Majestic mountains, lush glens, and deep, shimmering lochs are just a few of Scotland’s natural beauties. But one of the nation’s most amazing features is its abundance of gorgeous beaches. With our ranking of Scotland’s greatest beaches, you can choose the ideal location for your next trip to the beach.
1. Sandwood Bay
Many people think Sandwood Bay is the most stunning beach in the UK. One of the cleanest and most pristine beaches in Scotland is the magnificent mile-long strip of pink sand that enhances this tranquil beach.
A deep freshwater loch and spectacular sand dunes surround Sandwood Bay, located close to Kinlochbervie. This lonely area on the far northwest coast of Scotland is surrounded by sheer worn cliffs that face the frequently erratic North Atlantic Ocean. The area is home to noisy gulls and other diverse seabirds.
2. Camusdarach Beach
This incredibly lovely beach, a large half-moon of fluffy, white sand accessible by a leisurely stroll across low dunes, is situated a short distance south of the Morar estuary.
Camusdarach Beach is a local favorite and was well known before it was used as a location in the famous 1983 film Local Hero, starring Hollywood icon Burt Lancaster. The beach is encircled by rocky peninsulas that are covered with a variety of wildflowers throughout the summer.
This is a spot to soak up the sun rather than take a bath, with dazzling green waters that are still a little cool even in the height of summer. Rock pooling is great for kids, and a beach is a great place for a picnic.
3. Seacliff Beach
A beach, a home estate, and a harbor are all part of Historic Seacliff. There is a small entrance fee to the beach at Seacliff, which is accessible via a private road. Fear not—worth it every penny!
The history of this remote region of Scotland is rich. Tantallon Castle, the final medieval curtain wall castle built in the nation, is situated on the estate. It is a semi-ruined fortification from the middle of the 14th century. It’s amazing how small the port is. It was created in 1890 utilizing compressed air pushed by steam to chisel red limestone.
Only during low tide because most of the beach is buried otherwise, Seacliff Beach’s wide expanse draws surfers, canoeists, dog walkers, horseback riders, and summer picnickers.
4. St. Ninian’s Isle
Pocket-sized A magnificent sand tombolo, the biggest in the UK, links St. Ninian’s Isle to the mainland of Shetland. The tombolo, also known as an ayre in the local language, is essentially a sizable sand bank that rises above the water during the summer to show one of the best beaches in the region.
This odd ribbon of sand, which is a quarter-mile long and only accessible on foot, is a great bridge for beachgoers who want to visit St. Ninian’s Isle but is not a great place for swimmers.
5. Luskentyre Beach
You could be excused for believing you were standing on a beach in Greece on clear, sunny days when the shallow azure and turquoise seas lap at Luskentyre Beach. One of the nicest beaches in the nation and one of Scotland’s top outdoor attractions is Luskentyre. Despite being far from the beaten path, this perfect spot is a dream to find and explore.
A leisurely swim is not appropriate here. Luskentyre is ideally suited as a paddling location due to the chilly Atlantic Ocean. The vast expanse of powder-fine sand, breathtaking mountain scenery, and a thrilling sense of remoteness, however, provide some truly remarkable hiking possibilities.
6. Sango Bay
One of the northern beaches on the Scottish mainland is found at isolated Sango Bay. In actuality, the most northwesterly point of the nation is in the nearby settlement of Durness.
Three smaller coves are created as a result of a succession of rocky outcrops that split the beach, a seductive patch of secluded sand. The nearby coastline is arguably the most picturesque and remote in all of Europe; rocks, stacks, and skerries are scattered across the sand.
Tourists are catered for both a youth hostel and a campsite positioned above Sango Bay with access to the beach. Additionally, there are a few excellent restaurants and moderate motel accommodations available.
7. Oldshoremore Beach
Oldshoremore and Phollain, the sister beaches of Oldshoremore, are located in Oldshoremore Bay. Eilean na h-Aiteig, or “isle of the shy girl,” is a rocky isle that separates both. The sheltered bays are tranquil and south-facing in the summer, making the ocean frequently warm and welcoming.
The area offers hikers similar rewards. In order to avoid the steps that descend to the sand, a way-marked route follows a coastal path. The grass above the beach is flecked with more than 200 different flowering plant kinds in the spring, creating a carpet of color that contrasts brilliantly with the lead-blue sea. In actuality, the entire area is contained within a protected natural reserve.
