15 Most beautiful places & beauty spots in Scotland

It's easy to find beautiful places to visit in Scotland. With our wild beaches, sparkling lochs and romantic castles, we're often referred to as one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

  1. Bow Fiddle Rock Moray

    Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie

    Bow Fiddle Rock in Portknockie is a stunning sight to admire as the sun shoots its last rays over the coastline. Hike the trails around the area, find your own secret slice of paradise and keep an eye out for the nesting seabirds, such as herring gulls, great black-backed and lesser black-backed gulls.

  2. Isle of Iona Isle of Iona

    Cottages on the seafront at Iona

    The Isle of Iona is a small, picturesque island just off the south west coast of Mull. Known for its strong, historic connections to Christianity, explore Iona Abbey or head to the northern coast which has beautiful bays and beaches, boasting the best views out to sea.

  3. Traigh Hornais Clachan Sands North Uist

    Camping at Clachan Sands

    The Traigh Hornais Clachan Sands on North Uist is an impressive stretch of pristine white sands, perfect for a scenic stroll or a picnic on the beach. The crystal-clear waters and shallow bay give the perfect opportunity for snorkelling and swimming. Head for a wander at dusk to enjoy an immaculate sunset.

    If this wasn’t a compelling enough reason, did you know that the Outer Hebrides have been hailed as one of the ‘Best of the World’ destinations for travellers in 2025 by National Geographic?

    Find out more about the Outer Hebrides

  4. Loch Ken Galloway Forest Park

    Loch Ken, Galloway Forest Park

    © VisitScotland / Damian Shields

    Located in the south east corner of the Galloway Forest Park, Loch Ken offers walking, cycling, watersports and fishing. Take a stroll around the banks of the loch at sunset and you'll be mesmerised by the landscapes.

  5. Eoligarry Beach Isle of Barra

    Eoligarry Beach, Isle of Barra

    © @steve_gormley

    Eoligarry Beach is an unspoiled white sand beach on the Isle of Barra, the most southerly of the Outer Hebridean islands. Land on the island by plane along the famous Traigh Mhor beach and begin your adventure north to Eoligarry, featuring incredible views out to the islands of Orosay, Fuday and Fiaraidh around you.

  6. Mealt Falls Isle of Skye

    Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock, Isle of Skye

    Mealt Falls on the north of Skye is an incredible sight. Partnered with the popular Kilt Rock, together they create a fantastic viewpoint. 

  7. Rannoch Moor Perthshire

    A frozen Lochan na h-Achlaise with a snow-capped Black Mount in the background, Rannoch Moor.

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved.

    Rannoch Moor is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. You'll find grassy moorland, peat bogs, lochs and heather hillocks which all make for striking scenery.

  8. National Wallace Monument Stirling

    The Wallace Monument in autumn

    Admire the famous National Wallace Monument in Stirling, and the incredible hills behind. Follow the story of Scottish patriot and martyr, Sir William Wallace at this national landmark where you can learn about centuries of history.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
  9. Ullapool Wester Ross

    Ullapool

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Head to the north west coast of Scotland where you'll come across the quaint fishing village of Ullapool. The town boasts a variety of things to see and do, as well as being a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset or two over the pretty harbour.

  10. St Abbs Scottish Borders

    St Abbs

    St Abbs is a small fishing village sitting on the Berwickshire coast only an hour south east of Edinburgh. You might recognise the jagged cliffs and old fishermen's cottages from the big screen - Marvel filmed here for the blockbuster, Avengers: Endgame. The town has even been twinned with New Asgard, the fictional village in the movie.

  11. Glen Clova Angus Glens

    Corrie Fee, Glen Clova

    Glen Clova is a valley with superb views and an abundance of flora and wildlife. It's one of the Angus Glens, a series of tranquil valleys split by single-track roads, offering some of the most majestic landscapes of north east Scotland. It sits between Angus, Perthshire and Aberdeenshire and makes up part of the Cairngorms National Park.

  12. Fingal's Cave Isle of Staffa

    Isle of Staffa

    This awe-inspiring natural formation will take your breath away. Marvel at the towering basalt columns and intricate rock details of Fingal's Cave as you take a boat tour out to the island and explore the enticing atmosphere of the cave itself. You'll find it off the west coast of Scotland.

  13. Corryvreckan Whirlpool Isle of Jura

    Corryvreckan Whirlpool

    The Corryvreckan Whirlpool is one of the largest permanent whirlpools in the world and one of the most dangerous stretches of water around the British Isles. Take a boat ride out around the islands with a bumpy ride through the whirlpool itself, all in the hands of a very capable and experienced captain. It's located on the Gulf of Corryvreckan, between the isles of Jura and Scarba.

  14. Loch Lomond Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

    Walkers on Conic Hill

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Loch Lomond is one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland. Experience peace and quiet, whilst spotting wildlife and exploring the beautiful landscapes. Relax amongst the natural beauty of the lochs and breathe in the air of the hills and awe-inspiring views from each of these summits.

  15. Yesnaby Castle sea stack Orkney

    Yesnaby Castle sea stack on the west coast of Orkney

    You can't help but admire the beauty around the Yesnaby Castle sea stacks. Sitting off the west coast of Orkney, this impressive rock formation is a great place to see various sea birds including the oyster catcher.

Find out more

We might be biased, but we think Scotland truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Why not share your beautiful holiday destinations over on our social platforms - FacebookInstagram and X (formerly Twitter)?

There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in every region, but why not slow down your travels and experience all that Scotland has to offer?

Discover more about slow travel in Scotland

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