12 Scottish harbours & seaside towns you must visit

Just thirty miles east of Edinburgh, Dunbar is framed by rugged cliffs, sweeping beaches, and rolling countryside – perfect for walkers, nature lovers, and families. Interesting fact: Dunbar was the birthplace of John Muir, the celebrated naturalist and “Father of America’s National Parks.” You’ll be stunned by the dramatic ruins of Dunbar Castle, a reminder of centuries of battles and royal intrigue, it was even a refuge at one stage for Mary, Queen of Scots!

Today, Dunbar’s coastline is bustling with fishing boats and watersports enthusiasts – Belhaven Bay is a famous surfing spot. The High Street brims with unique shops, galleries, and welcoming locals. There is a great selection of cafés, pubs, and restaurants offering fresh seafood and Scottish specialties in the town.

Oban is a must-visit seaside town on Scotland’s west coast, known for its exquisite harbour views. Often called the “Gateway to the Isles”, Oban’s bustling ferry port connects travellers to the Hebrides – but it’s not just a stopping point! Visitors can soak up the atmosphere along the waterfront, enjoy a walk to the iconic McCaig’s Tower or explore local whisky at the Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest.

The town’s interesting Victorian architecture, friendly locals, and lovely seafood restaurants make it a really special place. When it’s time to eat, be sure to try the local catch at well-known spots like the Oban Seafood Hut right on the pier, or EE-USK.

Tobermory, the capital of Mull, is one of the prettiest ports in Scotland, thanks to its colourful houses and a sheltered bay where rumour has it a Spanish Armada ship sank in 1588 carrying gold bullion. In the mood for seafood? Café Fish, The Mishnish Hotel and the Fisherman’s Pier Fish & Chip Van all cater for hungry travellers. 

Portpatrick’s chilled out pace makes it perfect for those seeking a peaceful getaway. The town’s location on the Southern Upland Way offers superb clifftop walks with sweeping views of the sea and opportunities to spot wildlife from the shoreline. History lovers will enjoy the atmospheric ruins of Dunskey Castle, just a short walk from the village, as well as the remains of the Old Parish Church, whose graveyard tells stories of shipwrecks and local heritage.

Beautiful beaches like Killantringan Bay and the smaller Sandeel Bay invite visitors to explore rockpools, caves, and hidden coves. Day trips to the spectacular Mull of Galloway lighthouse, Castle Kennedy Gardens, and Logan Botanic Garden are all easy to do. Local restaurants include the Crown Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Campbell’s Restaurant and the Waterfront Hotel and Bistro.

The East Neuk town of Crail is a pretty patchwork of cobbled streets and fishing cottages, centred around an attractive harbour. In the summertime, it is a great place to walk around and explore, stopping to watch the fishing boats and enjoy an ice cream. Like other towns along the Fife coast, it is easy to access the Fife Coastal Path from Crail which stretches for over 100 miles around the area. Crail Fish Bar & Café and Reilly Shellfish Hut are brilliant places to stop for a bite to eat. 

Scalloway is a historic seaside village with colourful old houses lining the waterfront as well as the ruins of Scalloway Castle nearby. Once the ancient capital of Shetland, Scalloway is steeped in centuries of maritime tradition, from Bronze Age settlers to its role as a base during World War II. You’re bound to fall in love with the amazing views across the natural harbour, looking out to other islands.

Scalloway is also a working fishing port and a hub for local life, it has a fascinating museum and a welcoming atmosphere. Looking for places to eat? Enjoy fresh local seafood at friendly spots like the Da Haaf Restaurant, with its lovely views over Scalloway and Trondra, or the family-run Cornerstone café for hearty home-style meals.

Pennan is a tiny fishing hamlet consisting of little more than a single row of whitewashed stone cottages tucked between a cliff and the sea. The village leapt into the limelight when the British movie Local Hero was filmed here in 1982. The town has an attractive harbour which is a great place to spot wildlife – including dolphins! Stop for a bite to eat at the Pennan Inn or Coastal Cuppie. 

Troon is a charming west coast seaside town and a great destination for a day out at the beach or a relaxed seaside holiday. Overlooking the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig, the bustling harbour is home to Ayrshire's fish market, which supplies freshly-caught fish and seafood to local restaurants like Scott’s Bar & Restaurant and MacCallum’s Oyster Bar. 

Nestled on the shores of Loch Broom in the northwest Highlands, and celebrated for its dramatic scenery, Ullapool is a classic Highland destination. Designed by Thomas Telford in 1788 as a planned fishing village, the town’s charming streets are lined with original whitewashed houses, historic churches, and reminders of its seafaring past. Wester Ross and the Northern Highlands are on the doorstep and the town is surrounded by ancient forts, Viking relics, and evidence of Bronze Age settlements.

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy, from the pebble beaches of Ardmair Bay to the dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge, one of Scotland’s most spectacular waterfalls. After a day of discovery, relax at one of the town’s friendly pubs or seafood restaurants, where fresh local catches and Highland hospitality await.

Picturesque Stonehaven has dramatic cliffs, a historic harbour, and the iconic Dunnottar Castle just along the road. The town is a great place to set off on a walk to this must-see landmark perched on a rocky headland further up the coast. There are plenty of standout spots to enjoy a bite to eat in the town itself. The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant, set right on the harbour wall, offers a relaxed seaside option with spectacular views. And if you’re craving classic fish and chips, The Bay Fish & Chips is a favourite beachfront spot. For something a little different, Carron to Mumbai brings contemporary Indian cuisine to Stonehaven in a stylish 1930s building with a sunken garden.

Portmahomack’s idyllic location on the Easter Ross peninsula makes it popular with leisure crafts and the village is a peaceful place to visit. A broad sandy beach runs west from the historic fishing village and there is a quiet harbour on the north side where boats can be anchored. While here you could walk out along the coast to the Tarbat Ness Lighthouse, the tallest on the Scottish mainland. Try eating at The Oystercatcher or enjoy a light bite at Carnegie Hall café. 

Durness is the most north westerly village in the British mainland and it boasts spectacular scenery with a rocky coastline, pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Nearby Smoo Cave is a must visit, a dramatic hole in a sheer limestone cliff. With vast open spaces on its doorstep, Durness is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle! Stop for a bite to eat at Sango Sands Oasis Restaurant & Bar.