8. Gullane Beach
The East Lothian hamlet of Gullane, well known for its golf courses but also lauded for its lovely sandy beach, is nestled on the southern bank of the Firth of Forth. When the wind is blowing, windsurfers and kitesurfers go to the magnificent stretch of golden sand known as Gullane Bents. One of Scotland’s top beaches, this area is also enticing for picnics and family outings on warm, sunny days.
Gullane Beach borders the John Muir Way, a long-distance walk that winds along the coast between Musselburgh and Dunglass and is backed by spectacular dunes that are studded with sea-buckthorn and other vegetation. The path passes by the picturesque Gullane Point, which offers panoramic views of the harbor and the Firth of Forth.
9. Portobello Beach
Locals refer to the lengthy section of golden sand that makes up Portobello Beach as “Porty Beach,” and on hot, sunny days, it is a swarm of activity. The picturesque village of Portobello and its lovely west coast beach is just 20 minutes away by bus from Edinburgh’s Waverly Station, making it one of the greatest beaches close to the capital.
Popular activities on and around the two-mile stretch of sand include sailing, kite flying, sandcastle building, swimming, and beach strolling. A beautiful area to run, carry a stroller, or just pause and take in the scenery is the asphalt promenade that runs along the shore.
10. Pencil Beach
On the southwest coast of Scotland, in the seaside town of Largs, is a hidden gem called Pencil Beach. One of the nicest beaches close to Glasgow, with enthralling views of the Firth of Clyde and a base, made up of a mixture of sand, grass, and pebbles.
Visitors may enjoy a fantastic view of Largs’ most well-known structure—the Pencil—from the beach, which gives the beach its unusual name. To commemorate the 1263 Battle of Largs, it was constructed in 1912.
Pencil Beach is just 300 meters long, making it a very kid-friendly location. It also features quiet, shallow (albeit frigid) water, making it perfect for young children who want to swim. A worthwhile beach on the west coast is this one.
11. Whitemill Bay Beach
The Orkney Islands are renowned for their lush landscapes. Neolithic remains and an abundance of animals. Scottish beaches that are quite stunning can be found on these illustrious isles.
The Orkney archipelago’s Sanday is one of its largest populated isles. It is located on one of the outer islands, and its finest beaches are exquisite. Picture soft, Caribbean-style white sand and glistening azure water. Whitemill Bay Beach in Sanday is among the nicest beaches.
Sand dunes and the iridescent Whitemill Bay, so brilliant and clear that you’ll swear you’re in the tropics, flank this stunning sight. Sanday’s gorgeous, scallop-shaped coastline is technically one long beach because it rounds the island, but this particular stretch of Whitemill Bay Beach is unquestionably among the best.
12. Tolsta Beach
A little settlement called Tolsta may be found on the Isle of Lewis, which is located in the northwest corner of the Outer Hebrides island. Tolsta Beach, the town’s beach, is conveniently located along the coast northeast of Stornoway. On the north side of the B895, you may enjoy its lovely shore.
A great beach in Scotland for families is this quiet area with surfable waves, amenities, and lots of playable sand. There are no snack shops or restaurants on-site, so bring a picnic lunch to extend your visit.
Go for a walk across a deep gorge on the concrete Bridge to Nowhere after you get tired of playing in the surf. The name of the path comes from the fact that it very much travels nowhere once you pass the bridge, although you may still walk for kilometers on it. A rocky path crosses the cliff tops and offers breathtaking vistas.
13. Aberdeen Beach
Aberdeen, dubbed “The Flower of Scotland,” delights visitors with stunning parks and gardens. Some of Scotland’s nicest beaches are accessible to visitors thanks to its smooth, sandy shore. Aberdeen Beach is the ideal location for your Scottish beach vacation if you’re seeking a lively, convenient, and clean beach.
This well-known city beach is lined with everything you need for an action-packed day at the coast and was the winner of the Scotland Beach Awards in 2021 as well as the Resort Seaside Award in 2013. The sand is close to stores, restaurants, cafés, water sports, and an amusement park.
14. Bosta Beach
Another beauty in the Outer Hebrides is Bosta Beach. At the extreme end of Great Bernera Island, there is a crescent-shaped beach that goes by the name of Traigh Bhostadh.
This is the ideal location for a peaceful day of relaxing in the sand, dipping your toes in the cold sea, or having a picnic by the ocean. Nevertheless, there aren’t any lifeguards on duty, so hold on to your small ones.
This little but lovely beach is best reached on foot. The lone hamlet on the island is Breacleit; from there, follow the signs to Bosta Beach. This stunning five-mile seaside walk is really beautiful.
