Why the Isle of Skye Has Some of Scotland’s Best Beaches

Image credit “Coral beaches, Skye” by rjshade is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The Isle of Skye is famous for its dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and magical scenery, but it’s also home to some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking for white sand shores, hidden coves, or breathtaking sea views, Skye has a beach for every explorer.

In this guide, we reveal the 10 best beaches in Skye, including how to get there, what makes them special, and the best times to visit. From wild swimming to scenic coastal walks, these beaches offer unforgettable experiences on Scotland’s most famous island.

Aird of Sleat (Camas Daraich)

Location: South westernly point of Skye (Lat/long 57.02487, -6.01071)
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Why It’s Amazing: Pristine white sand beach, secluded location, and turquoise waters.

A true hidden gem, Camas Daraich offers breathtaking views of the Knoydart peninsula and mountains of Rum and Eigg. Perfect for wild swimming and beach picnics. Its rocky perimeter is perfect for scrambling and rock pooling

How to Get There: 1.5-mile walk from Aird of Sleat.

Parking: Car park at Aird of Sleat road end, IV45 8RN (Grid ref. NG 589 007)

Directions to beach: From the car park go through the wooden gate next to the farm gate;  follow the track uphill, then across moorland. When houses come into view, turn left signed to  Point of Sleat to reach the beach.

Getting to the car park: South of Broadford on A87; right onto A851; at Armadale, just before ferry, turn right onto minor road to Aird.

Refreshments: Smokin Skye BBQ; Café 1925, and Macnamara and Bothin Bar, Calligary; The Shed Cafe, Armadale Pier.

Coral Beach (Claigan Beach)

Location: Near Dunvegan, north west Skye.
Best Time to Visit: Spring & Summer

Why It’s Amazing: White coral-like sand (from Red Cotalline seaweed known as Maerl), tropical blue waters, and an easy scenic walk.

Coral Beach is one of Skye’s most unique beaches, with its white crushed coral fragments giving it a Caribbean appearance. On sunny days, the crystal-clear water turns a dazzling shade of blue. Great for beachcombing for the huge variety of pretty shells; and wild swimming. The small hill near the beach, known as the ‘Ghrobain’, is a short climb with great views. There is also a small tidal island, called Lampay, that can be accessed from the beach on lower Spring tides; or swim to it on higher tides.

How to Get There: 1.5-mile walk from the Claigan car park, north of Dunvegan Castle.

Parking: Claigan car park, IV55 8WF. Grid ref. NG 231 537

Directions to beach: From the far end of the car park follow signs to ‘Traigh’ through the gate and follow the track until it descends to parallel the coast. Continue for 1km.

Staffin Beach

Getting to the car park: A87 north from Portree; left A850 to Dunvegan; follow signs to and beyond Dunvegan Castle, continue to the end of the road at Claigan. The car park is a 10 minute drive from Dunvegan Castle, along a single-track road.

Refreshments: Excellent Dunvegan Community Cafe (opposite the church).

Staffin Beach (An Corran Beach)

Location: Near Staffin, on the north east coast of Skye
Best Time to Visit: Low tide
Why It’s Amazing: Dinosaur footprints, sandy shore, and views of the Quiraing and Trotternish Ridge.

One of Skye’s most fascinating beaches, Staffin Beach is home to dinosaur footprints dating back 165 million years! It’s also a fantastic spot for wildlife spotting and scenic coastal walks. This sandy beach is ideal for families, is nice and sheltered with a gentle slope into the water, and has a boat slipway and boat trips nearby. Kilt Rock and the Mealt Falls viewpoints are close-by.

How to Get There: Easily accessible from Staffin village with a short walk to the shore.

Parking: An Corran car park, IV51 9JT. Grid ref.  NG 49151 68502

Directions to beach: Short walk from the car park

Getting to the car park: North of Portree on the A855; in Staffin turn right following brown signs to Staffin Slipway and Beach. Bus number 57a from Portree to Staffin (ask for Columba 1400 stop) and walk the short distance to the village and beach.

Refreshments: The excellent Hungry Gull, Staffin – fabulous food, good vegan and GF selection

Talisker Beach.

Talisker Bay

Location: Near Carbost, on the west coast of Skye.
Best Time to Visit: Sunset
Why It’s Amazing: Dramatic black sand, waterfalls, and towering cliffs.

Talisker Bay is famous for its black volcanic sand, surrounding sea cliffs, seastacks and a waterfall cascading into the bay. It’s one of Skye’s most photogenic beaches, especially at sunset when the cliffs are bathed in golden light. Talisker is also one of the only places to surf in Skye, and sea eagles are often spotted soaring overhead.

How to Get There: 1-mile walk from the Talisker Bay car park, near Talisker Distillery.

Parking: Tiny parking area (space for only 4 cars) at Talisker, the end of the road from Carbost. Please park responsibly. 

Directions to beach: 1.5km walk from the parking area along a good farm track

Getting to the car park: Leave A87 at Sligachan, head west on the B8009 to Carbost. At the village turn keep left to follow signs for Talisker

Refreshments: The vibrant village of Carbost is nearby with the Talisker Whisky distillery, great coffee at Caora Dhubh, the Oyster Shed and the Old Inn.

Glenbrittle Beach

Location: Near Glenbrittle, west coast of Skye
Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year; excellent or windswept winter walks
Why It’s Amazing: Mountain backdrop, great wild swimming spot.

