The list of best beaches near Inverness is a long one. And one of them has just been named Best Beach in Scotland by the Sunday Times!
Summer has well and truly arrived and if you’re planning your Highland Holiday there’s nothing better than lazing around on a beautiful beach. The water lapping at your toes and the sun warming your mind, body and soul.
The best beaches near Inverness can beat out any of these fancy-pants far-flung foreign beaches on a good day! Take a look at Inverness Taxis Top 6 best beaches near Inverness and get packing for a beach holiday in Scotland that’ll rival any holiday abroad!
Findhorn Beach
The fabulous seaside getaway was named BEST BEACH IN SCOTLAND by the Sunday Times this year. For its seven miles of white sands, reaching along the coastline of the northeast of Scotland.
As well as fabulous sunbathing, picnic and swimming spots, it offers scenic walks and the chance to spot dolphins, porpoises, seals, ospreys and sea eagles.
It’s one of the most popular beaches on the Moray coast. The sand is separated from the land by a shingle strip. But, it’s easy to get to the flat sands and you can literally walk for miles, all the way to Burghead.
It’s only under an hour’s travel from Inverness, so well worth the trip!
Nairn Beach
On a sunny day, one phrase will creep across every Invernessian’s lips. And that phrase is “Do you fancy a trip to Nairn Beach?”. Nairn Beach is one of the go-to beaches in the Highlands for many right across the region. Just a few miles from Inverness, the seaside resort town has a beach and amenities that are the envy of many a coastal town. There’s a playpark, putting green, tea rooms, ice cream stalls, fish and chip vans, and not one, but two Championship golf courses.
Nairn’s Central Beach has beautiful pristine white sands, backed by low dunes, and the climate is remarkably temperate for the Highlands. The harbour is filled with pleasure boats and the water is filled with sea life (even dolphins!) The beach’s abundance of facilities and amenities makes it a beauty of a beach to visit with the family in the summer.
Nairn’s central beach is an extremely popular place in the summer months. But, its eastern beach tends to attract less attention and is a popular spot for surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.
Durness Beach
Durness is a village located close to the most northwesterly point of mainland Britain. The scenery offers some stunning views of the pristine beach and often turquoise waters. A great beach to have a picnic and admire the view and you may even spot a surfer or two. Nearby is Smoo Cave, a gaping hole in a sheer limestone cliff – great for exploring on your Scottish beaches in the Highlands day out.
Balnakeil Beach
Situated near the northwestern point of mainland Scotland, near Durness, Balnakeil Beach is a spectacular, unspoiled, large beach that offers plenty of opportunities to explore its sand and is well known for its spectacular Scottish sunset. Overlooking the beach is the imposing 18th Century once laird’s residence Balnakeil House. Now a mere holiday let, but with great views across the bay.
You can also explore the ruins of the nearby 17th-century Balnakeil church and graveyard. It’s not one of the most well-known beaches in the Highlands. So, expect some quiet bathing and a catch to get away from it all.
Dornoch Beach
Dornoch’s safe, Blue Flag beach, is a beautiful long sandy beach. It’s backed by dunes and is but a mile from the centre of Dornoch. This beach is ideal for families and perfect for paddling and swimming on those warm summer days at one of Scotland’s best beaches.
Close to the very popular holiday destination- Embo (which itself has a lovely beach), it is a favourite with dog walkers, ramblers and those who love to collect a shell or two. Keep an eye out and you may even spot the occasional dolphin too!
Rosemarkie Beach
What more could you want in a beach than long stretches of sandy beach stretching out into the Moray Firth? Rosemarkie is a lovely spot for walkers and bathers, but its real draw is at its southern end – Chanonry Point. It is reportedly the best location on the mainland to spot those elusive dolphins. Many come from all of over the country to spy those aquatic acrobats, frolicking in the firth.
The beach itself is backed by woodland and has great access to the ever-popular Rosemarkie Beach Café. Which will fuel your day with coffee, cake, ice cream and all sorts of wonderful local food. A great highland beach and a must-do activity with the kids in Scotland on a sunny day.
Book your Inverness Taxi Now
If you’re hitting the beach this summer and need a local taxi, book with Inverness Taxis now by booking online, calling our friendly staff on 01463 222222, or downloading our partner taxi booking app from SafeKab.
