In between the rocky outcrops and basalt cliffs of Mull lie some of the most incredible beaches in the world. Carpeted with snow-white sands and graced with turquoise seas, they have to be seen to be believed. To get you started, we’ve picked out ten of the best beaches on Mull.
If you are prepared to get off the beaten track and work a little harder to find paradise, then Mull’s 300 miles of coastline should capture your attention. Often remote and always beautiful, the island’s beaches and coves tempt all those with a little wild running through their veins – inviting tranquillity seekers and adventurers to step outside the ordinary and embrace intoxicating seclusion amongst some of the world’s most mind-blowing scenery.
Ardalanish Bay
Famous for its beauty, geology and size, Ardalanish beach is located near the village of Bunessan. Reached following a short walk from a nearby car park, this mile-long stretch of shimmery silver sands will be a welcome sight, framed by wildflower machair in summer and affording amazing views of Colonsay and the Paps of Jura in the distance.
Calgary Beach
The island’s largest and most famous beach is Calgary, meaning “beach of the meadow” in Gaelic. Boasting the rare advantages of both easy access and nearby facilities at the Calgary Farmhouse Cafe, this beach is a vision of pristine, white-shell sand and turquoise seas. Not far from the beach are also the ruins of a small village, abandoned during the 19th Century Highland clearances.
Croggan Beach
A 20-minute wander or so along a private, wooded track will lead you to the beautiful Croggan beach. Here, soft sands are revealed at low tide to cushion bare soles and miniature waterfalls trickle down through the rocks and run towards the sea. Like most of Mull’s beaches, there are no facilities close-by but this just adds to the wild appeal.
Fidden Beach
Fidden Beach on the Ross of Mull is another of the island’s stunning beaches. Peppered with pink granite outcrops that add a striking visual contrast to the startling white sands of the bay and brilliant blues of the sea, it’s certainly breath-taking. Just a short walk from the nearby farm and campsite, you can pack up plenty of supplies and enjoy a full day on its shores.
Fionnphort Beach
Located at the foot of the village of Fionnphort, Fionnphort beach is a superb choice for days by the sea. With plenty of local facilities including a post office, pub, eateries and more within a stone’s throw of the beach, it’s well-suited to all generations. It’s also a particularly lovely spot for sunset watching, as the sun dips behind the neighbouring island of Iona in the west.
Kilvickeon Beach
The kind of beach only adventurers go to, the secluded Kilvickeon beach has a unique kind of appeal. After a slightly bumpy drive down a gravel track, you can park at nearby Scoor, check the map in the car park and wander through the fields to the beach below. Upon arrival, you’ll be rewarded with the white sands of Kilvickeon – spilt into two strikingly beautiful bays by a small island.
Knockvologan Beach
Knockvologan is made up of a series of small bays and coves that can be accessed at low tide to afford a beach-goer’s paradise. Lapped by Caribbean-esque seas and covered with powder-fine sand, the only problem with this beach comes when you have to leave again – you just won’t want to. Just remember to watch the tides and take plenty of supplies with you.
Laggan Sands
Located in the south-east of the island, Laggan Sands is a sweeping beach less than a mile from Lochbuie. Backed by hummocky hills and laid with dusky sands, it offers gorgeous views over the sea and surrounding islands. As you walk along the beach, you may find that your only companions are the local population of Highland cows who sometimes wander onto the sands.
Port an Tobire
Should you be staying in the centre of Mull, then you should definitely make time to visit Port an Tobire beach. One of two beaches near the 13th Century Aros Castle, you can walk along the beach’s sand and shingle floor or find a spot to nestle down and enjoy the castle backdrop and views aacross the South of Mull. For local amenities, Salen is just over 2 miles away with restaurants and shops.
Uisken Beach
Last but not least, Uisken beach had to make in onto our list of the best beaches in Mull. Really accessible, you can get there following a 2.5-mile drive from Bunessan and there is parking available right by the beach. Once there, all you have to do is find your favourite spot and enjoy the stunning views of the many small islands that pepper the bay.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Mull here.
