Portloe is a small fishing village on the Roseland peninsula in south Cornwall, set in a cove just east of the village of Veryan.

What is Portloe known for?

It is known as one of Cornwall's least spoilt fishing villages, with a tiny harbour where a few boats still work, mainly catching shellfish.

What is there to do in Portloe?

You can watch the boats in the harbour, sit by the cove, sample local seafood, and walk the South West Coast Path along the cliffs of Veryan Bay.

What do the Portloe boats catch?

The handful of working boats from Portloe land mainly shellfish, such as crab and lobster, from the surrounding waters of Veryan and Gerrans Bay.

Is Portloe worth visiting?

Yes. Its sheltered harbour, unspoilt character and coastal walks make Portloe a peaceful and rewarding stop on the Roseland.

Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

By the Down The Cove editorial team

Portloe

shelters in a steep, rocky cove on the Roseland peninsula, just east of Veryan in Gerrans Bay. A couple of fishing boats still work from its quaint little harbour, landing mostly shellfish, and the surrounding valley has kept the village remarkably unspoilt. It is a quiet, deeply Cornish corner of the coast.

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Quick notes for your visit

Harbour guide

Plan your visit

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

Portloe has the kind of harbour character we love: practical, weathered, and full of small details that reward a slower look.

Best forWorking-coast character with boats, tide, local history and plenty to notice at a slower pace.

Harbour strolls, seafood, families, boat watching and coastal photos.

Getting thereParking, arrival and the practical first steps.

Arrive early in peak season where possible, and leave time for parking, slopes and narrow streets.

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

A good family read before a visit: talk about boats, tides, old buildings and how harbour life works.

Before you goThe small checks that make the day easier.

Check tides, parking and opening times if you are visiting for food, boat trips or a family wander.

The full guide

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

Portloe has a quaint little harbour and is located just east of Veryan. A couple of fishing boats work out of Portloe and mainly catch shellfish. A lifeboat was stationed at Porloe between 1870 and 1887

Pendower Beach

Large sandy beach in Gerrans Bay near the village of Veryan. There is a slipway on the beach.

Sea Fishing in this area

The whole of this area is well known for big bass catches. Also various flat fish and dogfish are caught here.

The headlands access is difficult in places and not really for the novice fisherman. For more experienced fisherman with climbing abilities, the headlands provide good fishing.

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Common questions

Where is Portloe?: Portloe is a small fishing village on the Roseland peninsula in south Cornwall, set in a cove just east of the village of Veryan.
What is Portloe known for?: It is known as one of Cornwall's least spoilt fishing villages, with a tiny harbour where a few boats still work, mainly catching shellfish.
What is there to do in Portloe?: You can watch the boats in the harbour, sit by the cove, sample local seafood, and walk the South West Coast Path along the cliffs of Veryan Bay.
What do the Portloe boats catch?: The handful of working boats from Portloe land mainly shellfish, such as crab and lobster, from the surrounding waters of Veryan and Gerrans Bay.
Is Portloe worth visiting?: Yes. Its sheltered harbour, unspoilt character and coastal walks make Portloe a peaceful and rewarding stop on the Roseland.

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.