People gobsmacked that beautiful holiday spot that 'looks like Caribbean' is in Scotland

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Scotland boasts a hidden gem that rivals the Caribbean, with its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, but without the hefty price tag.
We're all familiar with the need for a break, whether it's work stress, personal issues, or a jam-packed social calendar leaving us drained. Yet, with soaring bills and the high cost of living, a luxurious overseas holiday often seems unattainable.
While jetting off would be lovely, Scotland offers an abundance of beauty right on our doorstep - including a 'Caribbean-like' beach in the north. This spot is none other than Luskentyre sands on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
As one of Harris's largest and most stunning beaches, it has been recognised as one of the UK's top beaches in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. Here, you will discover miles of sand dunes, turquoise waters, a plethora of water sports, and ample opportunities for hill walking and cycling. The location also gained fame as the setting for BBC's Castaway.
(Image: Getty Images)
After a recent visit, Cara shared a video on TikTok from her @caramowbrayxoxox account, which has since garnered over a million views. She labelled it "paradise" and posed the question, "Scotland, or the Caribbean?". In another clip, she exclaimed she had "never seen water so clear".
One commenter enthused: "Love Luskentyre beach it's gorgeous." While another added: "I love Scotland it's such a beautiful part of the world." One visitor, utterly astonished by the clarity of the waters, exclaimed: "Scotland! I live in Scotland and me and family went there at one point! Gorgeous place!".
Another commented on the lack of awareness about the country's natural beauty: "The amount of people who don't know how beautiful our country/beaches and waters are is scary. But the less people who explore the quieter it will stay for us who do.
"I've been here and the water is honestly not that cold," remarked another individual. The prime time to visit this location is during the summer months when the weather conditions are most favourable, and the daylight hours are longest.
Getting there
To reach this idyllic beach spot, the simplest method is to fly to Stornoway Airport. Daily flights from Glasgow and Edinburgh take just over an hour, with prices starting at £120, as per Rome2Rio.
Upon arrival, driving to the beach takes approximately one hour and 19 minutes, which is the most cost-effective option. Alternatively, you can take a train for under three hours, hop on a bus, or hail a taxi.
Direct train routes to Luskentyre are unavailable. Rome2Rio suggests: "However, you can take the bus to Uig Pier, walk to Uig Skye Ferry Terminal, take the ferry to Tarbert, walk to Car Park, then take the bus to Turning Point.
"Alternatively, you can take a train from Glasgow Queen Street Low Level to Township via Spean Bridge, Spean Crescent, Uig Pier, Uig Skye Ferry Terminal, Tarbert, and Car Park in around 12 hours and 13 minutes."
Have you visited this spot? Share your experience in the comments below.

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