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13 Beaches in Fife So Good You’ll Never Want to Leave
I always have a magical time at the beach, whether it be making sandcastles, skinny dipping with my girlfriends, or messing about in the waves. In fact, the clan always makes it a point to have a yearly trip to the beach and have our first dip of the season.
So if you’re wondering where to go in Fife, I’ve got a list you’ll want a copy of. From jumping off the rocks like wee rockets or splashin’ about, there’s a beach for every adventurer!
Let’s get to it then! Get your swimwear on and don’t forget your sun cream and get ready to have a cracking good time under the sun (or clouds because, well, this is Scotland!).
St Andrews West Sands
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Address: West Sands Road, St Andrews
A cracking spot stretching 2 miles, St Andrews West Sands is a must-visit for its incredible views of the coast. It’s a big stretch of beach, so there’s plenty of space for everybody to enjoy.
And if you’ve ever seen Chariots of Fire, you’ll recognise it straight away, aye, that’s the place used for the iconic running scene. It’s also popular for its magical view of the St Andrews Castle and the cathedral peeking out.
When it’s not too busy, it’s a great spot for taking a quiet walk or enjoying the scenery. On the rare occasion that the sun’s out, you’ll love nothing better than stretching out and catching a few rays—bring a blanket!
Pro Tip: There are paths leading down towards the sand, but it’s worth knowing that the beach itself may be tricky to navigate with wheelchairs and prams.
Kingsbarns Beach or Cambo Sands
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Address: St Andrews KY16 8QD
If you enjoy a peaceful day by the sea, I reckon you’ll love Kingsbarns Beach or Cambo Sands, as some folk call it. It’s a grand stretch of golden sand, dotted with rocky outcrops, grassy dunes, and farmlands rolling away in the distance, giving it a real rugged charm.
Stretching a good couple of miles, it’s my favourite spot for a lazy afternoon–sitting back, soaking up what wee bit of sun we get, and listening to the waves crashing in. Pure magic so it is.
Pro Tip: Bring extra layers ‘cause even on a sunny day the coastal wind can pick up and you don’t want to be stuck there with chattering teeth and frozen fingers.
Kinghorn Harbour Beach
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Address: 1 St James Pl, Kinghorn, Burntisland
Known for its sandy shores, rock pools, and scenic views overlooking Edinburgh and the Lothians, the Kinghorn Harbour beach is a favourite among both locals and tourists thanks to its calm, easygoing seaside charm.
With its natural features like rock pools and cliffs, it’s a grand spot for exploring marine life, taking the dog for a walk, or snapping a few cracking photos.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of the tides as the sandy areas of the beach can get significantly affected by high tides, so it’s advisable to check local tide schedules before planning activities.
Silver Sands Beach
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Address: Firth of Forth, Burntisland
A proper gem with golden sands, clear waters, and cracking views overlooking Inchcolm Island, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Silver Sands Beach has held on to the Keep Scotland Beautiful Beach Award for over 30 years.
As it isn’t too far from the city, it’s the perfect escape for families as there’s plenty to do, whether you fancy splashing about, digging in the sand, or wandering along the coastal path that skirts the beach.
Pro Tip: Get there early, especially on a sunny day to nab a good parking spot before the crowds roll in.
Lower Largo Beach
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Address: 4 The Temple, Lower Largo, Leven
Nestled in the bonnie wee village of Lower Largo, this beach is a hidden gem that’s the perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history. The beach boasts clear waters, golden sand, and rock pools that are ideal for a swim, paddle, or even kite surfing.
Lower Largo is the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, the sailor who inspired Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. There’s even a statue of Selkirk that stands proudly above the door of his home, gazing out to the sea, which you must visit while in town.
Pro Tip: If you enjoy rock pool exploring, be sure to visit during low tide. There’s also a handy car park a few minute’s walk from the beach, just arrive early to snag a spot.
Tentsmuir Sands
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Address: Tentsmuir Forest, Tayport, Fife, DD6 9PF
Miles and miles of sandy shores, Tentsmuir Sands offers a peaceful spot for long walks, watching wildlife, and taking in the natural beauty of the Scottish coastline. Part of the Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, it’s a magical mix of sand dunes, pine forests, and salt marshes.
