30 Hidden And Famous Beaches In Scotland

Scotland is renowned for its rugged landscapes, historic sites, and cultural heritage, but it also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With miles of coastline, Scotland offers a variety of stunning beaches that range from secluded bays to wide sandy stretches.

These beaches are perfect for anyone looking to relax, enjoy water sports, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery. Here’s a look at 30 of the best beaches in Scotland.

Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris is often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. With its white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it offers a breathtaking setting that feels almost tropical, despite being located in the Outer Hebrides. Additionally, Luskentyre Beach exemplifies the principles of Scotland Eco-tourism, offering visitors a chance to enjoy unspoiled nature while supporting sustainable travel practices in the region.

Achmelvich Beach is a hidden gem located in the northwest Highlands, near the town of Lochinver. This small, sheltered beach is known for its fine white sand and clear, blue waters. Surrounded by rocky headlands, it’s a perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the area. The beach is popular with campers, and there’s a nearby campsite for those who want to stay close to this idyllic spot.

Sandwood Bay is one of Scotland’s most remote and unspoiled beaches, located in Sutherland on the northwest coast. Accessible only by a four-mile walk from the nearest road, Sandwood Bay offers a true sense of isolation and natural beauty. The beach features golden sands, towering sand dunes, and a striking sea stack known as Am Buachaille. As one of the hidden gems among Scottish attractions, Sandwood Bay showcases the raw, untouched beauty that makes Scotland a haven for nature lovers.

Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull is a stunning beach known for its pristine white sands and calm, clear waters. The bay is framed by rolling hills and lush greenery, making it a picturesque spot for a day out. The beach is family-friendly, with shallow waters that are safe for swimming, and there are picnic areas nearby for a relaxing meal by the sea.

Seacliff Beach is a hidden treasure located near North Berwick in East Lothian. This small, secluded beach offers stunning views of the nearby Tantallon Castle and the Bass Rock. The beach’s golden sands and rock pools make it a great spot for families, and the nearby ruins add a sense of history to the natural beauty of the area. Seacliff Beach is also popular with surfers and photographers.

Balnakeil Beach, near the village of Durness in Sutherland, is a wide, sandy beach that offers breathtaking views of the rugged northern coastline. The beach is known for its dramatic landscapes, including sand dunes and cliffs that create a striking backdrop. Balnakeil Beach is also home to the historic Balnakeil Church, which adds a touch of history to this stunning location. As one of Scotland iconic sites, Balnakeil Beach perfectly blends natural beauty with historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

St. Ninian’s Isle in Shetland is famous for its unique tombolo, a natural sand causeway that connects the mainland to the island. The beach is surrounded by clear blue waters and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a great spot for a peaceful walk, and the island itself is rich in history, with archaeological sites dating back to the Pictish period.

Camusdarach Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand located near the village of Arisaig on the west coast of Scotland. The beach offers stunning views of the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck, and Rum. Its white sands and turquoise waters make it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea. Camusdarach Beach is also famous for its appearance in the classic movie "Local Hero."

West Sands Beach in St. Andrews is one of Scotland’s most iconic beaches, known for its wide, sandy shores and its association with the sport of golf. The beach stretches for nearly two miles and offers plenty of space for walking, running, and other outdoor activities. West Sands was famously featured in the opening scene of the movie "Chariots of Fire," adding to its cultural significance.

Oldshoremore Beach is another hidden gem located in the northwest Highlands, near the village of Kinlochbervie. This beautiful, secluded beach offers golden sands and crystal-clear waters, framed by rugged cliffs and rolling dunes. The beach is often quiet, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful day out, and the surrounding area is great for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Lunan Bay is a large, sweeping beach located on the east coast of Scotland, near the town of Montrose. The beach is known for its soft golden sands and dramatic cliffs that provide a stunning backdrop. Lunan Bay is popular with surfers, walkers, and horse riders, and the nearby ruins of Red Castle add a touch of history to the area.

Sanna Bay is a remote and beautiful beach located on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the most westerly point on the British mainland. The beach offers white sands, clear blue waters, and stunning views of the nearby islands of Muck, Eigg, and Rum. Sanna Bay is a perfect spot for wildlife watching, as the area is home to a variety of seabirds and marine life.

Tolsta Beach on the Isle of Lewis is a stunning stretch of sand that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is known for its wild beauty, with rolling dunes and crashing waves that create a dramatic landscape. Tolsta Beach is a great spot for a peaceful walk, and the surrounding area is rich in history and culture.

Sinclair’s Bay, also known as Reiss Beach, is a wide, sandy beach located in Caithness, on the far north coast of Scotland. The beach offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and the nearby ruins of Sinclair and Girnigoe Castles. Sinclair’s Bay is popular with walkers and wildlife enthusiasts, as the area is home to a variety of seabirds and marine life.

