From freshly baked morning pastries and coffee overlooking the harbour to sandy beaches, little ferries and wonderful places to eat, here's how we'd spend our first 24 hours in Salcombe.
There's something about arriving in Salcombe that makes you feel like you're on holiday before you've even unpacked. Perhaps it's that first glimpse of the estuary as you come down the hill, the boats bobbing in the harbour or the colourful shops and cafés lining the narrow streets.
Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or settling in for a week by the sea, Salcombe is somewhere best enjoyed without too much of a schedule.
And while there's plenty to explore across the South Hams, you don't need to venture far to have a wonderful first day.
Here's how we'd spend our first 24 hours in Salcombe.
Friday Afternoon: Arrive, Settle In and Explore the Town
Once you've arrived at your holiday home, dropped off your bags and made yourself comfortable, our advice is simple: head into town.
If you're staying centrally, Salcombe is wonderfully easy to explore on foot, and wandering through its streets is the nicest way to get your bearings.
Start with a stroll along Island Street, once the heart of Salcombe's boatbuilding industry and now home to independent businesses, galleries and places to stop for a drink.
From here, make your way towards Fore Street and the waterfront, browsing the lovely independent boutiques, homeware shops and traditional seaside stores along the way.
You'll catch glimpses of the estuary between the buildings, and before long you'll find yourself looking across the water towards East Portlemouth.
It's one of those views that never gets old, no matter how many times you've seen it.
Late Afternoon: Your First Drink by the Water
After the journey down, there's nothing quite like finding a sunny spot, ordering a drink and watching the harbour come to life.
The Ferry Inn is one of Salcombe's best-known waterfront pubs, and for good reason. Its terrace overlooks the estuary, with beautiful views across to the sandy beaches of East Portlemouth.
On a warm afternoon, it's a wonderful place to sit with a glass of something cold while watching the boats and ferries crossing the water.
Alternatively, wander towards Whitestrand, pick up an ice cream or a coffee and find somewhere to sit overlooking the harbour.
If you're visiting with children, they'll probably be just as happy watching the boats coming and going as they would be doing anything more organised.
There's no need to rush. You're on holiday now.
Friday Evening: Dinner in Salcombe
For your first evening, we'd recommend staying in town rather than getting back into the car.
Salcombe has some lovely places to eat, whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, a relaxed pub supper or something a little more special.
The Victoria Inn is a popular choice for a traditional pub meal, with a welcoming atmosphere and a lovely garden.
The Fortescue Inn is another great option for a relaxed evening meal, particularly if you're visiting with family or friends.
And if the journey has left everyone feeling a little tired, there's absolutely nothing wrong with picking up a takeaway and heading back to your holiday home.
Sometimes an easy supper, a glass of wine and an evening with nowhere else to be is exactly what a holiday calls for.
During the summer and school holidays, we'd recommend booking a table ahead of time.
Saturday Morning: Fresh Pastries, Coffee and a Slow Start
One of the loveliest times to experience Salcombe is early in the morning, before the streets fill with visitors and the harbour gets busy.
If you're an early riser, slip out while the rest of the house is still sleeping and head to The Bake House for freshly baked pastries.
Take a stroll down to the waterfront with a coffee and enjoy those peaceful morning views across the estuary as the town gradually wakes up.
Watch the fishing boats heading out, the first ferries crossing the water and the harbour coming to life.
On your way back, pick up a few extra pastries for everyone else. It's a lovely way to start the day, especially when nobody has to rush anywhere.
If you'd rather head out for breakfast together, there are some great options in town. Coffee Co and The Wardroom are both lovely places to stop for coffee and breakfast.
Or, if you fancy breakfast beside the beach, make your way down to The Winking Prawn at North Sands.
A Salcombe favourite, The Winking Prawn has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, with North Sands Beach just across the road.
It's particularly lovely for families, as you can enjoy breakfast before heading onto the sand for a paddle, some rock pooling or simply a little time by the sea.
Late Morning: Take the Ferry to East Portlemouth
If there's one experience we'd recommend to anyone visiting Salcombe for the first time, it's hopping aboard the passenger ferry across the estuary to East Portlemouth.
The crossing only takes a few minutes, but the views back towards Salcombe are beautiful, and there's something rather special about seeing the town from the other side of the water.
Once you've crossed, you can wander along the shoreline towards the sandy beaches, including Mill Bay, or simply find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the views.
And here's another lovely little place worth knowing about: The Old Stable.
Tucked away on the East Portlemouth side, it's a wonderful spot to stop for a coffee or something to eat. They also offer a sauna and cold plunge experience, perfect if you fancy a little relaxation with a difference. We'd recommend booking ahead for the wellness facilities.
For families, the ferry crossing is an adventure in itself, followed by plenty of opportunities for paddling, rock pooling and exploring.
For couples or friends, it's a lovely way to spend a leisurely morning away from the bustle of town.
Just remember to check the ferry times and tides before heading across, particularly outside the summer months.
Saturday Lunchtime: Something Delicious to Take Away
After a morning exploring, you might be ready for something delicious without necessarily sitting down for a long lunch.
Salcombe has some great places to pick up food to enjoy by the water or back at your holiday home.
A traditional pasty from one of the local pasty shops is always a good option, particularly if you're keen to get straight back out exploring.
Another favourite is Mrs Cookies, where you can pick up a freshly made baguette or salad bowl. And whatever you do, don't leave without trying one of her amazing brownies!
Find yourself a sunny spot overlooking the harbour, enjoy your lunch and watch the boats come and go.
Or, if you've spent the morning over at East Portlemouth, pack something delicious to take with you and enjoy a picnic on the beach.
It's a wonderfully simple way to spend your first full day in Salcombe, and often those are the holiday moments you remember most.
A Few Local Tips for Your First Day
Leave the car behind when you can. If you're staying in central Salcombe, so much is within walking distance. Just remember that some of the streets leading away from the waterfront are steep.
Check the tide times. The beaches around Salcombe change considerably with the tide, so it's worth checking before planning a beach trip.
Book dinner in advance. During peak season, popular restaurants can fill up quickly.
Bring layers. Even on a beautiful sunny day, it can feel cooler beside the water, particularly in the evening.
Don't overplan. Some of the loveliest moments in Salcombe happen when you're simply wandering, stopping for a coffee or watching the world go by.
Make Salcombe Your Home for a Few Days
Of course, where you stay can make a real difference to how you experience Salcombe.
If you love the idea of stepping outside your front door and wandering into town, we have some lovely holiday homes within easy walking distance of the harbour, shops and restaurants.
Ginn Cottage is tucked away just moments from Island Street, making it a great choice for couples or friends who want to explore Salcombe on foot.
For larger families or groups, Kennford offers a comfortable base with space for up to eight guests, just a short, flat walk from the heart of town.
Both make it easy to enjoy Salcombe without needing to get back in the car every time you fancy a coffee, a meal or a stroll along the harbour.
At Quay Holiday Lettings, we're passionate about helping our guests discover the places we love about the South Hams. From favourite beaches and coastal walks to lovely local cafés and restaurants, we want you to experience the area as more than just a visitor.
And if you're planning your first trip, we'd love to help you find somewhere special to stay.
Explore our Salcombe holiday homes