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.
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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.”
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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.