Scotland’s “best beaches” for 2025 have been named by Condé Nast Traveler.
As we approach the end of winter, more and more Scots will be looking ahead to days out at the beach. While Scotland’s coast is stunning regardless of the weather, nothing can top a sunny and warm trip to the seaside.
Renowned travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler recently shared a list of the best beaches in the UK. Among the 56 picturesque bays included, a total of six are located in Scotland.
The highest-placing Scottish beach on Condé Nast Traveler’s roundup is Scarista Beach on Lewis and Harris. Also known as Traigh Scarista, the beach features sprawling dunes and looks out over the Atlantic Ocean.
Condé Nast Traveler wrote: “Scarista Beach is one of its best beaches: an immense space, made up of miles of shell-scattered pale-gold sand, backed with dunes, and lapped by waters that look decidedly un-Scottish (though a wetsuit might be advisable outside of summer months). Seals play in the waves; eagles can be spotted wheeling overhead; deer stroll down almost to the beach.”
Coming in at number two for Scotland on Condé Nast Traveler’s list is Achmelvich Beach, which lies around three miles northwest of Lochinver. The beach, which is accessed by a single-track road, is known as a top place to spot species such as black and red-throated divers, dolphins, and even minke whales.
The experts praised Achmelvich Beach for its “series of lovely, intimate beaches backed by a picturesque, flowering landscape”. They also singled out its “clean white sands” and “clear safe waters”.
Next up on Condé Nast Traveler’s roundup is Machir Bay on the island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides. One of many picturesque beaches on the small island, Machir Bay is not recommended for swimming due to its strong currents.
The beach earned acclaim for its “simple but perennially pleasing beauty” and “stunning sunsets”. It was also applauded for its soft white sands.
Elsewhere, the fourth Scottish beach to be mentioned in Condé Nast Traveler’s roundup is Uig Beach on the Isle of Lewis. The experts paid particular attention to its vivid water and unique landscape, as well as the opportunity to hunt for shells.
Completing Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the top beaches in Scotland are St Cyrus in Aberdeenshire and Luskentyre on Harris. St Cyrus was noted for its unique setting in the St Cyrus National Nature Reserve and diverse wildlife, while the experts likened the vibrant water at Luskentyre to the Caribbean.
If you are still looking for travel inspiration, the Daily Record recently shared our list of the top 20 beaches in Scotland for 2025. The roundup includes everything from island paradises to hidden gems.
The best beaches in Scotland
- Scarista Beach, Harris
- Achmelvich Beach, northwest Scotland
- Machir Bay, Islay
- Uig Beach, Isle of Lewis
- St Cyrus, Aberdeenshire
- Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides