check the final approach, parking arrangements and arrival window before travelling through narrow coastal roads.

What to look forA calmer way to plan with children or visitors.

Good for families who want a settled base rather than trying to fit too much into one day.

Before you goThe small checks that make the day easier.

Pack for mixed weather and plan a few easy coastal options nearby so the trip still feels good if the forecast turns.

The full guide

Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.

Mevagissey is a delightful fishing port with bags of character. The harbour consists of an inner and outer harbour. Mevagissey is a popular tourist destination and is always bustling with people.

The RNLI stationed a lifeboat at Mevagissey until 1930 when it was removed as nearby Fowey had a newer boat.

Pentewan Sands

Pentewan has a large sandy beach which is accessed via Pentewan Sands Holiday Park

Portmellon

Portmellon is situated one mile south of Mevagissey. It has a small sandy beach and slipway - the beach gets covered at high tide.

Sea Fishing in Mevagissey area

If you fish from the outer pier at Mevagissey, you can expect to catch many different species of fish including mackerel, bream, pollack, wrasse and garfish. Night time fishing can also yield conger and dogfish.

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Common questions

Where is Mevagissey?: Mevagissey is on the south coast of Cornwall, around five miles south of St Austell, within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
What is Mevagissey known for?: Mevagissey is known as one of Cornwall's busiest working fishing ports, with a characterful twin harbour, a strong fishing heritage and narrow streets packed with charm.
What is there to do in Mevagissey?: You can wander the harbour and watch the boats, browse the village's shops and eateries, and take a tourist fishing trip or the summer passenger ferry to Fowey. Sea fishing from the outer pier is also popular.
Is Mevagissey worth visiting?: Yes. As a genuine, bustling fishing village with a picturesque double harbour and plenty of character, Mevagissey is one of the most enjoyable stops on Cornwall's south coast.
How do you get to Mevagissey?: Mevagissey is reached by road from St Austell on Cornwall's south coast, and in summer a passenger ferry also links the harbour with Fowey across the bay.

Two ways to make a day of it

Fresh air, good food and a bit of headspace. Here are two places to start.

Small Cornish harbour with fishing boats moored in clear water

Explore the coastline

Places and practical tips for days by the sea.

Grilled mackerel fillet with rocket and lemon on a plate

Find your next recipe

Ideas for preparing, cooking and enjoying seafood.

Editorial illustrations; explore the guides for place and recipe details.