12 Best Beaches On The Islands Of Scotland
On the islands of Scotland, you are never far away from one of Scotland’s pristine beaches. This post lists 17 amazing beaches on the islands of Scotland.
Some of the nation’s fabulous stretches of sand enrich the landscape and provide visitors with numerous leisure activity opportunities. The best beaches include the soft white sands or Orkney and the Hebrides.
At one of these magnificent beaches, you can taste the salt in the air and hear the seabirds call to each another while the waves are crashing against the sand.
From wind-swept walks to chilly dips in the oceans, the beaches on the islands of Scotland offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation or adventure.
West Beach Berneray, North Uist
West Beach is huge as it is an impressive three-mile-long beach which is backed by high dunes and a border of grassy machair filled with rare orchids.
In 2009, the beaches at Berneray have been previously used to promote exotic beaches in Thai resorts. However, there is one major difference between the beaches in Thailand and Scotland, that is it is no way near as hot in Scotland.
West Beach has been included in Lonely Planet’s ‘the 20 best beaches in Europe’.
To the north, there is a wonderful view of the Harris mountains and a fresh Atlantic breeze makes this beach ideal for a long, peaceful walk.
The beach is connected to North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist via s small causeway.
Calgary Beach, Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull is a famous place for geology and there are lots of amazing rocky beaches on the isle. A trip to the Isle of Mull is not complete until you visit the mesmerising beach called Calgary Beach.
The name Calgary has been traced back to the Scots Gaelic for ‘beach of the meadow’. Calgary Beach is nestled in the headlands and wildflower-speckled grasses northwest of the island.
Also, the beach looks out onto the Isle of Coll and Tiree. Just up the road, there is an arts centre and café which sells hot drinks and ice cream.
Also, you can enjoy a glorious art in Nature woodland walk, with sculptures playing peekaboo from behind the trees. It is easy to spend the day here on a bright summer’s day.
Also, a family of white-tailed eagles that have been breeding near the beach since 1985, so make sure to keep an eye out for these fantastic birds.
Nearby Accommodation: Ard Na Mara
Coral Beach, Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is home to many of Scotland’s iconic sights. The island is well known for the Cuillin mountains, iconic land formations and cute small towns.
In the Waternish peninsula near Loch Dunvegan, is the beautiful beach called Claigan Coral Beach. Claigan Coral Beach has an instinct for Caribbean feeling about it.
On close inspection of the sand, you will find that calcified algae known as Maerl makes up the sand. Also, there are thousands of snail shells.
You can get excellent views of the beach from the little flat-topped hill behind the beach known as Cnoc Mor a Ghrobain.
Nearby Accommodation: Coral Cabins
Machir Bay, Isle of Islay
Machir Bay sweeps along the west coast of Islay, the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides. This beach is at Kilchoman and is often referred to as Kilchoman Beach.
Here, you can take picturesque walks up to the cliffs and spot spectacular sunsets. This beach is excellent for a relaxing walk on lovely sand or you can sit and soak in the stunning views.
WalkHighlands shows directions so you can explore the 2km sweep of the finest sands. A swim in the ocean may be tempting, however, this is not recommended as the currents are strong here.
At low tide, you may be able to see the Ostranto Shipwreck.
The beach is not far from Kilchoman Distillery. After the walk, you can always pop into the distillery and enjoy a lovely coffee and they have toilet facilities.
Nearby Accommodation: Killinallan Cottage
Fidden Bay, Isle of Mull
A stunning beach filled with shell-sand coves and pink granite outcrops. The beach is located one mile from Fionnphort and it is a popular campsite in the summer.
The beach is a stunning west-facing beach so it is a perfect place to watch a sunset. You can watch the granite rock turn deep red.
In the waters of Fidden Bay, there is an archipelago of skerries and small islands which makes it a perfect place to explore with your kayak or canoe.
Also, you can explore the tidal island called Island of Erraid, which is featured in the novel “Kidnapped”.
Fidden Bay is included in “The Pottie Loop”, a six-mile walk which takes in the contrasting features of the coastline, woodland and moorland in the Ross of Mull.
Nearby Accommodation: Colonsay Cabin
Vatersay Bay, Isle of Barra
The Isle of Barra is a peaceful Hebridean island located south of the Island of Uist. There is a series of unspoilt beaches, surrounded by undulating dunes and rich machair grasses.
Moreover, there are glorious wildflowers which bloom in the summer months. At Vatersay Bay, the waters are a nice blue-green colour and the dunes shine white in the sun.
The Isle of Vatersay is home to three beaches – Traigh a Bhaigh, Traigh Shiar and Bagh A’Deas in the south. The Hebridean Way begins on the strip of land between Traigh a Bhaigh and Traigh Shiar.
The Annie Jane was wrecked in the bay in 1853, look out for the memorial to the 350 passengers. Also, there is the wreckage of a Catalina Flying Boat can be seen on the side of the road on the north side of the bay.
St Ninians Beach, Shetland
When you are on Shetland, you are never too far away from a beach. There are so many options to choose from, but by far, one beach that sticks out is St Ninian’s Isle.
