Isle of Skye beaches are just as dramatic and stunning as the rest of this Scottish island. Yes, there are indeed beaches on Skye, some of them hidden and practically empty!
Scotland’s west coast is justifiably famous for its stunning landscapes, serene inlets, pristine white sand beaches and coastline.
Discover hidden bays, crystal-clear water and soft white sand. Spot seals, marine life and go rock pooling whilst enjoying the serenity.
Whilst the weather can never be guaranteed, yes rain I’m looking at you, here are 5 wonderful beaches that won’t disappoint.
THE BEST ISLE OF SKYE BEACHES, SCOTLAND
MAP OF THE BEACHES ON SKYE
1. CAMAS DARAICH BEACH
Looking for an off the beaten track beach on Skye? Look no further than Camas Daraich or Point of Sleat beach which is glorious. Situated on the south-westerly point of the island, there is a 45minute hike involved but your hard work is totally rewarded.
The walk is fairly up and down in nature and ends at a modern styled lighthouse at the tip of the Point of Sleat. To reach the beach, briefly leave the path and head down to the hidden sheltered sandy bay.
The beach enjoys a stunning secluded position nestled amongst rocky outcrops and is often deserted.
Soft white sand and perfect crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning views are yours to enjoy in relative peace and quiet. On a sunny day you could be on your own tropical island. The hike deters many and you can often have the bay to yourself.
Go rock pooling, snorkel and swim in the clear if not chilly water, or sit and enjoy a picnic.
- Type of Beach: Sandy
- Dog Friendly: Yes on a lead
- Facilities: None, so pack a picnic
- Tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes for the hike to the beach as there are boggy and rocky sections and time your visit for when the tide is further out, exposing more white sand.
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How To Get To Camas Daraich Beach
Take the narrow track road through the Aird of Sleat to the road end. Just past the entrance to Aird Old Church Gallery is a small car park able to accommodate approximately 10 cars. Do not block any entrances as farm vehicles need all-day access.
Try and aim for early morning or late afternoon to bag a space.
The path leaves the carpark via a wooden gate and climbs uphill through moorland before a sign indicates a sharp left to the Point of Sleat. The clear path eventually bears left down to the beach.
2. CLAIGAN CORAL BEACH
One of Skye’s most popular “wee gem” beaches is situated near the small crofting community of Claigan in the north of the island, not far from Dunvegan. On the shoreline of Loch Dunvegan lies the fine white sandy Claigan Coral beach.
When the sun is out and the tide half in, the beach looks truly tropical.
Despite its name, the coral beach is actually made of sun-bleached crushed fossilised Red Coralline seaweed. When the sun shines it makes the water appear a tropical turquoise colour.
Be sure to look at the many different colourful shells on the shoreline, which glisten in the bright sunlight. Search the rock pools further along the beach for small animals before climbing the Ghrobain, a small hill to take in the great sweeping views.
At low tides you can follow a coral causeway 150m offshore, to the island called Lampay, where Red Coralline grows on the nearby reef.
The coral beach makes a great spot for paddling and picnicking, so be sure to bring a change of clothes. Why not combine your trip with a visit to nearby picturesque Dunvegan Castle which is only 4 miles away.
- Type of Beach: Sandy
- Dog Friendly: Yes on a lead
- Facilities: None, so pack a picnic
- Tip: Come early as parking spaces fill up quickly
How To Get To Claigan Coral Beach
From the village of Dunvegan, follow the single-track road for approx. 4.5miles to Claigan. An official gravel carpark is located at the end of the road, although not suited to large campervans. Be sure not to block any farm gates.
An easy clearly marked 1 mile farm track leads to the beach and takes roughly 25minutes. Return to the carpark along the same route.
3. TALISKER BAY
Situated on the West coast of Skye this white and black sand beach is an easy walk and a favourite of families. It enjoys a spectacular position surrounded by imposing cliffs and sea stacks and a waterfall plunging down into the sea.
At low tide you can scramble over the rocky shoreline and explore the towering sea stack to the left of the beach.
