Scottish beaches that ‘look like they’re abroad’ named including tropical paradise

One was compared to the breathtaking bays found in the Indian Ocean.

Two Scottish beaches have been included on a new list of British bays that are “so idyllic they look like they belong on the Med”. One was noted for “the kind of white sand usually reserved for tropical climes”, while the other was compared to coastal hotspots situated in the Indian Ocean.

On Tuesday, April 14, The Independent shared a roundup of 10 beaches across the UK that “look like they’re abroad”. The two beaches in Scotland that are included on the list are Achmelvich Beach in the Scottish Highlands and Luskentyre Sands in the Outer Hebrides.

Achmelvich Beach is located a few miles northwest of Lochinver and approximately 40 miles north of Ullapool. It is situated along the famous North Coast 500 scenic driving route, and is a popular stopping place amongst tourists who are taking on the road trip.

The bay is famous for its crystal-clear water and white sandy shores, as well as its breathtaking views. The area also offers easy access to a wealth of nearby walking trails and climbs such as the iconic Suilven mountain, which makes it a popular destination amongst hiking enthusiasts.

Additionally, Achmelvich is a hotpot for wildlife spotters as species such as black and red-throated divers and great-northern divers call it home. There are also regular sightings of porpoises, dolphins, and even minke whales in the stunning waters off the coastline.

The Independent praised Achmelvich Beach for its wildlife and white sands, and compared it to beaches found in tropical countries. The bay was also noted for its water sports opportunities, with visitors able to take part in pursuits such as windsurfing and water skiing.

The newspaper wrote: “Located in the north-west of Scotland, Achmelvich Beach offers the kind of white sand usually reserved for tropical climes—but is just three miles away from Lochinver.

“The beach is a great place for wildlife spotting, with a range of birds, porpoises, dolphins and even minke whales sometimes visible from the shore. It’s also popular for those enamoured of water sports such as fishing, windsurfing, kayaking and water skiing.”

Meanwhile, Luskentyre Sands is situated along the west coast of Harris in the Outer Hebrides and can be accessed from the A859 via a minor road. Set against the backdrop of Harris’ dramatic mountains, the beach offers jaw-dropping vistas in every direction.

Luskentyre has won numerous awards throughout the years, and is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland – and the world. It offers incredible views out towards the island of Taransay—best known as the setting of the iconic 2000s reality television series Castaway.

Like Achmelvich, Luskentyre is renowned for its wildlife and there are many species that can be found on the beach and the surrounding area. These include common scoters, velvet scoters, eider ducks, wigeons, long-tailed ducks, red-breasted mergansers, and great northern divers.

Luskentyre was likened by The Independent to beaches found in the Indian Ocean, and was praised by the newspaper for being a top destination in both sunny and wet weather. It was also noted for its remote location, though was described as being “worth the extra effort”.

“Luskentyre isn’t as easy to reach as some beaches in this list, but it’s more than worth the extra effort to get there. With golden sand and almost incredibly blue water, this is a UK beach where the scenery and geography lend themselves equally to sunny relaxation days or stormy hiking ones.

“That said, visit on a warm summer’s day if you want to try and convince yourself that you’re somewhere in the Indian Ocean rather than in Scotland (but best to pack a waterproof, just in case).”

The full list of the 10 UK beaches that “look like they’re abroad” can be found on The Independent website.