Portscatho is on the east coast of the Roseland peninsula in southern Cornwall, set within Gerrans Bay and sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds.

What is Portscatho known for?

It is known as a characterful fishing village with a working harbour, a cluster of art galleries inspired by the coast, and a picturesque waterfront.

What is there to do in Portscatho?

Visitors browse the galleries and shops, watch the fishing boats, swim from the small beaches nearby, and walk the South West Coast Path around Gerrans Bay.

What is near Portscatho?

The village adjoins Gerrans just up the hill, and the wider Roseland peninsula includes St Mawes and the broad sands of Pendower and Towan beaches close by.

What sort of fishing is there around Portscatho?

The surrounding coast is well known for bass, with flatfish and dogfish also caught. The headlands give good fishing but access can be tricky and suits more experienced anglers.

Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

By the Down The Cove editorial team

Portscatho

Facing east across Gerrans Bay on the Roseland peninsula, Portscatho is a small working fishing village sheltered from the prevailing south-westerlies. Whitewashed cottages, a handful of galleries and a still-busy little harbour give it an easy, lived-in charm.

Read the guide Browse coastline guides

Quick notes for your visit

Place 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.

Portscatho Portscatho is a small fishing port situated on the east coast of the Roseland peninsula in Gerrans Bay. Being on the east side of the peninsula means that it...

Best forA practical Cornish place guide with local detail, useful context and a sense of the coast.

Families, visitors, local exploring and slower coastal days.

Getting thereParking, arrival and the practical first steps.

Check the route, parking and any seasonal notes before setting off.

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

Read it before you go so children and grown-ups have a few things to notice when they arrive.

Before you goThe small checks that make the day easier.

Give yourself time, check the weather, and keep plans flexible so the coast can still feel enjoyable.

The full guide

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

Portscatho is a small fishing port situated on the east coast of the Roseland peninsula in Gerrans Bay. Being on the east side of the peninsula means that it is sheltered from the southwesterly prevailing winds.

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.

Browse coastline guides

Common questions

Where is Portscatho?: Portscatho is on the east coast of the Roseland peninsula in southern Cornwall, set within Gerrans Bay and sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds.
What is Portscatho known for?: It is known as a characterful fishing village with a working harbour, a cluster of art galleries inspired by the coast, and a picturesque waterfront.
What is there to do in Portscatho?: Visitors browse the galleries and shops, watch the fishing boats, swim from the small beaches nearby, and walk the South West Coast Path around Gerrans Bay.
What is near Portscatho?: The village adjoins Gerrans just up the hill, and the wider Roseland peninsula includes St Mawes and the broad sands of Pendower and Towan beaches close by.
What sort of fishing is there around Portscatho?: The surrounding coast is well known for bass, with flatfish and dogfish also caught. The headlands give good fishing but access can be tricky and suits more experienced anglers.

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.