Our Favourite Beaches in Skye

STAFFIN BEACH (An Corran)

• Distance: A short 5-minute drive from Elysium.

• The Vibe: Wild, dramatic, and surprisingly practical.

Why we love it: Staffin Beach is one of the rare places on Earth where you can literally walk in the footsteps of giants. At low tide, the basalt slabs reveal remarkable 165-million-year-old dinosaur footprints—a hauntingly beautiful connection to Skye’s prehistoric past.

The area has recently seen a wonderful transformation at the Staffin Jetty. After a bracing walk along the black sands, you can now enjoy:

• The Staffin Sea Sauna: A Scandi-style wood-fired sauna right on the water’s edge. Perfect for a “heat and plunge” session in the Atlantic.

• Coffee & Culture: Grab a high-quality coffee and fresh bakes at the nearby Columba 1400 café, or explore the Staffin Dinosaur Museum to see the world’s smallest footprint.

• Active Exploration: With bike hire now available at the jetty, it’s the perfect starting point for exploring the Trotternish ridge on two wheels.

Local Tip: The footprints are best viewed at low tide, particularly after a winter storm when the sea has swept the sand clear. Check the tide tables in our Digital Guest Guide before you head out!

Brothers’ Point: An Adventure from Your Doorstep

Distance: Directly accessible from Elysium.

While the rest of the world heads to the Storr, you can simply step out of the front door, follow the path at the bottom of the hill, and find yourself in a wild, prehistoric landscape. Brothers’ Point (Rubha nam Brathairean) is our favorite “hidden” gem, and for good reason.

What to look for on your walk:

• Prehistoric Giants: As you descend toward the shore at low tide, keep your eyes on the basalt slabs. This is another prime spot for dinosaur footprints, often far quieter and more intimate than Staffin Beach.

• Croc Rock: A local favorite—see if you can spot the natural rock formation that looks remarkably like a giant crocodile emerging from the Skye landscape.

• Wildlife & Sea Life: It is a haven for nature lovers. Look out for seals basking on the skerries, cormorants drying their wings on the rocks, and the majestic Sea Eagles that often soar above the cliffs.

• Echoes of the Past: As you walk out toward the point, you’ll pass the haunting remains of ruined croft houses, offering a glimpse into the island’s olden days and the resilient people who once lived here.

• A Private View of Kilt Rock: From this vantage point, you get a unique, crowd-free view of the famous Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls cascading into the sea in the distance.

Our Recommendation: Pack a flask of coffee or a small dram and head out early in the morning. Having the point all to yourself as the sun hits the cliffs is an experience you won’t find in any guidebook.

CORAL BEACH

The beach has been formed with crushed white coral which appears similar to seaweed. When illuminated by the sun, it produces a stunning tropical blue hue in the water. It is a truly enchanting location, ideal for a family picnic and even a swim.

ELGOL BEACH

Renowned for its magnificent vistas of Loch Scavaig and the dramatic Black Cuillins peaks, Elgol is also famed for its unique ‘honeycomb’ cliffs that soar up from the rocky shoreline.

CAMAS DARAICH

Here, a breathtaking sandy beach is waiting to be discovered, reminiscent of the picturesque beaches found in the Caribbean. The coast boasts of not only exquisite, velvety golden sands, but also of crystal clear turquoise waters gently caressing the shore, creating a truly magnificent view.

ARMADALE BAY

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Sleat Peninsula of the enchanting Isle of Skye lies the charming hamlet of Armadale boasting of a picturesque sheltered beach. With a half-kilometer spread of glistening golden sand, this hidden gem beckons water sports aficionados all year round, with surfers especially flocking in droves during the peak season of August to October.

TALISKER BEACH

Talisker Bay is a stunning shoreline composed of both sand and stones, which is ideal to explore during low tide. The bay’s northern boundary is flanked by towering cliffs that leave a lasting impression.

BEARRERAIG BAY

One can take a short but steep walk to reach the stunning Bearreraig Bay, which is known for its fossils. Despite its beauty, this is a secluded and peaceful spot, especially when compared to the bustling crowds of tourists that typically surround the nearby Old Man of Storr.