Kilnaughton Beach

Drop anchor in Kilnaughton Bay, just a short stretch from Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay, and you'll find one of the island's most inviting sandy beaches right on your doorstep. The turquoise, shallow water and fine sand backed by low dunes give it an almost Caribbean feel — surprisingly striking for the Scottish west coast. It's an easy spot to row ashore and explore, with the iconic Carraig Fhada lighthouse framing the view across the bay.