Scotland may not be the first place you think of when it comes to a beach break, but the country has a vast array of sandy coastlines, lochs and over 900 offshore islands, perfect for seasoned beachgoers, enthusiastic outdoor adventurers or those looking for the next spur-of-the-moment weekend away.
If you fancy embracing what will hopefully be a sunny end to the summer by listening to the gentle lull of the waves, swimming in turquoise waters, embracing that sand-between-the-toes feeling, and enjoying a locally-churned ice cream, then head to one of Scotland’s plethora of stunning beaches.
Whether it's on the coast or inland, why not combine your trip with visits to pretty villages, lively days out in the city, or nature and wildlife tours?
Here, we look at a dozen of Scotland’s best beaches, from sandy stretches in the north to secluded sanctuaries in the south, plus where to stay and what to do to make the most out of your trip.
1. Nairn Beach, Highlands
This superb sandy beach in the heart of picturesque Nairn is popular with families, particularly in the summer months. Be sure to keep an eye on the horizon for the resident school of dolphins leaping, playing and hunting Atlantic salmon in the Moray Firth.
For bed and breakfast, the modernised mid-Victorian Cawdor House in the town centre is just a 10-minute stroll from the award-winning beach. There's also a wide range of coastal walks in either direction, with a stunning nature reserve at Kingsteps in the east and a beautiful viewpoint to the west.
2. Loch Morlich, Aviemore
A hidden gem in the Cairngorms, and although technically not a beach, the shore of Loch Morlich feels like one. Surrounded by forests and fringed by sandy stretches, this vast expanse of tranquil water is the perfect spot for a paddle.
Loch Morlich Watersports provides stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaks, canoes and mountain bikes. Or you could just unwind with an ice cream at the Boathouse Café. The small-scale lodgings at The Lazy Duck all have their own space in a six-acre homestead. Choose from The Woodman's Hut, The Homestead, Basecamp or The Lookout.
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3. Aberdeen Beach
Spend the morning sightseeing in the Granite City before heading to the sandy shores of Aberdeen Beach. With a range of cafés and restaurants, a fun fair and cinema (just in case the heavens open), it makes for an excellent afternoon outing.
Although close to the buzz of the city, the glamping pods at Deeside Holiday Park are a tranquil retreat in the southern valley of the River Dee, and are ideal for families, couples or groups of friends.
Venture slightly further to take in the fresh sea air at Greyhope Bay, including the newly opened viewing centre at Torry Battery, which is considered the best place in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins.
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4. Smirisary, Glenuig, Lochailort
Immerse yourself in a seatrekking adventure, commencing from Fort William in July, and discover the west coast of Scotland from a unique perspective.
A blend of coasteering, snorkelling and wild swimming, a trip with SeatrekScotland is sure to exhilarate the senses as you discover the variety of wildlife, venture to the hard-to-reach rocky outcrops and bask in the sunshine with lunch on a secluded sandy beach.
Set among trees and with a private veranda reaching out over the river, the romantic Riverbeds Luxury Wee Lodges provide a luxurious hideaway. There are hot tubs too.
5. Calgary beach, Mull
No matter the time of year – rain, hail or shine – the beaches on the Isle of Mull are the perfect place for an afternoon walk, followed by a hot coffee or ice cream crafted by locals.
Influencing the name of the Canadian city, Calgary Beach is nestled on the north of Mull and is flanked by cliffs overlooking Coll and Tiree. The crystal-clear waters and stretches of silver sands are sure to take visitors’ breaths away.
Built in 1857, Rubha Nan Gall Lighthouse Cottage is a comfortable holiday home for up to six guests and is just a short walk from Tobermory where you sip a dram of malt whisky and learn how it’s made.
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6. Waterfront Place, Dundee
There's a lot going on in Dundee this summer. The undisputed capital of comics, ‘Beanotown’ is staging the Dundee Summer (Bash) Streets Festival (July 14-24). Meanwhile, designed to reflect the city’s coastal geography with dune-like landscaping, Waterfront Place’s urban beach installation is conveniently situated adjacent to the V&A, Scotland’s first design museum. Here, little ones can build sandcastles and make the most of the maritime-themed interactive play park.