- Type of Beach: Sandy
- Dog Friendly: Yes on a lead
- Facilities: None, but grab coffee at the Oyster Shed or Caora Dhubh Coffee Company. Or if the weather isn’t great warm up with a wee dram from Talisker Distillery
- Tip: Come early as parking spaces fill up quickly
We visited during the rain and the bay had an ethereal look about it. On a sunny day it is a wonderful place to linger and explore. Take your binoculars and look for marine life, or for the experienced it is a great surfing spot.
How To Get To Talisker Bay
Follow the single track road from Carbost village to the road end. Park responsibly in laybys just before Talisker Farm. Walk past the farm and Talisker House along a well marked track, eventually emerging at the southern end of Talisker Bay. It is about a 20 minute walk each way.
4. AN CORRAN BEACH (Staffin Beach)
A great beach doesn’t always have to be about the sand, as sometimes its the views and walks from that beach which makes it worth a visit.
Staffin bay is located on the northeast coast of the Trotternish peninsula of Skye. The beach is surrounded by incredible rugged scenery including the Trotternish Ridge.
The small sheltered sandy beach has large exposed sedimentary bolders to the right. On the flat mud stone at low tide, it is possible to spot fossilised dinosaur footprints. They can be obscured by the sand and difficult if not impossible to spot, for most of us.
Found in 2002, they have been identified as those belonging to the three-toed Hadrosaur, which lived 170 million years ago. Learn more about them at nearby Staffin Dinosaur Museum.
Check out the slipway where wildlife boat trips operate from in the summer. The flat island offshore is Staffin Island and on a clear day you can enjoy views over to the mountains on the mainland.
- Type of Beach: Sandy
- Dog Friendly: Yes on a lead
- Facilities: Easy walk into Staffin for food and toilets
- Tip: Time your visit when its low tide for a better chance of spotting fossilised dinosaur footprints
How To Get To An Corran Beach
This beach will probably be on your list if you follow the Trotternish Loop in the northeast coast of Skye. From Staffin take the turning down to the beach and slipway where there is a parking area. Alternatively, park at Columbia 1400 Community Centre and walk from there.
Be sure to check out nearby Kilt Rock and Mealth Falls viewpoint.
5. ELGOL BEACH
One of the best Skye locations to watch stunning sunsets, Elgol is a small hamlet lying on the shores of Loch Scavaig on Skye’s south coast.
Situated 14 miles south west of Broadford at the tip of the Strathaird peninsula, the village is reached by a steep twisting road.
To the north is a large pebbled beach with a large outcrop of rock and incredible views across Loch Scavaig to the mouth of the Cuillin. Whilst not a classic white sand beach, there is plenty to keep you interested.
Apart from the superb views to the peaks of the Black Cuillins, be sure to walk along the rocky shoreline and investigate the striking sandstone cliffs. Thousands of years of decay have left behind a peculiar yet alluring honeycomb appearance.
Elgol is the starting point for numerous boat trips to the entrance of glacial Loch Coruisk which is nearly 2 miles long. The cold clear water of the loch lies in the shadow of Black Cuillin’s highest peaks.
It is certainly a great place to while away a few hours plus you will probably spot some Highland Coos!!
- Type of Beach: Rocky
- Dog Friendly: Yes on a lead
- Facilities: Toilet near the top carpark and local cafe
- Tip: Come early as parking spaces fill up quickly or wail until late afternoon and stay for sunset
How To Get To Elgol Beach
Elgol is located 15 miles southwest of Broadford, at the end of the B8083. Follow the steep winding road down the hillside to the pier. You can park at one of two carparks.
The first one can be seen as you enter the village and you simply walk down the hill to the harbour. The second larger carpark is down at the harbour itself.
HOW TO GET TO SKYE
Reach Skye by car via a toll free road bridge, or using public transport. Ferries depart from Mallaig and Glenelg. Check CalMac’s website for current details and prices.
SUMMARY OF ISLE OF SKYE BEACHES IN SCOTLAND
The Isle of Skye is a walkers paradise, many leading you to glorious white sand beaches. Though Skye may not be the first place you think of when looking for beautiful beaches, one things for sure, there are some delightful sandy shores just waiting to be discovered.
Whether tucked away or hidden, these beaches will charm you whatever the weather.
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