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VisitShetland, Market Cross, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0LU, UK
Welcome to Shetland
Beaches
Shetland's Beaches
Every seaside resort boasts about 'miles of golden sand' and if that's the kind of beach you want, then Shetland has plenty.
St Ninian's Isle
But our islands also have every other kind of beach you could wish for, ranging from tiny coves fringed with shell sand, to storm beaches made of pure white pebbles, to wild boulder beaches below high cliffs. Whether you're building sandcastles, beachcombing, fishing for sea trout, looking for tiny sea creatures in rock pools or doing a spot of geologising, Shetland has a beach for you.
It's most unlikely that you'll meet a crowd on a Shetland beach but if you do and you prefer some solitude, the solution is simple - just move to the next beach along the coast!
It's only fair to point out that the water is chilly - around 14oC in August and as low as 5o or 6oC in January - but on sunny days it can be much warmer in the shallows. To really explore Shetland's amazing underwater wildlife you'll need a wetsuit or drysuit and a snorkel or scuba set.
As well as variety, the sheer number of beaches is astonishing. That's because of our incredibly long (1,500km) and winding coastline. For the same reason, you can always find a sheltered beach on the lee side of the islands, whatever the wind direction.
'Laid up on da green'
Norwick Beach, UnstIf you plan to go beachcombing, a word about a local custom. It's not a law, as such, but you'll cause severe offence if you break the rule that says you can only pick up driftwood and other flotsam if it's lying below the highest tide mark. Anything 'laid up on da [the] green', as they say, has been put there by someone else and they'll be back for it some day so please leave it alone. Considering the value of driftwood in a largely treeless archipelago, the fact that this rule is universally observed says something about the honesty of the islanders.
Warning: not everything that washes ashore is harmless or useful. Sometimes distress flares, or explosives from military exercises, or drums of poisonous chemicals can come in on the tide. Don't touch anything that looks suspicious but phone the Coastguards immediately on 01595 692 976 and they'll deal with it safely.
Our Shetland Beach Map is available in our tourist offices and shows the best sandy beaches (with the best ones named) and also a selection of the bigger pebble beaches. But there are hundreds more and as you explore the islands you'll probably find your own favourite corners of the coast and some peerie geos [little coves] all to yourself.
What Next?
On This Site
- Find out about some of the varied nature you may see on or around the beach
- Learn about the sea mammals you'll find in and around Shetland's coast
From Other Sites
- Stay above the beach with an Island Camper, camper vans for lease throughout the year
- Visit Shetland’s Tombolos which are amongst the best in Europe
- Learn how the beach was formed and much more from Allen Fraser at Shetland GeoTours
VisitShetland Survey
Have You:
- Previously visited Shetland?
- Not made plans to visit Shetland but would like to in the future?
- Tried to visit Shetland in the past but couldn't get travel or accommodation to suit your needs?
Complete our Online Survey to let us know about your experience
Feature
2009 Photo Competition
VisitShetland is pleased to announce the launch of their 5th annual photocompetition. This year's theme is 'Shetland's Wild Side'.
Advertising Feature
2009 Wildlife Holidays In Shetland
Shetland offers the best wildlife-watching in Scotland - FACT.
Over a million breeding seabirds, the highest density of Otters in Europe, regular sightings of Killer Whales and superb displays of rare sub-arctic flora. Our award-winning holidays offer everything from fully guided wildlife weeks and long weekends, dedicated birdwatching holidays plus photographic, walking and insight holidays.
Visit our extensive website www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk or call Shetland Wildlife on 01950 422483 for a choice of over 30 holidays!
Feature
Blue Sky Holidays
Don't miss the opportunity to join an art holiday experience with Blue Sky Studios this summer! There will be different locations for inspiration and the chance to use charcoal, inks, pencil and watercolour.Feature
Upcoming Event: Shetland Nature Festival
Shetland's 2nd Nature Festival is set to start this Friday until 12th July. Don't miss this opportunity to join a variety of specialised wildlife tours with local rangers, photography sessions and expert talks.
Feature
Geopark Shetland Celebrates Shetland Nature Festival
Building on the success of the launch of the Volcano Trail and Geopark Shetland website, Geopark Shetland is holding a number of exciting events to celebrate this years’ Shetland Nature Festival.
Feature
Shetland Museum and Archives seeks information on Emigrants for Hamefarin Exhibition
In 2010, Shetland will host a Hamefarin (homecoming), welcoming Shetlanders from all around the world back to their home islands. As part of the celebrations Shetland Museum and Archives is developing a special exhibition and are appealing for images and objects relating to Shetland emigrants. (Above photo: Laurence and Ester Ward on Daytona Beach, Florida, USA, August 1954)
Feature
Shetland in the Viking World: Exciting conference in Shetland this summer
Shetland Amenity Trust is to hold an exciting Viking conference, which will explore Shetland’s place in the Viking world, from the 16th - 19th July 2009.