Out in the Angus countryside, you can choose from a hot tub or a star-gazing window at Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort Shepherd Huts.
Venture slightly further afield and catch a train to the glorious Broughty Ferry Beach for a spot of windsurfing, swimming, kayaking or canoeing.
7. Balephuil Bay, Isle of Tiree
Dubbed the ‘Hawaii of the North’, Tiree provides a tranquil paradise for holidaymakers. With its Caribbean-like white-shell beaches and turquoise waters, Balephuil Bay is the perfect place for a swim and a firm favourite with surfers, thanks to the warm waters brought in by the Gulf Stream.
Be sure to take your binoculars, as this is a nature-lovers’ paradise. For those eager to stay in touch with the wild side of Tiree, Balinoe Campsite Pods provide basic camping facilities, but visitors will need to bring sleeping bags and it is recommended to also bring a camping mattress.
8. Ganavan Sands, Oban
Inverlonan Bothies are only accessible by boat, bicycle, foot or buggy and nestle gently among the ancient oaks on the shores of Loch Nell. These architecturally designed cabins offer rough luxury, seclusion and the chance to disconnect from day-to-day life.
However, those looking to turn it up a gear can explore Oban and Argyll by bike with the launch of the ScotRail Highland Explorer service, which runs from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban.
Visit Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds before arriving at Ganavan Bay, which boasts picturesque sandy beaches, still waters – perfect for stand-up paddleboarding – and great views out to Mull, Lismore and Morven.
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9. Fife Coastal Path, The Kingdom of Fife
Starting from Kincardine Bridge in the south, to the Tay Road Bridge in the north, the 81-mile (130km) Fife Coastal Path passes through several quaint fishing villages – ideal for an ice-cream pitstop, in between beholding historic castles and exploring caves alongside an abundance of wildlife.
After taking in the spectacular views of the coast and surrounding beaches, be sure to end the day with an award-winning fish supper in Anstruther Harbour.
Situated near Newburgh, The Snug at Logie Farm offers a pair of luxury ‘Armadilla’ pods which come complete with hot tubs and breathtaking views of the River Tay.
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10. Portobello Beach, Edinburgh
Those craving both a city and beach break should look no further than the Scottish capital. Auld Reekie is often celebrated for its famous castle, summer festivals and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, but it is also a prime location for wild swimming.
Portobello Beach’s slightly chilly waters are a firm favourite, and there are excellent cafés and restaurants to warm up in along the promenade.
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If you’re looking for somewhere reasonably priced and quirky to stay, The Four Sisters Boatel’s self-catering, wide-beam canal barges are located in the very heart of Edinburgh city centre.
11. Lunderston Bay, Inverkip
The Sherbrooke Castle Hotel has been recently refurbished and is only five minutes from the centre of Glasgow. Also, not too far from the city is Lunderston Bay, a perfect spot for families to kick back and relax.
The vast grassy area provides plenty of space for playing games and leads down to the sandy beach and pebble shores, ideal for rock pooling.
A mere stone’s throw away, visitors can also enjoy a snack in the town of Gourock and take a dip in Gourock’s heated outdoor pool while taking in the spectacular views of the Clyde Estuary.
Those looking to go slightly further afield can head to the charming seaside town of Troon in Ayrshire, which has onsite showers adjacent to its stunning beach where you can rinse down sandy toes.
12. Brighouse Bay, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway
The tick list of a summer holiday isn’t complete without a road trip. A lesser-known alternative to the North Coast 500, the South West Coastal 300 route showcases the finest scenery across Dumfries, Stranraer and Ayr.
Head to the secluded peninsula of Brighouse Bay for an afternoon picnic, or for a truly magical experience, take in the views by horseback with Brighouse Bay Trekking.
Visitors passing through Kirkcudbright can enthral themselves with some exploration at the Dark Space Planetarium, while the bespoke Glenwhan Gardens Shepherds Hut, set among a 12-acre ornamental garden, is ideal for couples or singles.
For more information on beaches and other things to do in Scotland, see visitscotland.com
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