This beach was named the best beach in Scotland – and it’s home to the smallest castle in Europe

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Kristina Galvydyte

 –  Staff Writer

 ·  June 4, 2026

Another day, another Scotland appreciation post. Our pristine beaches are being recognised once again, with one making the top 50 list of the best beaches in Europe.

Time Out has compiled the list for 2026, with Entalula Beach in the Philippines being named the world’s best. The other best beaches in the world included places like Anguilla, the Dominican Republic, the Cayman Islands, Thailand, the Seychelles and Fiji. However, Europe has plenty to brag about, and Scotland does not lag behind, either.

The top 50 best beaches in Europe are mostly in the south, such as Greece and Portugal, but Achmelvich Beach in Scotland was ranked 47th on the list. Kynance Cove in England also made the cut, being ranked in the 26th spot.

Located in the North of Scotland, in Lairg, Achmelvich Beach offers white sand and bright blue waters, transporting visitors to the Caribbean without leaving the country.

The area is also home to Hermit’s Castle, which is the smallest castle in Europe. The tiny “castle” is as unusual as it gets with its Brutalist style geometric shapes, and its inside is just big enough to fit a mattress. No one really knows why the castle was really built, but it is not as old as one may think.

While at Achmelvich Beach, visitors can enjoy a sunset picnic after grabbing some fish and chips from the nearby campsite, and those wanting some more privacy can go to the nearby Vestey’s Beach. Plus, the attraction is on the famous North Coast 500 route, known as the “ultimate roadtrip” around Scotland!

Time Out said: “Despite being on the other side of the country, Achmelvich Beach is similar to Kynance Cove in that it – in pictures, at least – better resembles a tropical hotspot than a UK shore. In person, its dunes are a tad chillier, being in the Scottish Highlands.”

“But Achmelvich’s charms aren’t limited to the beach itself. Visitors have even spotted dolphins in the bay, while it’s also a short walk to Hermit’s Castle, which is reportedly Europe’s smallest fortress.”

The best beaches in Europe for 2026

1. Fteri Beach (Greece)
2. Cala Macarella (Spain)
3. Cala dei Gabbiani (Italy)
4. Kaputas (Turkey)
5. Porto Katsiki (Greece)
6. Santa Giulia (France)
7. Playa Cofete (Spain)
8. Praia da Falesia (Portugal)
9. Porto Timoni (Greece)
10. La Pelosa (Italy)
11. Keem Beach (Ireland)
12. Playa Bolonia (Spain)
13. Tuerredda (Italy)
14. Podrace Beach (Croatia)
15. Calo des Moro (Spain)
16. Oludeniz (Turkey)
17. Grama Bay (Albania)
18. Playa de Rodas (Spain)
19. Cala Coticcio (Italy)
20. Playa de Sotavento (Spain)
21. Praia i Focu Beach (Italy)
22. Voutomi Beach (Greece)
23. Seixal Beach (Madeira)
24. Puinn Sand Beach (Norway)
25. Palombaggia (France)
26. Kynance Cove (England)
27. Praia do Camilo (Portugal)
28. Gjipe Beach (Albania)
29. Hovolo Beach (Greece)
30. Golden Beach (Cyprus)
31. Sarakiniko Beach (Greece)
32. Pasjaca Beach (Croatia)
33. Arutas Beach (Italy)
34. Ses Illetes (Spain)
35. Jaz Beach (Montenegro)
36. Spiaggia Zingaro (Italy)
37. Zlatni Rat (Croatia)
38. Diamond Beach (Iceland)
39. Punta Rata (Croatia)
40. Cala Brandinchi (Italy)
41. Haukland Beach (Norway)
42. Sakarun (Croatia)
43. Calo des Marmols (Spain)
44. Elafonissi Beach (Greece)
45. Lotu Beach (France)
46. Cala Luna (Italy)
47. Achmelvich Beach (Scotland)
48. Alzada Beach (Spain)
49. Kelebekler Vadisi Beach (Turkey)
50. Cala Moraig (Spain)