Latest news with #ScottishBeachAward
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
One of the world's best beaches is in the UK - and it looks just like the Caribbean
Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris looks like it's been plucked right out of the Caribbean and dropped onto the coast of Scotland. Now its beauty has been officially recognised If you're dreaming of pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters and serene tranquility, you might be saving up for a trip to the Caribbean, Greece or perhaps Australia. But according to Enjoy Travel, one of the world's most stunning beaches is actually much closer to home - in Scotland, to be precise. Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris could easily be mistaken for a Caribbean paradise, such is its breathtaking beauty. It's ranked 12th in the list of the world's 50 most beautiful beaches, and once you set foot on its shores, it's easy to see why. The beach has been recognised with a Scottish Beach Award for its natural splendour and commitment to environmental preservation. While the beach itself is captivating enough to keep you there all day, the surrounding countryside also offers plenty to explore. Whether you fancy a peaceful stroll or are more inclined towards hiking or cycling, there's something for everyone, reports the Daily Record. For those seeking a bit of adventure, nearby Clisham mountain, the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides, promises a thrilling climb. Reach the summit and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island's spectacular landscape. Despite its acclaim, Luskentyre Beach remains wonderfully uncrowded. You can wander for miles without encountering another soul, making it a true hidden gem. Visitors to this stunning beach have been left utterly captivated by its natural splendour. A traveller gushed on Tripadvisor, confessing they had "never seen anything quite like it". They continued: "The views on the drive up to the car park are other-worldly. Beautiful turquoise water, soft golden sand that stretches for miles, grass covered dunes. There's a public toilet at the car park with a donation box, so that's helpful! The wind blew warm when we were there in early May, and it was so much warmer than the other end of the island we visited later the same day." Another visitor was equally enthralled: "What an amazingly gorgeous beach. The sand is in its purest form and the water as blue as can be. The fact there were not many people there when we went made for such a dramatic sight. We walked and walked just admiring how clean and beautiful the beach is. We did a hardy soul take a dip in the water, he was a local of course." For those eager to experience this coastal paradise, you can hop on a ferry from the Scottish mainland or catch a flight to the Outer Hebrides from Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Inverness.
Scottish Sun
19-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Incredible Scots beach with pure white sands, crystal waters and jaw-dropping views named one of best in world
Scroll down to see which beach was named number one on the planet JUST BEACHY Incredible Scots beach with pure white sands, crystal waters and jaw-dropping views named one of best in world AN idyllic Scottish beach has been named one of the best on the planet. While proud Scots know that our coastline is stunning, it's now official. Advertisement 4 The Scottish beach was praised for its white sand and blue green water 4 Whitesands Bay beach in Wales also made the cut Experts at Big 7 Travel have released their list of Best Beaches in the World 2025. Now in its seventh year, the ranking is based on past media results, official Blue Flag beach awards, social media buzz and insights from the Big 7 Travel editorial crew. The 2025 edition features a mix of beach destinations to suit all kinds of travellers. From shallow turquoise lagoons in the Maldives to the coral-fringed coastlines of the Caribbean, this year's top 50 features everything from remote island hideaways to classic coastal icons. Advertisement The Big 7 team said: "From the sun-soaked tropics to the icy edges of the poles, our planet is home to some truly spectacular beaches. "Whether you're dreaming of sipping a cocktail under the warm sun or taking a romantic stroll along a pristine shoreline, we've got you covered. "From pearly-white sands that stretch unbroken for kilometres to crystal-clear waters that invite you in for a swim or snorkel, these are the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world." And one Scottish stretch of sand makes the cut - the gorgeous Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris. Advertisement The multi award-winning beach has been described as a 'little slice of the Maldives' in Scotland. The vast sandy bay boasts miles of white sand and stunning green-blue water. Luskentyre Beach: Scotland's Gem Among World's Best Scenery includes wonderful sand dunes and the island of Taransay, famous for being the setting of the BBC's Castaway. The Big 7 team said: "The Outer Hebrides are