11 of the best beaches in Scotland

Along the Moray Firth, you’ll find plenty of charming towns and beaches, and Findhorn is not to be missed! Findhorn Bay boasts a long stretch of white sandy beach, perfect for an evening stroll or some birdwatching. The Moray Firth is also a fantastic spot for wildlife, with seals, bottlenose dolphins, salmon, and more often spotted in its waters.

The Big Strand, the longest sandy beach on the Isle of Islay, 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 sits on the northwest coast of Scotland and offers incredible scenery and landscapes. Applecross Beach is a sandy shore backed by sand dunes, making it a perfect spot for the kids to explore. Venture around the rocky shoreline, stop for a bite at the Applecross Inn, or visit the charming Applecross Walled Garden.

Located on the South Mainland of Shetland, Scousburgh Sands is a long, sweeping beach known for its wide open space and white sands, backed by dunes, undulating farmland and expansive views of the turquoise bay. It’s a tranquil spot, offering plenty of room to relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

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 – making sandcastles, enjoying a picnic, or treating yourself to an ice cream. Take in the views from 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. Along the way, you'll 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 to explore at low tide. Capture dramatic pictures of the distinctive lighthouse that is situated on the beach, enjoy relaxing 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 not far from Lewis' main town of Stornoway, is a peaceful cove tucked 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 it's no wonder that the Outer Hebrides have been named one of the ‘Best of the World’ destinations 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 northeast Mainland, the harbour at 'Lossie' is flanked by two stunning beaches to the east and west. The eastern beach, with its pretty sand dunes and long stretches of white sand, is perfect for a walk with your dog – or just yourself – while enjoying views across to the harbour town. On the west side, why not explore the striking Covesea Lighthouse?

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 spot bottlenose dolphins in the summer or 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 Moonfish Café or The 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 really stands out. Overlooking the isles of Tiree and Coll, it's the perfect spot to while away the hours on a sunny day, with a nearby café selling hot drinks and ice cream.

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 tucked 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 the 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.