Scotland is one of the most petite and beautiful countries in Europe. It is known for its picturesque scenery and spectacular beaches, because of its unique location. Surrounded by water from one side and land on the other, Scotland is the best European country to visit.
Far away from the busy city life, the east coastlines are the best if you want to spend quality time in peace. To enjoy dancing and having fun with your friends and family, you must look for the west coastlines.
There are a lot of beautiful beaches in Scotland and we have selected the 12 best and most beautiful beaches. In this article, we have ranked each beach according to its tourist-friendly surroundings. So, without further ado letâs straightly dive into the 12 best beaches in Scotland.
List of 12 spectacular beaches in Scotland
1. Sandwood Bay
Sandwood Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the United Kingdom. The line of the pink sand gives a different vibe when you reach this place. It is one of the cleanest and most unblemished beaches in Europe. Visit here with your friend and family to enjoy the serenity.
A long walk with your better half, building a sand castle with your kids, a picnic spot with your friends and family, you can do all these things here without any problem. Impressive sand dunes, precipitous cliffs, and mesmerizing North Atlantic Ocean.
Location: Sutherland, North-west coast of mainland Scotland
How to get here: A 4-mile long hike starting from the village Blairmore in Kinlochbervie.
2. Luskentyre Beach
If you are looking for white sand beaches in Scotland, then come to Luskentyre beach. The shallow blue and turquoise seas that lap Luskentyre Beach are so brilliant on clear, bright days that you might mistakenly believe you are on a beach in Greece. Scotlandâs best beaches may be found at Luskentyre, one of the countryâs top outdoor attractions. Although this exquisite spot is hidden from most tourists, it is a dream to find and explore.
Along with the wonderful walking opportunities provided by the beach itself (which should always be done barefoot), visitors should also take the 2.5-mile circular track winding through the dunes. A single-track road connects Harrisâs main highway with the beach for avid cyclists which is perfect for the road trip.
Location: Outer Hebrides, West coast of South Harris
How to get here: It can be reached by using the road leading to Losgaintir from the A859.
3. Lunan Bay
Alright, this is one of the busiest beaches in Scotland because of its small length. It is just a mile-long beach that allows you experience the bright sunlight, warm sand, and fresh breeze at the seashore. Lunan Bay is the best family beach in Scotland to spend some quality time with them.
It is located in a remote, charming rural area, is divided in half by Lunan Water, and is surrounded by sand dunes. At the northern end, there is a cave and an arch.
Location: North of Inverkeilor between Arbroath and Montrose
How to get here: Take a bus from Angus which is 38 mins ride.
4. Calgary Bay
Calgary Bay is nature rich Scotland beach that is still untouched by tourists. Its beauty and calmness are what attract people every year. One of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, and is popularly known as the âbeach of the meadowâ. The beach resembles the purity of nature which makes Scotland beautiful and mesmerizing.
A bit away from the beach, you could enjoy the street foods like tea, ice cream, etc, and get to see glorious artwork in a Nature woodland walk. The surroundings, people, and picturesque scenery makes Calgary Bay an ideal place for hangouts.
Location: Isle of Mull, in Argyll and Bute
How to get here: It will take around 14 mins from Dervaig via car.
5. Cramond
The vast Cramond beach is perfect for couples to spend some quality time. Overlooking the Firth of Forth, Cramond changes dramatically because of high and low tides. During summer, this place is ideal for a picnic or get-together with family and friends. Its warm and shiny sand is enough to make you feel cozy and happy.
Make sure to check the tides before visiting this beautiful place in order to avoid gulls. Had a walk around a small village located near the beach. The village might be small but certainly endearing. The best part about Cramond beach is that it is situated near Edinburg, Scotland. Not to mention, that Edinburg is famous for Christmas celebrations also.
Location: Edinburg, at the bank of the River Almond
How to get here: It will take around 25 minutes from Edinburg
6. The Sisters
On a clear day, the hills and forests on the Isle of Arran, which is directly over the Firth of Clyde, are brilliant. Ailsa Craig, a 99-hectare deserted island in the mouth of the firth, can be roughly translated from Gaelic as âfairy rock.â A reminder of its volcanic origins is provided by its high climb from the ocean.
