11 of the best beaches in Scotland

Along the Moray Firth you can find plenty of towns and beaches, and Findhorn isn’t to be missed! Findhorn Bay boasts a long stretch of white sandy beach and is a popular spot for an evening wander or for birdwatching. The Moray Firth is an ideal location for wildlife spotting too, with the firth often seeing seals, bottlenose dolphins, salmon and more.

The longest sandy beach on the Isle of Islay, The Big Strand stretches from Laggan Point in the north to Kintra in the south and is also known as Laggan Bay. Perfect for peaceful strolls, family days out, dog walkers, and keen watersport enthusiasts, this beach is an excellent choice for all. Backed by a stunning island to explore too, you’ve got plenty on your doorstep to uncover on Islay.

Accessed via one of the country's most scenic drives, the Bealach nà Ba, Applecross is located on the northwest coast of Scotland and features incredible scenery and landscapes. Applecross Beach is a sandy shore, backed by sand dunes and is a great spot for the kids to enjoy exploring. Venture around the rocky shoreline, stop in for food at the Applecross Inn, or visit Applecross Walled Garden too.

Located on the South Mainland of Shetland, Perrie Spiggie is one of the most picturesque beaches in Scotland. Also known as Peerie Voe, this beach features a mixture of sand and shingle shores, alongside unrivalled views, and intricate rock formations to admire. It’s a great spot to get away from it all and bask in tranquillity of the island. Bring a picnic along with you and dip your toes in the sea if it’s warm enough!

The Fife coastline is full of quaint towns, coves, beaches, and trails to explore, and Elie and Earlsferry fits right in. Home to a golden stretch of sandy shores, it’s the perfect place for a family day out at the beach, making sandcastles and enjoy a picnic or ice cream. Visit the viewpoint at Elie Harbour, try your hand at a range of watersports, or relax and rejuvenate at Elie Seaside Sauna.

Head to Dumfries and keep travelling south until you reach Southerness Beach. En route you can pass some incredible attractions and sights, including Caerlaverock Castle, Sweetheart Abbey and the River Nith. A great spot for keen sea kayakers, Southerness Beach boasts both sandy and rocky shores, with rock pools appearing at low tide to explore. Snap a few dramatic pictures with the distinctive lighthouse that is situated on the beach, enjoy beach strolls, and admire the breathtaking views across the Solway Firth.

There is something so refreshing about the breeze of the Outer Hebrides, and beaches on Harris and Lewis come close to perfection. Tolsta, a crofting village, is not far from Lewis' main town of Stornoway and this peaceful cove is hidden away from the road, ideal for a picnic stop.

Add to this the fascinating people and Gaelic culture, amazing archaeological stories and unparalleled vistas that stretch along the Hebridean Way, and no wonder that the Outer Hebrides have been hailed as one of the ‘Best of the World’ destinations for travellers in 2025 by National Geographic.

Beach fact: The white sandy beach is popular with surfers, with big swells forming in this exposed stretch of coastline.

Over in the north east Mainland, the harbour at 'Lossie' is flanked by two stunning beaches to the east and west. The east's pretty sand dunes and long stretches of white sand make it a lovely place to walk the dog, or just yourself, with views across to the harbour town. Or, why not explore the Covesea Lighthouse on the west side?

Beach fact: This isn't just one of the best beaches in Scotland - the gelato is amazing! Stop for a scoop at Miele's.

Here is a city beach with a bucket and spade-load of charm! With an art-deco inspired esplanade, the golden coastline stretches 3 km and is one of the best beaches in Scotland to see bottlenose dolphins in the summer or to try out some watersports. Head along the esplanade towards Footdee (pronounced 'Fittie') and discover a 19th century fishing village, with clusters of charming cottages originally built for fishermen working along the harbour.

Beach fact: Fresh seafood is still a local favourite here - try some of the catch served up in Moon Fish Café or Silver Darling in Aberdeen's city centre.

The Isle of Mull is famous for its geology so there are lots of amazing rocky beaches on the isle, but Calgary Bay stands out. Facing across to the isles of Tiree and Coll, it's easy to while away the hours here on a sunny day, with a little café selling hot drinks and ice cream nearby.

Beach fact: Keep an eye out for white-tailed sea eagles. A family of these fantastic birds have been successfully breeding on the Isle of Mull since 1985.

Just over an hour's drive from the capital, Coldingham Bay is one of several pristine beaches near Edinburgh, quietly situated along the Berwickshire coast. Popular with surfers and dog walkers alike, these sands are great for strolls, hitting the surf or befriending hermit crabs in rock pools. Walk from Coldingham to St Abbs along the Creel Path for more breathtaking wildlife and crystal-clear seas.

Beach fact: Coldingham is home to the Coldingham Priory, the former house of Benedictine monks with records dating back as far as 640 AD.