probably not the first location you think of when beautiful beaches come to mind, but we're here to prove you wrong! Advertisement "Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris looks like it's been plucked right out of the Caribbean and photoshopped onto Scotland's mountainous coast. "The beach is stunning to visit at any time of year, and there are even a few days every year when the water is warm enough for a swim. "The beach also holds a Scottish Beach Award for its natural beauty and environmental efforts." There are a few more UK beaches that make the top 50 list. Advertisement Alum Chine in Bournemouth, Dorset, makes the rating. The beach is praised for its Blue Flag Certification and watersports activities. Meanwhile, Porthcurno Beach, in Cornwall, is also in the ranking. The Big 7 team said: "Sheltered by high granite rocks, the beach essentially possesses its own microclimate, making it a nice place to sunbathe and relax even if it's windy above the clifftops. "There is also a stream that runs down to the beach, which is excellent for young children to paddle in, and the golden sands and tempting surf make it the perfect place to sunbathe or go swimming." Advertisement Whitesands Beach in Wales is on the list and is described as a popular but quiet beach which is a favourite among both locals and tourists. And in the Republic of Ireland, Keem Beach, in County Mayo, is praised for its calm waters that are full of rich and diverse marine life. Coming right at the top if the global list is Whitehaven Beach in Australia. The Big 7 experts said: "Part of the Whitsunday Islands, just off the coast of Queensland, Whitehaven Beach is arguably the most beautiful beach in the world. Advertisement "Glistening white sands (which are 98 per cent pure silica, giving them their bright white colour) and warm turquoise waters make this a hugely popular place for tourists and locals to visit. "Part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park, the beach is known for its eco-friendly measures. The beach is 7km long, and the beautiful waters of the Coral Sea are perfect for swimming and snorkelling in. "This beach really has it all when it comes to the most beautiful beaches in the world." 4 Whitehaven Beach on Whitesunday Island was number one Advertisement
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Daily Record
Beautiful Scottish beach named as one of best in world - just like the Caribbean
To explore one of the best beaches in the world you don't need to buy flights anywhere - just a ferry from the mainland of Scotland will have you living the tropical lifestyle. If you want to explore one of the best beaches in the world, you might think you need to start saving for flights. When you picture white sands, crystal-clear water, and tranquility, you probably think of places like the Caribbean, Greece or even Australia. However, according to Enjoy Travel, one of the best beaches in the world is actually right here in Scotland. Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris looks like it's been plucked right out of the Caribbean and dropped onto the coast of Scotland. It's incredible beauty has seen it listed at number 12 out of the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world and if you're lucky enough to visit it, you'll soon see why. The beach holds a Scottish Beach Award for its natural beauty and environmental efforts. Although the beach itself is beautiful enough to stay all day, if you want to explore the surrounding countryside, you're spoiled for choice. It's perfect for a peaceful wander and there are several hiking and cycling trails surrounding the area for the more active minded. Nearby is Clisham mountain which offers adventure seekers the thrill of summiting the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides. If you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the island's stunning scenery. Despite its fame, this beach is almost always devoid of people. You can walk for miles and rarely will see another soul. People who have visited the beach are blown away by it's beauty. One tourist wrote on Tripadvisor that they had 'never seen anything quite like it'. They added: 'The views on the drive up to the car park are other-worldly. Beautiful turquoise water, soft golden sand that stretches for miles, grass covered dunes. There's a public toilet at the car park with a donation box, so that's helpful! The wind blew warm when we were there in early May, and it was so much warmer than the other end of the island we visited later the same day.' Another said: "What an amazingly gorgeous beach. The sand is in its purest form and the water as blue as can be. The fact there were not many people there when we went made for such a dramatic sight. We walked and walked just admiring how clean and beautiful the beach is. We did a hardy soul take a dip in the water, he was a local of course.' To explore this slice of heaven for yourself, you can take a ferry from the Scottish mainland. Alternatively, flying to the Outer Hebrides is possible from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.
