Two beaches in Scotland have been named among the best five in the world by an influential travel guide.
The Sands of Breckon, on the Shetland island of Yell, and Luskentyre Beach on Harris have both been named alongside destinations in Brazil, Hawaii and Europe in a list compiled by Conde Nest Traveller magazine.
The beaches’ have appeared in the publications’ guide to the 38 best beaches in the world for the second year in a row, though one has been significantly upgraded since the last time they were picked.
While Breckon Beach stays in the No 3 slot, Luskentyre has risen to number five in the rankings from its position at 34th last year.
Scotland has three beaches in the list, more than any other country in the UK.
The guide ranked the “powdery paradise” of Palm Cove Beach, Australia, as the world’s best beach in 2025, followed by Honopu Beach on Kauai, Hawaii – which is only accessible be water, usually by swimming from a boat in the bay.
The magazine says: “This icy corner of the Shetlands is home to some spectacular sandy shores, but Breckon is one of our favourites.
“Beyond the swathes of green pastures, you'll find a stretch of pristine white sand melting into clear waters.
“It's the perfect place to while away an afternoon traipsing around and learning about the area's history – the local museum in Burravoe details accounts of historic boat accidents and artefacts that have washed up on the shores.”
Meanwhile the publication says that the beauty of Luskentyre Beach will make visitors “eyes pop”.
“Luskentyre Beach is a paint splash of brilliant white, surrounded by almost impossibly azure water. On a sunny day, it’s so unerringly blue you may find it hard to believe you are at a beach in Scotland at all.
“But regardless of its paradoxically tropical feel, it’s at its most beautiful when eel-coloured storm clouds roll in and seas turn flinty, turning this dramatic landscape an eerie monochrome.”
READ MORE:
- Three Scottish beaches make Condé Nast Traveller 'best in world' list
- Scots beach makes top 10 in global list of 'most exotic to visit once in your life’
UK beaches appear several times on the list, with Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex ranked ninth, Llanddwyn in Wales 12th, while Pedn Vounder in Cornwall is given the 15th spot.
One other beach in Scotland makes the list – Uig Sands on the isle of Lewis.
This beach, which was also among those selected last year, is the site of the discovery of the Lewis Chessmen.
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