Coral Beach, Isle of Skye: Everything You Need To Know

Coral Beach is a striking stretch of white ‘sand’ made from crushed coral-like seaweed called maerl, with turquoise water that feels almost tropical - on a sunny day, it’s hard to believe this is Scotland.

What makes it special isn’t just the colour of the water, but the sense of space and quiet when you arrive, which makes Coral Beach very much visiting. It’s rarely busy once you step away from the path, and even in summer, we’ve loved the feeling of calm and remoteness that’s increasingly hard to find on Skye.

The beach - easily one of the best on the island - curves gently around the bay, backed by low dunes and open moorland, with wide views across Loch Dunvegan towards the Outer Hebrides on a clear day.

This is a place to slow down rather than tick off. Bring a flask, wander along the shoreline, sit on the grass above the beach, and let the weather and light do their thing. It’s beautiful in sunshine, but equally atmospheric under cloud, when the colours soften, and the coastline feels wild and elemental.

Good to know: In Gaelic, Coral Beach is Tràigh a Chorail.

Where is Skye’s Coral Beach

Coral Beach is located on the northwest side of Skye, just outside the village of Claigan near Dunvegan. It’s around 10 10-minute drive from Dunvegan, 45 minutes from Portree, and makes an easy addition to a day exploring the island’s west coast.

From Dunvegan, you’ll follow a narrow single-track road out towards Claigan. It’s a scenic drive but one that requires patience, confidence with passing places, and a slower pace - especially in summer or when meeting oncoming traffic.

Parking is available at the end of the road, from where a well-defined footpath leads to the beach.

Visiting Coral Beach

The walk to the beach from the car park takes about 25 minutes on a flat, well-defined but exposed track. Parking is limited and fills fast by mid-morning in summer, so aim to arrive early or visit later in the day.

There are no facilities, and it’s quite exposed in windy weather, so pack layers. The beach is ideal for a picnic and paddling in the shallow rockpools at low tide, and the headland beyond offers great views toward the Outer Hebrides.

The crystal clear waters of Loch Dunvegan are perfect for swimming at Coral Beach, though the water here is generally icy cold!

Nearby…

Combine with a trip to Dunvegan Castle, seal-spotting boat trips on Loch Dunvegan, and barista style at The Dunvegan Deli.