There are also a few trails winding through the Tentsmuir Forest, ideal for both cyclists and walkers. And if you’re into wildlife spotting, there’s no forgetting Morton Lochs nearby, which is a real haven for all sorts of waterfowl and biodiversity.
Pro Tip: For accessibility and convenience, be sure to park at the main car park nearby for a small fee that leads straight to the beach.
Elie Woodhaven (Ruby Bay)
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Address: Elie, KY9 1 Leven
Did you know that Elie Woodhaven’s also known as Ruby Bay because of the wee red stones you can find on the beach’s shoreline. They’re no real rubies, just bits of garnet that have been washed from the nearby rocks.
Back in the day, locals thought they were precious stones, and the name just stuck. Even now, you might still spot a couple glinting in the sunlight if you’re lucky.
But if you’re not into treasure hunting, the beach is also great for taking a wander, exploring the rock pools, or strolling the coastal path, which runs right past the bay.
Pro Tip: Head up the Lady’s Tower for stunning views of Elie Woodhaven or Ruby Bay and the Firth of Forth. While it’s a short and easy climb, it’s well worth it.
Black Sands
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Address: 38 Shore Rd, Aberdour, Burntisland
A proper hidden gem tucked away and often missed by tourists, Black Sands is a smaller, quieter, and if I’m honest, a far more charming beach. The shoreline’s got a lovely mix of dark rocks and pebbles on the shoreline that meet the golden sand.
Folks like me love it here because of the quiet, the kind where you can hear the waves lap the shore effortlessly and even spot a heron or a cheeky seal if you’re lucky.
Since there are no cafés nearby, I usually take a piece to have on a relaxing sit-down picnic with a sea view. The grassy area behind the beach is the perfect spot, by the way!
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes as the rocks can be slippery and uneven, especially when wet, to save ‘ya from a tumble.
Kinshaldy Beach
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Address: St Andrews KY16 0DR
Located within the expansive Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, Kinshaldy Beach spans 3 miles full of golden sand, rolling dunes, and lush pine forests. Hence, it doesn’t come as a surprise that it’s popular for all sorts of recreational activities.
Most people take a refreshing dip or just laze about on the sands with most of the folk. But if you’re up for a bit of adventure, you’ll love taking a stroll along the many trails that weave through the Tentsmuir Forest.
Pro Tip: As part of a protected nature reserve, be sure to keep a safe distance from the local wildlife and environment. Just like any other beach, don’t disturb the animals and ensure to take all your litter with you.
Shell Bay
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Address: Leven KY9 1HB
The reason I keep going back to Shell Bay is that it’s part of Elie Holiday Park, so it’s a brilliantly convenient place to go as a family as there’s plenty of space for the bairns to run about and explore while mum and da relax at a nearby café or shop.
A bonnie wee beach, Shell Bay, is a fun time regardless of the tide. At low tide, there’s more sand to enjoy, so you bet the bairns are building sandcastles and roasting themselves under the sun, while at high tide the waves are closer and they’ll be splashing about.
Pro Tip: While there’s an on-site café, it’s a belter of a time having a picnic on the sandy beach overlooking the waves.
Pettycur Beach
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Address: Pettycur Bay, Burntisland
Calling all sea glass hunters! You’ll be chuffed to hear Pettycur Beach’s famed for bits of sea glass, washed ashore from the auld glass-making factories nearby. But truth be told, the real gem’s the breathtaking views across the Firth of Forth, a perfect spot for photography.
Whether the sun is rising or setting, the views are lovely with its golden sands and gentle dunes. At low tide, you’ll be able to see how expansive it is as sand and mud flats stretch out to the Black Rocks and Burntisland Beach.
Pro Tip: There’s a free car park nearby that fills up quickly during the summer months, so plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Seafield Beach
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Address: Seafield Rd, Kirkcaldy KY1 1SJ
A wee beach that stretches just 600 meters, it boasts rock pools teeming with life, gentle grassy slopes, and grand views of the Firth of Forth. It’s a favourite spot of many locals looking for a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It’s just a 20-minute walk from Kirkcaldy bus station, perfect for a quiet wander or a bit of wildlife watching after a busy day to feel the fresh sea breeze and clear your head.
Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for seals basking in the sun just a short 10-minute walk south along the coastal path.
