Hidden Haven of Coral Beach in Plockton

On my first stopover on my Scottish Grand Tour I found Coral Beach – a real hidden gem – thanks to a tip from fellow travellers whom I got chatting to in picturesque Plockton on the west coast of Bonnie Scotland.
I was staying in a lovely B&B on the shore near Roinn An Fhaing (on the map below) and decided to take the hike up the hill over the peninsula, through the gorse-lined prepared path and finally across a few rocks and slithery stones. I hoped I could make it there and back, take photos – of course – and maybe have a wee paddle in the water too before the forecast rain came. And I did, almost:-)

© WalkHighlands I highly recommend them if you are visiting Scotland and looking for walks, hikes and more.
Locals having a siesta
Path with view of Loch Kishorn and mountains
Coral is not coral

“The beach is not actually made of coral but of minute pieces of calcified algae known as maerl. Living maerl is a pink and purple seaweed that covers the sea floor with broad beds of spiky carpets. Maerl is a coralline type of algae, which means that it deposits lime on its cell walls as it grows.” (Thanks to “British Express” for the information.)

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Dawn Skies over the North Sea

It was a breathtaking dawn after the Spring flood storms of the evening before, and the early morning sun on the horizon reflected on the North Sea waters. The cliffs created a moody silhouette as a backdrop to this beautiful beach scene.

Well worth getting up early to enjoy the dramatic dawn skies over the Scottish North Sea coast. It was so peaceful, standing there alone on the beach at Eyemouth with only the sound of the gulls overhead and the waves washing the shore.

Make sure you visit this pretty fishing town in the Scottish Borders if you are travelling this way.

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Rugged Algarve Coast

It is well worth travelling to the breathtaking, wild west coast of the Algarve, driving down the winding cliff roads to the stunning shores, which are the perfect destination for beach lovers of all kinds.

Enjoy captivating views of Castelejo beach where striking cliffs and rugged coastline meet the glittering Atlantic Ocean, creating a mystical sea mist that adds to its allure.

To the north is the Pedra da Laje, a rock formation which extends into the sea and is popular with anglers because of its abundance of fish.

The strong waves along these shores provide prime surfing and bodyboarding conditions. While the sandy beach and calm waters behind the rocks invite you to take a dip in the cool ocean.

Praia de Castelejo, Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Algarve, Portugal

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Turquoise Paradise

When visiting breathtakingly beautiful Bonaire, you just have to explore the island. Drive south along the amazing coastal route or directly across country to the south east from the colourful capital Kralendijk to the turquoise waters and overwhelming nature of Lac Bay. Enjoy paradise on earth at Sorobon Beach at the far end of the small peninsula.

Dip your toes into the wonderfully warm, turquoise waters. Go swimming, paddling or windsurfing. The lagoon is protected by the sandbanks from the Atlantic Ocean and often shallow enough to stand.

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Remote Port Ness Beach

The north west of the Outer Hebridean Isle of Lewis is unique and very remote. I can assure you the journey along single track roads from Stornoway is well worth it. Make sure to explore Port Ness Beach, where towering rocks meet the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

Even if the local school children were having their summer sports day and some were evening swimming in the sea nearby, I recommend you wrap up well against the winds and weather!

This sandy beach with rugged rocks and cliffs is the perfect backdrop for a breathtaking Atlantic seascape. Port Ness (Nis in Gaelic), Isle of Lewis (Eilean Leòdhais), Scotland.

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Magnificent West Sands

I stepped down onto the untamed West Sands Beach and breathed in the salty sea air. It was perfect weather for a stroll as the waves washed against the Scottish North Sea coast. The cloud-kissed horizon and the pristine shoreline made it an unforgettable experience.

St Andrews, with its university and historic old town, is the perfect destination for a day trip or holiday. Take time to enjoy the stunning beaches and explore the fascinating town, castle and abbey ruins and picturesque harbour. Maybe even sign up for a round of golf on the famous golf course. Or take along your bucket and spade and build sandcastles.

St Andrews, Kingdom of Fife, Scotland.

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Caribbean Kite-Surfing Paradise

Experience the thrill of the kite surfer’s paradise at Atlantis Beach, Bonaire, one of the ABC islands in the Dutch Caribbean. Surfers from all over the world glide across the crystal-clear turquoise waters against that stunning tropical backdrop.

Beachlovers sit back on those pink sands and enjoy the view, feeling the rush of the Atlantic winds in their hair.

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Approaching Miami Beach

Imagine flying in to your location on Miami Beach on your private plane or helicopter – for your vacation, a film assignment or whatever. As you approach this amazing island in Biscayne Bay, the Beach with its miles of sand and turquoise blue waters unfolds before you. In the distance, the towering skyscrapers on the shoreline.