Melvich Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach located on the north coast of Scotland, near the village of Melvich. The beach offers soft golden sands and clear blue waters, surrounded by rolling dunes and cliffs. Melvich Beach is a great spot for surfing, swimming, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Gullane Beach is a popular spot located in East Lothian, just a short drive from Edinburgh. The beach offers wide, sandy shores and stunning views of the Firth of Forth. Gullane Beach is a great spot for families, with plenty of space for picnics, kite flying, and beach games. The nearby village of Gullane is known for its excellent golf courses and charming shops.

Kingsbarns Beach is a beautiful, sandy beach located near the village of Kingsbarns in Fife. The beach offers stunning views of the North Sea and is a popular spot for walkers, swimmers, and surfers. Kingsbarns Beach is also known for its rich history, with nearby sites such as the Kingsbarns Golf Links and the Cambo Estate.

Rosemarkie Beach, located on the Black Isle near Inverness, is a wide, sandy beach that offers stunning views of the Moray Firth. The beach is a popular spot for dolphin watching, as the nearby Chanonry Point is one of the best places in Scotlandto see bottlenose dolphins. Rosemarkie Beach is also great for walking, swimming, and exploring the nearby Fairy Glen.

Yellowcraig Beach is a beautiful, family-friendly beach located in East Lothian, near the village of Dirleton. The beach offers golden sands and stunning views of the nearby Fidra Island and its lighthouse. Yellowcraig Beach is a great spot for picnics, walks, and beach games, and the surrounding area is rich in wildlife, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching.

Machir Bay is a stunning beach located on the west coast of the Isle of Islay. The beach offers wide, sandy shores and clear blue waters, surrounded by rolling dunes and rugged cliffs. Machir Bay is a great spot for surfing, walking, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The nearby Kilchoman Distillery adds a touch of local flavor to your visit.

Kiloran Bay is a beautiful, remote beach located on the Isle of Colonsay, one of Scotland’s lesser-known islands. The beach offers golden sands and clear blue waters, surrounded by rolling hills and rugged cliffs. Kiloran Bay is a perfect spot for a peaceful day out, with plenty of opportunities for walking, swimming, and wildlife watching.

Big Sand Beach, located near the village of Gairloch in the northwest Highlands, is a beautiful, sandy beach that offers stunning views of the nearby Torridon Mountains and the Isle of Skye. The beach is a popular spot for camping, walking, and water sports, and the surrounding area is rich in natural beauty and wildlife.

Coldingham Bay is a sheltered, sandy beach located on the east coast of Scotland, near the town of Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders. The beach offers calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. Coldingham Bay is also great for walking, with a coastal path that offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and countryside.

Portobello Beach is a popular urban beach located just a few miles from the center of Edinburgh. The beach offers wide, sandy shores and stunning views of the Firth of Forth. Portobello Beach is a great spot for a day out, with plenty of cafes, shops, and entertainment options nearby. The promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the beach itself is ideal for picnics, sunbathing, and swimming.

Morar Beach, located near the village of Morar in Lochaber, is a stunning beach known for its white sands and crystal-clear waters. The beach offers breathtaking views of the nearby islands of Rum and Eigg, and it’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk along the shore. Morar Beach is also a great spot for swimming, kayaking, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Loch Morlich Beach is a unique inland beach located in the Cairngorms National Park. The beach offers golden sands and clear waters, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Loch Morlich Beach is a popular spot for water sports, including kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing, and the nearby Glenmore Forest Park offers plenty of opportunities for walking and wildlife watching.

Dunnet Bay is a wide, sandy beach located on the north coast of Scotland, near the town of Thurso. The beach offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and the nearby Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on the British mainland. Dunnet Bay is a great spot for walking, surfing, and wildlife watching, with the area being home to a variety of seabirds and marine life.

Traigh Lar Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach located on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. The beach offers white sands and clear turquoise waters, surrounded by rugged hills and rocky outcrops. Traigh Lar Beach is a perfect spot for a peaceful day out, with plenty of opportunities for walking, swimming, and photography.

Nairn Beach is a popular family-friendly beach located on the Moray Firth coast, near the town of Nairn. The beach offers wide, sandy shores and stunning views of the nearby Black Isle and the distant mountains. Nairn Beach is a great spot for a day out, with plenty of space for picnics, beach games, and walking along the shoreline. The beach is also known for its impressive sunsets, making it a perfect spot for an evening stroll.

Scotland’s coastline is dotted with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, each offering something unique, from white sands and clear waters to dramatic cliffs and rugged landscapes.

These 30 beaches showcase the best of what Scotland has to offer, providing the perfect settings for relaxation, outdoor activities, and simply soaking in the natural beauty.