Scotland is known the world over for its wild and dramatic coastline, but tucked in the bays and dotted around the islands are some of the UK’s most idyllic seaside destinations. While there may be bigger and livelier coastal resorts elsewhere, the seven delightful towns and villages we feature here offer visitors the perfect opportunity to enjoy the unmatched beauty of the Scottish coast.

The famous seaside town of St Andrews © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

St Andrews, Fife

Regularly voted one of the best seaside destinations in Britain, St Andrews is perhaps best known as the home of golf. However, this popular holiday destination is also famous for West Sands beach – recognisable from the opening scenes of the film Chariots of Fire – a two-mile uninterrupted stretch of sand, backed with dunes and the world-famous golf course.

West Sands, St Andrews © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Standing proudly on the east coast of Scotland, within half an hour of Dundee and two hours of Edinburgh and Glasgow, St Andrews offers plenty for visitors to admire, with its castle, cathedral, historic university and medieval streets.

Oban, Argyll

Known as the ‘seafood capital of Scotland’, Oban offers visitors a taste of the sea. Oban means ‘little bay’ in Gaelic, and this west coast town really is nestled in a fabulous spot, surrounded by miles of dramatic shores, rolling countryside and pretty islands - perfect for a short stay or a longer vacation.

Oban is in a fabulous location © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Oban harbour is a busy working port and provides a vital lifeline to the Scottish islands nearby. So, when it’s time for something to eat, there are plenty of places serving delicious local seafood to choose from, including Oban Seafood Hut, world-renowned seafood restaurant Ee-Usk and award-winning Tralee Bay Fish & Chips.

North Berwick, East Lothian

The East Lothian town of North Berwick is full of character and the bustling harbour is one of the focal points. Within easy reach of Edinburgh, this pleasant seaside destination boasts great beaches, incredible coastal scenery and an eclectic mix of shops, cafés and bars.

North Berwick near Edinburgh © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

North Berwick offers striking views out to the Firth of Forth and the distinctive Bass Rock, home to the world’s largest northern gannet bird colony. As the location for the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick is a popular destination for ornithologists. Nearby attractions include Tantallon Castle to the east and Dirleton Castle to the west, and visitors to the town can’t fail to be impressed by the gardens and floral displays, which have won multiple awards.

Tobermory, Mull

Tobermory is the capital of the island of Mull, just off Scotland’s west coast, and is one of the prettiest ports in Scotland, thanks to its colourful houses and a sheltered bay.

Picture-postcard Tobermory in Mull © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Built as a fishing port in 1788 to a design by the famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, the town curves around the harbour and rises into the hillside beyond. The main street is an enchanting mix of shops, eateries, hotels and guest houses, and offers an excellent selection of locally produced arts and crafts. Guided tours can be booked at Tobermory Distillery and the bay is a popular departure point for whale watching and wildlife cruises.

Portree, Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye, further up the west coast from Mull, is a place of dramatic landscapes, and the natural harbour at Portree is no exception. Fringed by high ground and cliffs, the colourful town is a popular tourist destination and the harbour is a used by pleasure craft as well as fishing boats.

Portree on the Isle of Skye © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Portree is Skye’s cultural hub and one of its main attractions, the award-winning Aros Centre, runs regular theatre, concerts and film screenings. A popular base for exploring the rest of the island, many visitors are drawn to the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Ridge to the north of Portree which is dominated by distinctive rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr.

Plockton, Wester Ross

Back on the mainland, and just over the sea from Skye, is the picturesque village of Plockton, in its charming seaside setting. The road follows the bay past a chocolate-box row of neatly painted cottages, arranged around the curve of a tiny harbour. The village is backed by a craggy landscape of heather and pine.

Magical Plockton © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

In high season Plockton is popular with tourists, with yachts bobbing in the sheltered waters of the bay, and artists and photographers making use of Plockton’s incredible light. During the summer, the waterfront, with its row of shaggy palm trees, Highland cattle, flower gardens and pleasure boats, is invariably dotted with painters dabbing at their easels.

Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire

Idyllic on a summer’s day, Stonehaven is an Aberdeenshire gem. The sheltered harbour is always busy with boats, and visitors can enjoy a walk along the old pier before sitting to watch the world go by at The Ship Inn on the quayside.

Stonehaven harbour © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum is the perfect place to discover more about the village’s heritage and a visit to nearby Dunnottar Castle, perched on high cliffs jutting out into the waves, will take your breath away. At New Year, Stonehaven plays host to a Hogmanay fireball ceremony which is a sight to behold, as people swing blazing balls above their heads to ward off evil spirits!

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to Scotland’s coast on a tailor-made tour of Scotland or the UK, perhaps including a visit to one or more of the charming destinations we have featured here, please do contact our friendly team today.