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.
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.
This post might contain affiliate links. More details here.
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.
# 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.
# 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.
#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!
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.
#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.
#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.
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.
#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.
#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!
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!
Like it? Pin it on Pinterest!
Interesting facts! Your pictures are so vibrand and now I wish I were there :)
Thanks, Maria, you should come and visit then :)
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! :)
Thank you Teresa! I’m very happy to encourage you to visit Scotland more :) It’s an amazing place!
You have some amazing shot & I would never think these places are in Scotland
Thank you, Delahaye :)
Thank you! I am heading Scotland and looking forward to seeing these places!
You’re welcome :) Amazing! I’m sure you’ll have a great time
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!
The water might be rather chilly, that’s true, but if you just like to walk on the beach, that’s a perfect place!
This post reminded me that I haven’t traveled enough.
Time to catch up :) Come to Scotland!
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!
There really is! Before I moved in here, I wasn’t aware of it either. But there is so much to discover!
Wow, gorgeous photos! Makes me want to go back to Scotland.
Thank you! Maybe you should? ;)
Wow, I truly would not have thought these were Scotland!!
Scotland is really beautiful and diverse, come and visit!
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.
Edinburgh is very nice, but if you like nature and stunning views, the Scottish Highlands and Isles are a must!
Absolutely stunning! Your post made me even more excited about my 2 week road trip. I’m heading there next week! :)
Thanks, Eniko :) That’s so cool! I’m sure you’re gonna love it
Great tips for places to visit. I’ve definitely added these to my list to visit when I head there.
Thanks, Lisa! They are worth it!
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!!
Haha, I’m glad I could show them to you! Yes, definitely – Belfast is not too far away, so come and explore :)
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!
I know, right? Those places are just breathtaking :)
Scotland has always been on my travel list. Even more so now!
It’s definitely worth to go to Scotland :)
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!!
Haha, great to here that, Payton :)
I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland! This males me want to go even more badly!
Maybe this should be an excuse to finally go? ;)
I would love to visit Scotland. Your pictures are amazing.
Thanks so much! I wish you trip to Scotland soon, then :)
Seriously, your pictures are incredible! They make me want to visit Scotland. Maybe I can make a stop there next year. :)
Thanks, Edith! If you haven’t been, you should definitely stop by :)
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
Thank you, Olivia! It’s really beautiful place to visit :)