With the Cuillin Mountains rising behind it, Glenbrittle Beach offers a stunning contrast between rugged peaks and sea views. The black/grey sands stretch endlessly, with views out to the Isle of Rum. It’s a great spot for wild swimming and coastal walks, and one of the best places to spot a rainbow..

Parking: Glenbrittle Beach car park, IV47 8TA. Grid ref. NG 409 206

Directions to beach: adjacent to the car park.

Getting to the car park: Leave A87 at Sligachan, head west on the B8009 towards Carbost. At Merkadale turn left to follow signs Glenbrittle and the Fairy Pools. Continue to the end of the road at Glenbrittle Beach

Refreshments Excellent pizza and cakes at the Glenbrittle Campsite (April – October); the bustling Old Inn in Carbost; Caora Dhubh Coffee or the Oyster Shed, Carbost’ or great food at the Cafe Cuillin, Satran.

Elgol Beach

Location: South east Skye
Best Time to Visit:  Summer
Why It’s Amazing: Mountain backdrop, great rock formations.

One of the most atmospheric beaches on Skye. Located on Loch Scavaig with an impressive backdrop of the Black Cuillin and the mystery of Loch Coruisk lying just beyond. Off the beaten path but easily accessible. With otherworldly rock formations and magical views of the Small Isles, this is one of the best places to watch a Skye sunset.

Parking: Elgol viewpoint car park, IV49 9BJ. Grid ref. NG 51873 13598 

Directions to beach: directly accessed from the car park

Getting to the car park: Take B8083 from Broadford, signed to Elgol and continue to village

Refreshments: The Elgol Bistro; The Creel; Mrs Mack’s Wee Takeaway (Torrin).

Ashaig Beach

Location:  East coast of Skye, south of Broadford
Best Time to Visit: Low tide
Why It’s Amazing: Soft sands and amazing views.

An expansive beach of soft white sand and heavenly rock pools with the majestic Red Cuillin as the backdrop with views across to the peaks of Wester Ross. Look out for oystercatchers, geese, eagles, and seals hauled out on the many reefs.

Parking: Parking places alongside A87, Harrapool, IV49 9AQ. Grid ref. NG658 230

Directions to beach: 5km walk to beach. From car park walk alongside A87; turn left on lane signed to Waterloo. End of lane, turn right onto footpath that cuts through saltmarsh. Continue over footbridge to road-head at Breaknish. Turn left onto the lane, next right onto another lane, then left again onto lane. Follow to end of lane then follow directions to beach and burial ground.

Getting to the car park: A87 south of Broadford

Refreshments The Coffee Bothy Broadford.

Inver Bay, Raasay

Location:  West coast of the Isle of Raasay
Best Time to Visit:  Low tide
Why It’s Amazing: Secluded beach once popular with Royalty.

A beautiful, secluded bay on the Isle of Raasay. One of the best views of the Cuillin, plenty of sand at low tide and a delightful walk down through magical woodland to find it. It was a favourite of the Royal Family who have visited on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

How to Get There: Isle of Raasay ferry from Skye

Parking: Roadside parking space, Brae, Isle of Raasay, IV40 8PE. Grid ref. NG 561 417

Directions to beach: From parking spot walk through gate and keep straight across the field to another gate that heads down through the native woodlands to the beach.

Getting to the car park: Ferry from Skye (leaves from Sconser north of Broadford) to Raasay. From Ferry terminal drive north to Brae.

Refreshments Raasay Hotel (seasonal)

Varasaig Beach (Orbost Beach)

Location:  West coast of Skye
Best Time to Visit:  Summer
Why It’s Amazing: A local’s beach

Relatively unknown to visitors this is a gem of a beach of shimmering black sand that is great to visit at low tide. Located on Loch Bharcasaig off the larger Loch Bracadale there are good views across to uninhabited Harlosh Island and the Cuillins beyond. With walks through forestry on the Orbost Estate there’s plenty of wildlife to spot including golden and white-tailed eagles. It is also the the start of the walk to Idrigil Point to see the stunning seatacks known as The Maidens.

How to Get There: Short walk from Orbost Farm.

Parking: Car park near farm buildings, IV45 8ZA . Grid ref. NG 257 432.

Directions to beach: From car park, turn right and walk along lane, past Orbost House to find the beach.

Camasunary Beach

Location: North of Elgol, south west coast of Skye.
Best Time to Visit:  With the bothy, visit any time of the year.
Why It’s Amazing: Wild each surrounded by mountains.

Surrounded by Cuillin giants, this is a truly wild beach. You can also spend a night under the stars here in the Mountain Bothy Association bothy. 

How to Get There: 2.7 miles walk from Camasunary car park.

Parking: Camasunary car park, beyond Kimarie on the B8083, IV49 9AX; Grid ref. NG 545 171.

Directions to beach: Head through gate opposite the car park, and follow the undulating track to the beach.

Getting to the car park:  Leave Broadford on the B8083 towards Elgol.

Refreshments: Take a picnic

A visit to one of these wild beaches has to be a must do on Skye. From pristine white beaches and black volcanic sands to hidden rocky inlets and island adventures there is something for everyone – whether looking for dinosaur footprints, foraging, walking, swimming and paddleboarding. Here are some of our favourites.