The Best Beaches in Scotland: A Guide to Must-See Places

With its miles of rugged coastline, Scotland is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. From pristine white sands to dramatic rocky coves, Scotland has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a secluded escape or a lively beach town, Scotland’s beaches have something to offer every beach lover. Here’s our guide to some of the best beaches in Scotland.

1. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris

Luskentyre Beach is a stunning, unspoilt beach located on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. This white sandy beach stretches for three miles and is backed by grassy machair dunes and towering cliffs. The sand is so white that it sparkles in the sun and the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic ocean are perfect for swimming. The beach is also a great spot for wildlife spotting, with a wide variety of birds and sea creatures to be found.

Luskentyre Beach is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of rock pools to explore and caves to explore. There’s also a range of water sports available, including surfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking. With its remote location and spectacular views, Luskentyre Beach is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

2. Portobello Beach, Edinburgh

Portobello Beach is a popular beach located just a few miles from Edinburgh city centre. The beach is just over a mile long and is backed by a range of colourful beach huts. The beach is a great spot for swimming, as the waters are relatively calm and the beach is well-maintained. There’s also a range of water sports available, including stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

Portobello Beach is a great spot for a day out, with plenty of restaurants and cafes lining the beachfront. There’s also a range of beach activities to enjoy, including beach volleyball and a range of beachside games. With its close proximity to Edinburgh and its lively atmosphere, Portobello Beach is one of Scotland’s most popular beaches.

3. Sanna Bay, Argyll and Bute

Sanna Bay is a stunning beach located near Arisaig in Argyll and Bute. The beach is a beautiful white sand beach, backed by grassy machair dunes and towering cliffs. The crystal clear waters of the Atlantic ocean are perfect for swimming, and the beach is also a popular spot for surfing and kitesurfing. The beach is well-maintained and is a great spot for a day out.

Sanna Bay is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of rock pools to explore and a range of wildlife to spot. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with its spectacular views and dramatic cliffs. With its remote location and stunning scenery, Sanna Bay is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

4. Balnakeil Beach, Sutherland

Balnakeil Beach is a stunning beach located near the village of Durness in Sutherland. The beach is a beautiful golden sand beach, backed by towering cliffs and grassy machair dunes. The crystal clear waters of the Atlantic ocean are perfect for swimming, and the beach is also a popular spot for surfing and kitesurfing. The beach is well-maintained and is a great spot for a day out.

Balnakeil Beach is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of rock pools to explore and a range of wildlife to spot. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with its spectacular views and dramatic cliffs. With its remote location and stunning scenery, Balnakeil Beach is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

5. Elie Beach, Fife

Elie Beach is a stunning beach located near the village of Elie in Fife. The beach is a white sand beach, backed by grassy sand dunes and towering cliffs. The crystal clear waters of the North Sea are perfect for swimming, and the beach is also a popular spot for fishing and surfing. The beach is well-maintained and is a great spot for a day out.

Elie Beach is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of rock pools to explore and a range of wildlife to spot. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with its spectacular views and dramatic cliffs. With its close proximity to Edinburgh and its stunning scenery, Elie Beach is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

6. Sandwood Bay, Sutherland

Sandwood Bay is a stunning beach located near the village of Kinlochbervie in Sutherland. The beach is a beautiful white sand beach, backed by grassy sand dunes and towering cliffs. The crystal clear waters of the Atlantic ocean are perfect for swimming, and the beach is also a popular spot for surfing and kitesurfing. The beach is well-maintained and is a great spot for a day out.

Sandwood Bay is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of rock pools to explore and a range of wildlife to spot. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with its spectacular views and dramatic cliffs. With its remote location and stunning scenery, Sandwood Bay is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

7. Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig

Camusdarach Beach is a stunning beach located near the village of Arisaig in Argyll and Bute. The beach is a beautiful white sand beach, backed by grassy machair dunes and towering cliffs. The crystal clear waters of the Atlantic ocean are perfect for swimming, and the beach is also a popular spot for surfing and kitesurfing. The beach is well-maintained and is a great spot for a day out.

Camusdarach Beach is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of rock pools to explore and a range of wildlife to spot. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with its spectacular views and dramatic cliffs. With its remote location and stunning scenery, Camusdarach Beach is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

8. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

Bamburgh Beach is a stunning beach located near the village of Bamburgh in Northumberland. The beach is a beautiful golden sand beach, backed by grassy sand dunes and towering cliffs. The crystal clear waters of the North Sea are perfect for swimming, and the beach is also a popular spot for fishing and surfing. The beach is well-maintained and is a great spot for a day out.

Bamburgh Beach is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of rock pools to explore and a range of wildlife to spot. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with its spectacular views and dramatic cliffs. With its close proximity to Edinburgh and its stunning scenery, Bamburgh Beach is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

9. Largs Beach, Ayrshire

Largs Beach is a stunning beach located near the town of Largs in Ayrshire. The beach is a white sand beach, backed by grassy sand dunes and towering cliffs. The crystal clear waters of the Firth of Clyde are perfect for swimming, and the beach is also a popular spot for fishing and surfing. The beach is well-maintained and is a great spot for a day out.

Largs Beach is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of rock pools to explore and a range of wildlife to spot. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with its spectacular views and dramatic cliffs. With its close proximity to Glasgow and its stunning scenery, Largs Beach is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

10. St. Andrews Beach, Fife

St. Andrews Beach is a stunning beach located near the town of St. Andrews in Fife. The beach is a beautiful white sand beach, backed by grassy sand dunes and towering cliffs. The crystal clear waters of the North Sea are perfect for swimming, and the beach is also a popular spot for fishing and surfing. The beach is well-maintained and is a great spot for a day out.

St. Andrews Beach is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of rock pools to explore and a range of wildlife to spot. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with its spectacular views and dramatic cliffs. With its close proximity to Edinburgh and its stunning scenery, St. Andrews Beach is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

11. Lunan Bay, Angus

Lunan Bay is a stunning beach located near the village of Montrose in Angus. The beach is a beautiful white sand beach, backed by grassy sand dunes and towering cliffs. The crystal clear waters of the North Sea are perfect for swimming, and the beach is also a popular spot for fishing and surfing. The beach is well-maintained and is a great spot for a day out.

Lunan Bay is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of rock pools to explore and a range of wildlife to spot. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with its spectacular views and dramatic cliffs. With its close proximity to Dundee and its stunning scenery, Lunan Bay is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

12. Lossiemouth Beach, Moray

Lossiemouth Beach is a stunning beach located near the town of Lossiemouth in Moray. The beach is a white sand beach, backed by grassy sand dunes and towering cliffs. The crystal clear waters of the Moray Firth are perfect for swimming, and the beach is also a popular spot for fishing and surfing. The beach is well-maintained and is a great spot for a day out.

Lossiemouth Beach is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of rock pools to explore and a range of wildlife to spot. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with its spectacular views and dramatic cliffs. With its close proximity to Inverness and its stunning scenery, Lossiemouth Beach is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

From the rugged coastline of the Outer Hebrides to the golden sands of Northumberland, Scotland is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for a secluded escape or a lively beach town, Scotland’s beaches have something to offer every beach lover. From white sand beaches to dramatic rocky coves, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags and hit the beach – Scotland awaits!