When you are thinking of a nice summer beach in Europe for vacations or a memorable event, Scotland doesn’t usually come high up on the list. This is regardless of the fact that the country has more than 50 beaches, but is more associated with its rugged mountains and rocky creeks. However, this doesn’t mean that Scotland does not have some very good beaches to offer. Especially because your definition of best is often tied to the experiences at said beach and the people you were with. In no particular order, let’s dive into some of the best beaches that the country has to offer.
7 Best Beaches in Scotland
1. St Ninian Isles
2. West Sands, Saint Andrews
3. Calgary Bay
4. Luskentyre Beach
5. Coral Beach
6. Loch Morlich
7. Almerchvich Beach
The Best Beaches In Scotland
1. St Ninian Isles
St Ninian’s Isle is a beautiful beach located in the farming region of the Shetland Islands. It is one of those places that just feels almost too unreal to be true. The beach itself is a narrow strip of golden-white sand that links the mainland to a smaller isle, forming what is known as a tombolo. A tombolo is a natural sand causeway with the sea on both sides of it, a kind of parting of the sea. With waves brushing against both sides of the shoreline as you cross, it is easy to forget you are not actually walking across the sea itself.
On bright days, the water shades can range from shiny turquoise to glassy blue, and the sand looks almost too clean to be real. While the beach is not one of those places where you can spread a mat and have a picnic, it is still quite a sight to behold. Plus the added fact that the Isle it connects to is a hive of archaeological findings dating back to the 8th century makes it all the more wondrous.
Location: Unnamed Road, Bigton, Shetland, Scotland, United Kingdom
2. West Sands Beach, Saint Andrews
Not many beaches in Scotland can compare to West Sands when it comes to length. The shoreline of the beach spans for miles, and when the tide is out, the beach can look very impressive indeed. But what makes West Sands truly amazing is its high dunes and abundance of machair, a low-lying grass plain. The combination of the long shoreline, rich vegetation, and ocean breeze makes West Sands one of the best places for a long, quiet walk.
Just beyond the range, the beach leads to Saint Andrew’s old golf course, which makes for a stunning view. The sand at West Sands is firm and flat, making it great not only for walkers and joggers but for the occasional land yacht skimming across on windy days. Despite its fame, West Sands never feels overcrowded and busy, maybe because of its length and size, the beach somehow has room for everybody who visits.
Location: Saint Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom
3. Calgary Bay
With a name meaning “Beach of the Meadow”, Calgary Bay is one of Scotland’s beaches that manages to look unspoilt by human hands. The beach shoreline curves in a near-perfect crescent, with pale and fine sands made from crushed shells that gleam almost white in the sun. The truly special feature of Calgary Bay is how it reflects the Scottish highlands with its craggy rocks, wildflowers, and even a hidden castle somewhere in its surroundings.
Although there is no fluff or extra to Calgary, the beach is perfect for a slow walk, a picnic on the grass, or just sitting still with the sound of the waves. On warmer days, you can even venture into the inviting water for a swim. Or if you want to brave the waters like the Scottish, even try it for a swim in colder months.
Location: Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom
4. Luskentyre Beach
Luskentyre ranks high on the list of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, and no one who visits doesn’t see why. Popularly regarded as the Caribbean waters of Scotland, the sands are as white and fine as those of a tropical island. The waters, too, are a bright turquoise and green, although the mountains surrounding it remind you that you are in the highlands, not Bali.
The waters of Luskentyre change as fast as the weather in the region. Making this beautiful beach not so much a place for large crowds but for slow walks, warm tea, and quiet picnics.
Location: South Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom
5. Coral Beach
Coral Beach is located in the north of Claigan on the Isle of Skye. Often compared to the tropics because of its brilliant white sands and water so clear it shifts between turquoise and glassy blue.
Despite the name, the sand is not actually made of coral. Instead, it is formed from fragments of red coralline algae, known as maerl, mixed with tiny shells. Over time, the sun bleaches and calcifies these pieces, creating the chalky-white shoreline that makes the beach shimmer in almost any light.
The beach is also filled with rocks and crags in some parts that make walking a sport. Nonetheless, the beach is worth it for a bit of adventure and short walks.
Location: Claigan, Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom
6. Loch Morlich
More a serene lake than a beach, Loch Morlich is tucked away in Glenmore Forest Park near Aviemore. The beach holds a rare distinction as the United Kingdom’s only freshwater beach with a national award. At 300 meters above sea level, Morlich also claims the title of Britain’s highest beach.
The beach might be freshwater like the tropics, but instead of palm trees or seaside cliffs, the backdrop is the rugged peaks of the Cairngorms. Many times during the year, their slopes are often dusted with snow, reminding you that this is the Highlands, not Bali.
There is also a curious piece of history at Loch Morlich. Scattered in the sand are tiny flecks of glass—not from careless visitors, but from the days of World War II, when Norwegian resistance fighters, Kompani Linge, trained in the area. So if you want to walk the path where warriors trod, Loch Morlich is as good as any.
Location: Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich, Aviemore, Cairngorms, Scotland, United Kingdom
7. Almerchvich Beach
Achmelvich Beach is a remote, rugged beach that sits on Scotland’s northwest coast, three miles from the fishing village of Lochinver. The drive in is along a winding single-track road, but the reward is a sweep of fine white sand and clear waters.
The beach is calm enough to be a favorite spot for campers and walkers, but it also has great waves. This makes the waters great for windsurfing, kayaking, and even coasteering.
Wildlife is also a significant draw. If you stare long enough, dolphins, otters, and seals often make appearances offshore, or you might spot ospreys hunting above. For hikers, a short hike inland leads to the mysterious Hermit’s Castle. The tiny stone shelter is located quite dramatically on the rocks and is reputed to be the smallest castle in Europe. So it is not just beautiful waters at Achmelvich, it’s sports, adventure, and history rolled into one.
Location: Lochinvar, Sutherland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Now, you know that Scotland has some of the best beaches in Europe. So, as much as you are visiting the cities and castles, and ruins, take a break and walk the beaches of Scotland.