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Caribbean Feeling

Pure paradise for snorkelling or swimming in the turquoise waters or chilling with a cocktail, the warm, golden sand between your toes.

The pretty beach at Playa Lagun in a small cove on the colourful island of Curaçao is often crowded at the weekend but during the week it is a peaceful haven. Dutch Caribbean.

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Beautiful Bunnahabhain Beach

Well worth taking a stroll along the beautiful beach at Bunnahabhain (Tràigh Bun na h-Abhainne) for the stunning views across the Sound of Islay before popping in for a visit to the distillery of the same name nearby to sample the delicious golden amber.

Bunnahabhain, Isle of Islay, Argyll & Bute, Scotland, UK.

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Dawn Light at Eyemouth

Fate and a brilliant suggestion from my dear Sis brought me here unexpectedly on a March day.

After a stormy Spring tide the evening before there was a beautiful, calming start to the new day.

Just after sunrise looking over the beach and bay in the pretty harbour town of Eyemouth, Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders.

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Rosamol Beach, Luskentyre

Far from the madding crowd. Miles of golden sand on this remote beach, often called Luskentyre Beach.

Well worth the journey up the picturesque single track road. Rosamol beach (Tràigh Rosamol) lies half a mile or 0.8 km northwest of Luskentyre (Losgaintir) in the south west of Harris. Amazing views of the long sandy, beach and the sound across to the isle of Taransay await you after the walk through the dunes. Tráigh Losgaintir, Isle of Harris (Na Hearadh), Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

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Locals’ View of the White Beaches

When approaching the famous White Beaches on the coastal road from the south you will be greeted by views like this. Before driving a few hundred yards to scenes like this. Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

A small flock of local sheep on the hillside above Taransay Bay who enjoy this spectacular view across one of the beaches to the village of Luskentyre and the Harris hills beyond every day. Not sure if they appreciate it like I do LOL.

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Miles of Magnificent Machir

Magnificent Machir Beach on the west coast of Islay is almost 2 miles long and so far away from it all.

Drive up the single track road and leave your car in the sandy parking area to walk down over the stream to the beach.
Most visitors stay and enjoy the area nearby but head off towards the cliffs in the distance and you will be almost alone.

Kilchoman, Machir or Machrie Beach (Tràigh Mhachir), Islay, Inner Hebrides, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.

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Warm Sunset over the Bay of Palma

Sit back on the beach, maybe dip your toes in the water and enjoy the last golden rays of sun over Bay of Palma. In the distance, you can watch yachts returning back to harbour after a regatta. San Juan de Déu, Platja de Palma, Majorca, Spain.

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Breathe in that Invigorating Hebridean Air

If you visit the Outer Hebrides, don’t just do the typical tours: if can, travel off the beaten track and take life as it comes. That is not only the Mediterrean but also the Hebridean way of life.

Drive up north from Stornoway and take a walk on the 2 miles of fine, golden sands Tràigh Mhòr beach with views across the Minch and the Atlantic, and you are likely to have it all to yourself.

Breathtaking view from the cliffs tops, north of Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis / Eilean Leòdhais, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

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Sunset on the Rocks

On a memorable winter holiday to Tenerife, I took a short trip from Los Gigantes to La Arena to enjoy an amazing sunset over the Atlantic and spent an inspiring hour on the beach with its lava rock formations. The last golden rays of sunlight created breathtaking scenes. In the end I almost had to be dragged away with my cam and tripod as it was getting dark and cold. And it was time for dinner!

Tenerife is a volcanic island and the sand and rocks are often black as a result. This type of lava is Pahoehoe. Canary Islands, Spain.

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Winter’s Dawn Light over the Baltic

An icy cold January morning just after dawn and the winter sun peaks through above the clouds over the Greifswalder Bodden – a shallow bay between mainland Germany and the island of Ruegen (Rügen) in the Baltic Sea. Thiessow, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Germany.

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North Uist: Tràigh Iar (West Beach)

It was breathtaking standing on the dunes at Tràigh Iar looking north west along the vast expanse of the remote sands.
Tràigh Iar (West Beach), Grenetote (Greinetobht), North Uist (Ubhist a thuath), Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

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Turquoise Paradise

Breathe in that magnificent sea air and take an invigorating walk along the amazing Tràigh Mhòr beach.

2 miles of fine, golden sand with a view across the Minch and the Atlantic. If the sun is right you’ll get Caribbean turquoise waters like this as a reward. But remember it may rain, just as it did this day shortly afterwards.

Located near the hamlet of Tolsta, north of Stornoway on the east coast of the island.

Isle of Lewis / Eilean Leòdhais, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.