The 8 best beaches in Scotland

Scotland might be best known for its dramatic Highlands, historic castles, and misty lochs – but its coastline hides some of the most breathtaking beaches in the UK, if not the world. From windswept, remote shores to golden bays perfect for family days out, Scotland's beaches offer something for everyone. Whether you're chasing turquoise waters and white sands that rival the Caribbean, or you’re after peaceful strolls and a dose of salty sea air, there’s a beach here waiting to surprise you.

In this guide, we’ll take you through eight of the best beaches Scotland has to offer, each chosen for its unique charm, scenic beauty, and the experiences it provides. No beach is the same here, making your tour of Scottish beaches an adventure in itself. You’ll find serene havens on the West Coast, lively seaside escapes in the east, and remote island paradises that feel like well-kept secrets. Along the way, we’ll highlight what makes each beach special – whether it’s ideal for a swim, wildlife spotting, a romantic walk, or simply soaking in the views.

So, grab your flipflops and camera, pack a picnic, and maybe even a wetsuit – it’s time to discover the wild and wonderful coastal gems that make Scotland’s shores so unforgettable.

Achmelvich Beach, Scottish Highlands

Achmelvich Beach is renowned for its powdery white sands and striking turquoise waters. The beach is a popular stop on the North Coast 500 route and accessible via a single-track road from Lochinver. Here you can enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, and rock pooling, especially during the warmer months when the water temperature becomes inviting for a refreshing dip. The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing for mackerel. 

For those seeking adventure beyond the shoreline, the coastal paths provide scenic hikes taking you to places like ‘Alltan'abradhan’, a secluded cove featuring a historic grain mill and hidden sandy bay. Another intriguing landmark is the Hermit's Castle, a quirky 1960s structure perched on a headland, accessible via a short walk from the beach. The nearby village of Lochinver offers some of Scotland’s best fresh seafood – perfect for a tasty meal.

Luskentyre Sands, Isle of Harris

If you are looking to get away to the wilderness but have a taste for sand and sea, Luskentyre Beach is one to put on the wish list. If you hit a sunny day, the area could be mistaken for somewhere more tropical like Fiji or Greece, with its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. Located to the west of the island, it has gorgeous views over to the small island of Taransay, which, if you have a canoe, you can easily reach.

Seals, dolphins, otters and sea eagles can all be spotted from Luskentyre Beach, and for those interested in photography, the beach provides ample opportunities to capture the breathtaking scenery, especially during sunrise or sunset. You really could spend a whole day here playing in the sea, building sandcastles, nature spotting and relaxing with that amazing view. For more on the island, read our guide to Harris.

Aberdeen Beach, Aberdeen

Located just a short distance from the city centre, Aberdeen Beach is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The beach stretches along the North Sea coast, offering a golden sandy shoreline that's perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, or simply relaxing by the water. The promenade is lined with Victorian railings, benches, and sheltered pavilion seating, providing a comfortable setting to enjoy the sea breeze. 

For nature enthusiasts, the northern end of the beach, where the River Don meets the sea, is a great spot for birdwatching, with opportunities to see waders, terns, and even seals. Beyond the beach, families can enjoy Codona's Amusement Park, while those interested in indoor activities can visit the Beach Leisure Centre or the Linx Ice Arena. The nearby Beach Ballroom hosts various events and dance classes throughout the year. 

St Cyrus Beach, Angus

St Cyrus Beach is a 3-mile-long beach set on the East Coast of Scotland, south of Aberdeen, starting at the small village of St Cyrus and ending at the mouth of the North Esk River. This welcoming beach is part of the National Nature Reserve, and many come here to enjoy its spacious setting and all the freedom and wildlife that comes with it.

Hours can be spent going on long walks beside the sea, admiring the magnificent cliffs and playing in the waves – with it being such a wide beach, it is easy to find a quiet spot for a game of beach volleyball or cricket. The kids will enjoy the boarded walks, discovering starfish, minnows and crabs in the rock pools and learning all about the ocean, as well as building sandcastles and sculptures.

Nairn Beach, Moray Firth

A picturesque destination renowned for its expansive golden sands and scenic dunes; some say Nairn Beach is the widest beach in the Highlands. It is divided into several sections, each offering unique attractions. Central Beach is ideal for families, featuring a promenade, picnic areas, and the Nairn Splashpad. West Beach is perfect for beachcombing, with its rock pools and opportunities for wild swimming. For those seeking solitude, Whiteness Beach provides a tranquil setting with pristine sand dunes and fewer people.

The Nairn Links, a large grassy area next to the beach, is perfect for picnics and kite flying, while the outdoor gym and play parks are ideal for children. Adventurers can explore the Moray Firth's waters with kayaking sessions offered by the Nairn Kayak Centre, while Nairn Harbour offers boat trips where visitors can spot local wildlife, including dolphins and seals, which makes for a great day out.

Langamull Beach, Isle of Mull

Tucked away on the Isle of Mull, this hidden gem is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets. Just a short ferry ride from Oban, the island welcomes you with jaw-dropping beauty. On a sunny day, make this your very first stop – you won’t be disappointed. With powdery white-shell sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the stunning surroundings and fresh air. The panoramic views across to the islands of Eigg and Rum are among the finest in the country, so be sure to keep your camera close!

This is the kind of beach you go to when you want to get away from it all. And as it’s more secluded and found at the end of a farm track, it’s not as busy as some of the other beaches in Scotland – which might be just what you need. Lay your towel down and enjoy some peace and quiet, take a dip in the sea , and let the kids play for hours.

Mellon Udrigle, Wester Ross

This is another hidden gem on the West Coast of Scotland, which is off the beaten track and more secluded than others. With clear, turquoise water and clean white sand, the beach’s location is spectacular. It can be easily reached from the likes of Gairloch, Poolewe and Ullapool by taking a small coastal road (the A832) which has views over to Gruinard Island. The views out across this beach are immense, with stretches of clear ocean ahead of you and the West Coast mountains in the distance.

Being a wild beach, there are no facilities, but if you love adventure, you can bring your own equipment to canoe or kayak out into the ocean. The coastline around here offers lots of wildlife to spot, including sea birds, otters, seals, and even basking sharks and whales. This is the perfect spot to come and unwind during your action-packed trip to the Highlands.  

Findhorn Beach, Moray Firth

Located on the Moray Coast, Findhorn Beach is renowned for its expansive, 7-mile stretch of fine white sand, rugged dunes and tranquil atmosphere. The beach is easily accessible from the village – a little haven of seaside cottages, quirky eateries, pretty gift shops and windy streets. Admire the many boats, enjoy leisurely walks along the shoreline, explore the Findhorn Bay Nature Reserve, or observe local wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and ospreys.

The beach is also home to colourful beach huts, the remnants of World War II tank traps, and the Findhorn Heritage Centre, which provides insights into the area's history. There is even a hippy commune called the Findhorn Foundation which is home to a unique and welcoming community. Whether you're interested in outdoor activities, wildlife watching, or simply relaxing by the sea, Findhorn Beach offers a serene and picturesque setting.

Map of the best beaches in Scotland 

Discover these eight brilliant beaches with the help of our interactive map. With so many beautiful beaches across Scotland, there really is a surprise around every corner.

Coastal cottages in Scotland

We hope you have enjoyed our guide to the eight best Scottish beaches. If you're bringing your four-legged friend, check out our guide to the best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland. 

Although we have featured some great holiday accommodation throughout, we also have a full collection of coastal cottages which offer great bases for adventures along Scotland’s coastline.