Use The Sisters as a starting point; the area beneath Castle Road, which leads to and from the 13th-century Dunure Castle, which served as the location for the filming of Outlander, is breathtaking. The Sisters is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Scotland which happens to be near Glasgow.
Location: South Ayrshire, Glasgow
How to get here: It will take 1 hour from Glassgow via car.
7. Silver Sands
Silver Sand is a holiday park situated on the mesmerizing Moray Firth coast near Lossiemouth. It is named after the sparkling beach that runs alongside the park. If you want to explore the Northeast region of Scotland and the Highland, then Silver Sands is the must-visit place.
Use some of the UKâs driest weather to go surfing, sailing, horseback riding, or just to take in the stunning coastline and bottlenose dolphins.
Location: Morar village, Loch Morar
How to get here: The beach is situated near Lossiemouth.
8. St. Ninianâs Isle
A wonderful pleasure is here! Small St. Ninianâs Isle is joined to Shetlandâs mainland by a magnificent sand tombolo, the biggest in the UK. The tombolo, or ayre as it is known locally, is essentially a sizable sand bank that emerges as one of the best beaches in the region when it is above sea level during the summer.
Location: Mainland, Shetland
How to get here: Take a bus from Shetland station which is around a 1 hour and 12 minutes ride.
9. Loch Morlich
Situated in the heart of the magnificent Cairngorms mountain range, Loch Morlich is the only freshwater coast where you can spend some quality time. Not to mention, it is one of the prime spots for the water sports like surfing, scuba diving, etc. Apart from water sports, you can also enjoy other adventure activities.
In short, it is a fun and adventurous place for people who loves to take part in different types of activities. The sand at Loch Morlich provides an ideal site to indulge in various outdoor activities both in water and off the water.
Location: Cairngorms National Park, near Aviemore
How to get here: It will take 16 mins from Aviemore to reach Loch Morlich via car.
10. Seacliff Beach
If you want to witness the magnificent beach then visit Seacliff beach. This beach is comprised of a harbor, a residential estate, and of course a beach. Coastal holiday cottages at Seacliff Beach in Scotland are perfect to spend your holiday. To reach this place you need to pay a nominal fee because the road is private. Donât worry, this will only cost you a penny.
This place is known for its history and ancient Greek period because you can find a 14th-century old castle. The architecture of the castle will remind you of the medieval period of Europe.
Seacliff Beachâs wide expanse draws surfers, canoeists, dog walkers, horseback riders, and summer picnickers, but only during low tide because most of the beach is submerged at other times.
Location: North Berwick, East Lothian
How to get here: It takes 4 minutes to reach Seacliff Beach from Auldhame via car.
11. Oldshoremore Beach
Comprises of two beaches, Oldshoremore beach, and its tiny sister beach Phollin, this beach will give you a different vibe. One of the best Scotland beaches, Oldshoremore is the perfect place for spending a holiday with your family and friends. You know that this craggy island has gotten the nickname Eilean na h-Aiteig, which stands for âisle of the shy girl.
For hikers, the site is equally rewarding. A seaside route that descends to the sand away from the steps is followed by a way-marked stroll. This whole place is reserved by nature. So let yourself indulge in the serenity.
Location: Sutherland, Scottish Highlands
How to get here: If you are traveling from Kinlochberview it will take around 6 minutes.
12. Sango Bay
Situated in the northern region of Scotland, Sango Bay reflects the most northerly region beach in Scotland. Far away from the busy city life, a quiet and calm holiday at Sango Bay is not a bad idea.
Three smaller coves are created by a succession of rocky outcrops that split the beach, an enticing piece of sandy isolation. The surrounding coastline is some of the most stunning and remote in all of Europe, with rocks, stacks, and skerries dotting the sand.
Location: Sutherland, Scottish Highlands
How to get here: The nearest railway station to Sango Bay is Hall, Leirinmore.
Final Thought
You may not be aware of all the information in this post, but it is crucial that you be before you book your vacation to Scotland. This page informs you about Scotlandâs best and most beautiful beaches, which are frequently overlooked. It is preferable to be knowledgeable and base your decisions on that information.
We would want to hear about your vacation to Scotland and your experiences there. Share your experience with our viewers in the comments section below.
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