Unique Scotland – 10 amazing places to visit in Scotland, you wouldn’t believe exist

Scotland is well known for its wild nature, historical castles, and whisky trails. However, it also has a more exotic side. Find out more about the unique side of Scotland and beautiful places to visit, not known by many.

10 amazing places in Scotland you wouldn't believe exist

I’m sure you’ve seen many photos showing the best places to visit in Scotland. But did you know that you can find Scotland off the beaten path with the exotic beaches of the Caribbean or dramatic snowy peaks of Alps? Yes, Scotland has it all.

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Read more: Going to Scotland? Check what to pack for Scotland with this full 4 season packing list


# 1 The Caribbean or the Outer Hebrides?

Turquoise water, white powdery sand. Those paradise looking beaches are not in the Caribbean islands but can be found on the west and north of Scotland. Some of the best ones are located in the outer Hebrides – like the one below in Seilebost on the Isle of Lewis and Harris. You can find beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise water also on the Isle of Mull.

Seilebost beach in Isle of Lewis and Harris

# 2 Portugal or Portree?

In many big towns of Scotland, buildings are usually grey and made from granite. But not all of them. Some look like taken straight from vibrant Portugal – for example, houses in Portree on the Isle of Skye.

Colourful houses in Portree, Isle of Skye Scotland

# 3 Norway or Scotland?

Northern Lights viewings are mostly associated with places like Iceland, Norway, Sweden or Finland. Not many people know that you can also see them very often from Scotland.  With many ways that help you to increase your chances of seeing Aurora, the sightings are more frequent.

Northern Lights in Scotland

#4 Iceland or Isle of Staffa?

Have you ever seen hexagonal-shaped basaltic columns or other volcanic rocks? You can find them all over Iceland, but they also exist in some places in Scotland. You can spot them on the beautiful Isle of Staffa with famous Fingal’s Cave (psst.. that’s also a perfect place for watching puffins). Put it on your list of places to visit in Scotland!

Fingal's cave and Isle of Staffa


Read more: Visit Scottish islands – Isle of Mull, Iona and Staffa


#5 Denmark or Tobermory?

Colourful houses and tiny boats? It’s not Copenhagen, it’s Tobermory, the main town of the Isle of Mull in Scotland.

Colourful houses in Tobermory in Scotland, Isle of Mull
#6 France or Sutherland?

Scotland has a lot of castles, but one of them appears like it’s taken straight from France. The fairy-tale looking  Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland is located on the famous road North Coast 500.

Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland on north coast 500 road in Scotland

#7 Croatia or Isle of Bute?

Palm trees and beautiful houses – is that one of the Mediterranean countries? Nope, it’s Scotland. I know, I know, palm trees in Scotland? Yes, thanks to the warm waters of Gulf Stream in the west coast of Scotland, palm trees can grow there. The one below is from the gardens of beautiful Mount Stuart House in the Isle of Bute.

Mount Stuart House in Isle of Bute in Scotland


For more inspiration about beautiful places to visit, try this Scotland’s Highlands and Islands travel guide


#8 Switzerland or Scottish Highlands?

Snowy peaks of Alps or even Polish Tatras can come to your mind when you wander around Scottish hills. Although much lower, Highlands in Scotland still have that dramatic look and amazing views.

Snowy peaks of Scottish Highlands

#9 Peru or Glen Coe?

The volcanic valleys of Peruvian Andes can be compared to Glen Coe – a valley in Scotland, which is also of volcanic origin with some stunning views.

Mysterious mountains of Glen Coe in Scotland

#10 Indonesia or Isle of Skye?

You know those pictures taken from the top of the mountain in Indonesia when everything is covered in the clouds, apart from few peaks coming through? Well, here is one from Scotland – from the Bealach na Bà pass overlooking the Isle of Skye. You don’t have to travel far!

View from Bealach na Bà pass to the Isle of Skye


As you can see, Scotland has it all. Do you know any other unique or off the beaten path places to visit in Scotland, that look unusual for the country? Come and visit Scotland and you will be able to discover even more of them! 


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40 thoughts on “Unique Scotland – 10 amazing places to visit in Scotland, you wouldn’t believe exist

  1. Oh my goodness! These photos are incredible! To think that I live in the UK and haven’t explored Scotland properly yet is criminal. Got to fix that, and your photos have just given me the motivation. Thanks for sharing! :)

  2. Thank you! I am heading Scotland and looking forward to seeing these places!

  3. Wow! A lot of these are incredible. The beach on your first photo does looks like the Caribbean. I wonder how warm / chilly the water is. Which does not really matter to me since I love to go for beach walks!

  4. I am in love! I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland for the castles and the landscapes but I had no idea there was so much beauty!

  5. Wow, you are right. I would never have believed this was Scotland. Those beaches look so amazing, really like the Carribean beaches. These photos are so different to most of the photos I have seen from Scotland. Now I have to put it higher on my bucket list. I have been to Edinburg, but would looooove to see the Scottish highlands.

  6. Absolutely stunning! Your post made me even more excited about my 2 week road trip. I’m heading there next week! :)

  7. What on earth?! I never expected Scotland to have so much variety in landscapes. I’m definitely visiting these areas as some point. I’m from Belfast so it’s not far away!!

  8. Unbelievable how diverse the landscape in Scotland is! The Outer Hebrides are stunning…I would’ve guessed it was somewhere in the Caribbean as well!

  9. i LOVED this! This was so cool! I loved all of the comparisons you did to other places! That turquoise water and the Northern Lights?! Excuse me while I move to Scotland! Pinned this post!!

  10. Seriously, your pictures are incredible! They make me want to visit Scotland. Maybe I can make a stop there next year. :)

  11. Wow Scotland was on my bucket list before but now it’s definitely one of the next places I want to visit! Looks absolutely incredible and surprising how different each of the locations look!

    Beautiful pictures

    xoxo Olivia

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