The beach is a simple stretch of sand which stretches from mainland Shetland to the enchanting jewel of St Ninian’s Isle. A circular 6km walk will allow you to set foot across one of the most impressive tombolos in Europe.
It is believed that this spectacular sand tombolo is the largest in the UK. You can stroll on the natural walkway between the two parts of the land to feel like you are in the middle of the ocean. It is a very special experience.
The quarter-mile-long band of sand is a perfect place for swimmers and it is a great way to go for those who wish to explore St Ninian’s Isle. On St Ninian’s Isle, you can visit the ruins of a 12th-century chapel.
Hikers can explore the stark landscape and embrace the clifftop scenery. Be aware that the beach is unusually submerged in the winter months, thus, St Ninians is a seasonal destination.
Nearby Accommodation: Roadside Cottage
Luskentyre Beach, Isle of harris
Without a doubt, Luskentyre Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in the Outer Hebrides. You will get a taste of the Caribbean on the south of the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
When the sun is shining and the tide is out this beach is one of the most beautiful sights you can see. Luskentyre Beach is one of Scotland’s great outdoor pleasures.
The chilly Atlantic Ocean means that this beach may not be the place to enjoy a leisurely swim. Walk along the beach for gorgeous views across the sea to the Island of Taransay.
However, it is a great option for hiking. Also, there are gorgeous gentle hills surrounding the beach and the sands are pristine with clear blue waters.
You can embark on a circular 2.5-mile rail which snakes through the sand dunes. Luskentyre Beach is also known as Traigh Rosamol Beach.
This is a great place for swimming, paddle boarding and spotting wildlife. Also, Shieleboist and Niosaboist are located on the other side of the estuary.
Nearby Accommodation: 1 Luskentyre
Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris
A little further down a winding road on the Isle of Harris. You will come across Luskentyre’s less famous sibling – Scarista (Sgarasta Mhor).
The route to the beach is very scenic and the views across the hills of Harris are amazing. The wide white expanse of sand faces into the turquoise shallows of the Sound of Taransay.
There are machair meadows and a wide range of wildlife. When you arrive at Scarista you may be lucky enough to see eagles, seals or deer when you visit Scarista.
One of the finest beaches on the Isle of Harris that can be mistaken for someplace tropical.
Nearby Accommodation: St Clement’s Croft
Tolsta Beach, Isle of Lewis
In the Outer Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis, you can experience a supreme refreshing breeze on one of the island’s pristine beaches.
Tolsta is a crofting village not too far from the main town on the Isle of Lewis.
The peaceful cove is hidden away from the road and it is one of the most perfect beaches for a picnic.
The white sandy beach is popular with surfers and big swells form in the exposed stretch of coastline.
Nearby you can walk across a deep gorge on the concrete Bridge to Nowhere (Garry Bridge).
This track literally takes you nowhere, and you can go on an adventure exploring the cliff tops which offer spectacular views.
Nearby Accommodation: Broad Bay House
Bosta Beach, Great Bernera Island
Another gem located in the Outer Hebrides is Bosta Beach, also, known as Traigh Bhostadh. The crescent-shaped beach lies at the farthest end of Great Bernera Island.
To get to the beach you can follow signs from the island’s only village called Breacleit. The coastal trail is spectacular and stretches for five miles.
Bosta beach is an ideal location to spend an afternoon relaxing in the sand. Also, you can not miss the Time and Tide Bell, an art installation that spans different parts of the UK.
There are 12 bells in total, scattered around the UK. one of which lies just off the white, sandy beach. The bell rings at high tide.
Nearby Accommodation: Callanish View
Seilebost Beach, Isle of Harris
Opposite Luskentyre Sands is a stretch of sand called Seilebost Bay on the south side of the bay. Seilebost Beach (Traigh Sheileboist) was once voted one of the top ten best beaches in the world.
Also, there is a small camping site. The beach has a fantastic white sandy beach and the water is a beautiful tropical blue.
It is very hard to describe how beautiful this beach is. It has to be seen to be believed.
Nearby Accommodation: Taigh Rona
Where are the white sand beaches in Scotland?
Most of Scotland’s white sand beaches are located on the west coast and the islands of Scotland. There is so much coastline in the Scottish Isles that a magical beach is not hard to find.
Some highlights on the islands include Luskentyre Sands, Langamull Beach, Eolinarry Beach, Traigh Lar and Bhatarsaigh Bay.
What is the warmest coast in Scotland?
It is believed that the west coast of Scotland is warmer due to the gulf stream bringing in warm water.
The water on the west coast may be warmer however the waters are still very cold as Scotland’s is quite far north.
The island of Scotland is constantly being battered by wind so regardless of the temperatures it may feel a lot colder than it actually is.
Final Note
There are hundreds of miles of coastline along the islands of Scotland. From the satellite images above, you can sport the turquoise waters and white sands against the grey rocky outcrops of the island.
The islands of Scotland are definitely worth the visit and the beaches of these islands are just an extra added bonus.
For an Instagram-worthy photograph head to the islands of Scotland. The beaches on the islands of Scotland will have your followers wondering where you getting the tropical images from.
Explore the Isle of Arran, the Isle of Cumbrae and the Isle of Bute for more beaches. There are so many mesmerising beaches to find in the Inner and Outer Hebrides.