Scottish island that looks just like the Caribbean with white sands and turquoise waters
- UK Hidden Gems
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
Scotland’s smaller and lesser-known islands offer amazing experiences that are easy to reach, simple to explore, and full of character.
Recent UK search data shows that more people are now looking for hidden gems like this place, as visitors start to choose quieter island escapes instead of the country’s busier tourist spots.
One Facebook user described the beaches on this hidden gem as looking “like Caribbean islands.”
VisitScotland calls the island a place of “white sandy beaches and clear turquoise seas.”
Gigha is perfect for anyone seeking peace, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. The island is known for its friendly community, colourful gardens, and relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors who stay overnight can wake to the sound of the waves, wander through the magical Achamore Gardens, or enjoy a gentle cycle along the winding country lanes.
Enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood at the Boathouse restaurant by the water, and keep an eye out for seabirds, seals, and stunning sea views.
The official Gigha website says: “Welcome to the community-owned Isle of Gigha, the most southerly and one of the most beautiful of the Hebridean Islands.
Seven miles long and a mile and a half wide, Gigha sits three miles west of the Kintyre peninsula, less than a three-hour drive from Glasgow.”
“Since the community buyout in 2002, the island has gone from strength to strength with a growing population and a thriving local economy.
On this website, you can learn more about the Community Trust, as well as other projects and news.”
Tripadvisor recommends visiting the Twin Beaches for the perfect slice of sea and sand. One visitor gave the island five stars and wrote: “You can walk or cycle there, and it’s only a short distance from the road. We arrived late afternoon and had the whole area to ourselves.
Beautiful sand, rock pools, crystal-clear water, and great views across to Jura. We spent a couple of hours here but could easily have stayed all day.”
To make the most of your island trip, it’s best to plan ahead. VisitScotland suggests checking ferry times and booking accommodation before travelling, as the island can get busy during summer.
A bit of preparation ensures your visit runs smoothly and helps support the local community while keeping Gigha beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
Download the official APP!
Gain access to over 1,600 hidden gems and their co-ordinates all over the UK when you download our app. Add gems to your bucket-list and tick them off as you go along, as well as earn rewards/badges when you visit a certain amount.
Users will also have acess to over 9,000 parking spots across the UK as well as over 1,600 staycations in the UK.
