Scotland's 'most gorgeous' beach 'looks just like Caribbean'

Edinburgh Live

25-05-2025

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The Caribbean is well-known for its pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, but it's possible to find a similar paradise without even leaving Scotland.
Tucked away on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Luskentyre Beach boasts incredible white sand and turquoise waters, earning it the title as one of the top beaches in the UK and across Europe. As one of the grandest stretches of coast on Harris, Luskentyre has received honours such as the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards for the UK's best beach. Given its beauty, it's easy to understand why island locals are proud and prefer to keep the beach relatively free of tourists for much of the year.
One woman named Caz took to TikTok to show off just how much the Scottish beach resembles something you'd expect to find in the Caribbean.
"Scotland? Or the Caribbean?" she wrote on her video while the video showed off moments from her beach day including her and her friends diving into the clear waters.
The video also captured the friends enjoying a game of football on the shoreline before plunging into the sea for a refreshing swim.
The Isle of Harris has been enjoying an unusual spell of sunshine and warmer weather, allowing locals to make the most of the beach before tourists arrive for the summer months.
People were quick to comment on the video, and some people were shocked to learn this stunning stretch of coastline was right on their doorstep.
"This is not Scotland," one unconvinced user wrote, while another asked: "Where the hell are you finding beaches like this in Scotland."
These sceptics were soon corrected by people who had visited the beach, however, with many heaping praise on Luskentyre thanks to its stunning sands and crystal waters.
"Luv Luskentyre beach it's gorgeous xx," commented one admirer, with another wrote: "Scotland! I live in Scotland and me and family went there at one point! Gorgeous place!"
However, it's important to remember that while this beautiful destination may look like the Caribbean, you won't find the same soaring temperatures here.
"Just remember, that water is cold enough to send you into shock if you're not careful," another person warned. Echoing the sentiment, someone else wrote: "Might look like Caribbean but temp is far from it."
Hidden Scotland recommends visiting Luskentyre Beach in late spring or summer for the best experience, when the 'lingering light' casts stunning views that are hard to beat.
This is also when the temperature is likely to be at its warmest, meaning visitors can soak up the sun and pretend they have hopped on a long-haul flight.