The Top 10 most Beautiful Beaches in Scotland
In Scotland, we might not always have the weather for sunbathing, but we actually have some of the most incredible beaches in the world! Across the mainland and the islands, you will find so many different types of beautiful beaches, and visiting some of these is a must do when coming to Scotland.
We’re a local small-group tour company, we’ve led thousands of tours across this incredible country and today we’re presenting you with our our top 10 beaches in Scotland!
If you’re planning your next trip to Scotland, consider taking a tour with us and one of our friendly, expert guides who is sure to make your next trip unforgettable!
Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris
Sitting on the West coast of the Isle of Harris, you will find the natural beautify of Scarista Beach. The soft golden sands stretch out along the coast line, and the vivid blue waters are as clear as day.
This beach is often a lot quieter than others on the Isle of Harris due to its more secluded location. It is still a very accessible beach, but you need to take a short walk down paths and grassland from the main road to get to it. No matter the weather, this beach is a beautiful sight, and great for a relaxing stroll or swim!
If you’ve fancy a trip to the outer Hebrides, check out our 5-day tour that will lead you to some of the BEST places on the outer western isles.
2. Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull
On the Isle of Mull you can visit Calgary Bay. Located on the northwest coast of the island, it is a picturesque location, and its sandy beaches are really exceptional. The low surrounding hills and the scenic machair that sits behind the sands, make for a truly beautiful environment.
This beach is 12 miles from the town of Tobermory, and it is definitely worth the short trip out.
3. Port Ban Beach, Isle of Iona
This sheltered beach located on the tranquil Isle of Iona is surrounded by dramatic rock faces and cliffs, making it a really private and secluded spot.
The sand is made up of crushed shells, and the turquoise waters give it a really magical feel.
This is a great and pretty safe place for swimming and dipping your toes in the water due to the granite rocks that scoop round the bay, and the gentle slope down from sand to sea.
4. Saddell Bay, Kintyre
On the Kintyre Peninsula you can stumble across Saddell Bay on the east side. This beach is 1km in length and has absolutely amazing views across to the Isle of Arran.
Just by the scenic beach you will also find Saddell Castle and the remains of Saddell Abbey. The beach has a few unique elements, with the human like sculpture by renowned Antony Gormley visible in the distance.
5. Lunan Bay, Montrose
Facing the east of Scotland, Lunan bay can be found in Angus, and is over 2 miles long. Surrounded by low cliffs, this beach is a stunning location, and with its sandy beaches and and views, it is a lovely beach to visit in Scotland.
This beach also has some historic significance, with the ruins of the 12th century Red Castle just off the shore. You can take a wonder along the beach and the ruins, and take in the tranquil atmosphere of the bay. This is a very popular pace for visitors and water sports.
6. Vatersay Beach, Vatersay
Vatersay beach is well known for the beautiful white sands and clear, sparkling waters, and it possibly one of our favorites on this list. Vatersay is adjoined to the Isle of Barra, the whole area is extremely charming and picturesque, and this beach if often very quiet, meaning you can enjoy the magical landscape to yourself! There are great walks and paths surrounding this beach, so it’s a hub for outdoor activity. Memorials to shipwrecks that are associated with the area are dotted about, giving an element of cultural significance to this stunning beach.
7. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris
Possibly one of the most famous beaches in Scotland, Luskentyre is found on the Isle of Harris, and really does look like something from a movie. Often confused with the carribean, the beach has long stretches of soft white sand, and the water is so blue and turquoise, it’s extremely enticing for a swim.
With the hills in the distance, it is a highly photographic place, and a must visit in Scotland, it was even voted Britains best beach! The name Luskentyre actually comes from the Gaelic ‘Lios-cinn-tir” which means ‘headland fort’.
If you’ve fancy a trip to the outer Hebrides, check out our 5-day tour that will lead you to some of the BEST places on the outer western isles.
8. Coral Beach, Isle of Skye
Just North of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, there is Coral Beach. This particular spot is famous for its distinct appearance, with the crushed skeletons of Red Coralline seaweed creating the sand. This beach features lots of rock pools, perfect for wild life exploration, and the scenery is just spectacular.Access to this beach is from a 25 minute farm walk, which adds to the adventure of visiting such a stunning location.
9. St Ninians Tombolo, Shetland Islands
This natural formation is an amazing place for visitors. The St Ninian Tombolo found on the Shetland Isles is the largest active sand Tombolo in the UK, and is 500 meters long.
The sand causeway is accessible during low tides, revealing a north and south facing beach, which is a really unique place to visit. The surrounding scenery is gorgeous, and taking a stroll across this formation is a really ethereal experience.
10. Machir Bay, Islay
On Islay, there is a lovely long white sand beach called Machir Bay. Spanning 2 miles, this beach is surrounded by large dunes, and is a really picturesque location for photography, walking, and stopping to take in the scenery. Waiting out for sunsets here is a fantastic experience, but it is fully exposed to the adverse weather conditions of the Atlantic coasts, so take care around and in the waters!
So it might not be the Caribbean weather wise, BUT we certainly have the beaches! From the mainland to remote islands, there is always a beautiful beach to be found, and they are an iconic part of Scotlands landscapes. All of them have their own unique charm and characteristics, and there are so many more that could be added to this list, so make sure to get yourself to a beach or two on your trip to Scotland (you might not need a sun lounger and a parasol, but they are still incredible!).
