15 Beautiful Villages in Scotland To Visit (& Map)
Are you planning a trip to Scotland and not sure where to visit? My guide to the best, postcard-perfect villages in Scotland has everything you need to plan the perfect trip.
Picture postcard villages in Scotland are the ultimate slow travel destination.
Their quaint streets, seafood cafes, boutique accommodation, gorgeous scenery and endless outdoor adventures all weave together to create a truly special, one-of-a-kind travel experience.
Usually only a stone’s throw from the main driving routes, or perfect for a Scotland break, any Scottish road trip should involve exploring at least a handful of these wonderful villages. From the traditional fishing communities on the Fife coast to quaint hamlets in the Highlands, each are wonderful but also completely unique.
The big decision then is choosing which of Scotland’s beautiful villages to visit.
Over the years, I’ve loved exploring these small but ever so memorable destinations. Every time I return, I discover something new – a cosy hotel, restaurants serving ingredients from local farms, or a scenic hike.
And though there are tons of villages in Scotland to discover, a handful stand out from the rest. With that in mind, I’ve narrowed down my favourites.
A guide to the best villages in Scotland
In this guide, you’ll find a curated, not exhaustive, list of the most beautiful, picture-perfect villages in Scotland. Broken down into regions, from the mountainous Highlands to leafy Perthshire, and everywhere in between.
You’re sure to find a gorgeous village in Scotland to fall in love with.
1. Glencoe, Highlands
Glencoe village, on the shores of Loch Leven, might be small – yet it is at the heart of the vast valley of the same name. With a few cafes and accommodation to choose from, Glencoe village is an authentic highland community: peaceful, quaint, and surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Of course, the quintessential Glencoe experience is truly found in the surrounding landscape. So, whilst you could make Glencoe a quick pitstop on a road trip north, you’ll want plenty time of time in Glencoe for walks and hikes.
Also visit:
The nearby village of Kinlochleven and its excellent seafood cafe. Whilst the iconic and very photographable Glenfinnan Viaduct is also only a short drive away, plus Highland town Fort William and it’s restaurants an easy 25-minute journey.
2. Plockton, North highlands
Hidden in the Highlands, palm tree village Plockton is easily one of the most beautiful villages in Scotland.
This hamlet is as charming as can be, with its palm trees, chocolate-box cottages, wild flower gardens, and tiny harbour. Situated on a sheltered bay, the views over Loch Carron are honestly some of the most gorgeous in country – it’s easy to see why Plockton is often called the ‘jewel of the highlands.’
The pace in this little village is refreshingly slow yet there’s still lots to do. Whilst here, go for seafront walks, hikes in the nearby hills, or seal spotting boat trips.
Also visit:
Nearby, you’ll also find Torridon, Kishorn, and Shieldaig - other Highland villages oozing with warm hospitality and crazy gorgeous views. Plus, all these villages are easy to explore on a NC500 road trip. Or visit on your way to the Isle of Skye - Plockton is only 14-minutes from the Skye Bridge and Eilean Donan Castle.
3. Nethy Bridge
Postcard-perfect lovely Nethy Bridge is a strong contender for the prettiest village in Scotland.
A tiny haven in the Cairngorms National Park, charming Nethy Bridge is a popular village for weekend getaways and lodge staycations. Full of century-old cottages, quaint streets, an ancient bridge, farm shops and a cafe, and the most beautiful woodland trails - Nethy Bridge is a beautiful spot.
Plus, nearby you’ll find the bustling town of Aviemore with its hikes and ski resort.
4. Killin, Perthshire
Killin’s only a small village, but its’ waterfalls and historic bridge are one of the most popular spots in Perthshire. It’s also lined with whitewashed cottages, which make a stunning viewpoint.
Whilst there’s not much else to see in Killin itself, there’s a brilliant walk nearby at Acharn Woods. After you finish exploring, grab a drink at the Falls of Dochart, an 18th-century inn set in the heart of the village and overlooking the falls.
5. Inverie, Knoydart
A pretty village and the gateway to the Knoydart peninsula, Inverie is little more than a single street of whitewashed cottages. Yet the beautiful coastal views and rugged mountainscapes make Inverie a totally unique place.
Home to only a lucky few, the only way to visit is by boat which means fewer tourists on this little visited peninsula.
Once here, you can easily check out the hikes in the area, with loch side trails and mountain paths to choose from. Afterwards, grab a drink in the Old Forge, the most remote pub in Britain. Of all the villages in Scotland, this is one for those seeking a real adventure.
Getting to Knoydart:
Book a ticket with Western Isle Cruises, a small passenger ferry from Mallaig. Leave your car in the Mallaig seafront carpark and visit for some of Scotland’s best walking routes.
6. Pennan, Moray Firth
The Moray Firth coast is jampacked with villages that are simply incredible. However, the pretty village of Pennan is one of my favourites, with its heritage rich white cottages and historic harbour. It’s a small place, and a quintessential Scottish fishing village.
Once here, make sure to explore the coastal path out along the cliffs - Pennan is famous for being a dolphin watching hotspot on the Moray coast.
Also visit:
Follow the Moray coast to the pretty Scottish villages & small towns of Crovie & Gardenstown, Cullen, Findochty, Lossiemouth, and Portsoy.
7. Pittenweem, Fife
It’s almost impossible to choose between Fife’s coastal villages. Yet seaside haven Pittenweem is always one of my favourite places to visit. It has everything you want for a magical seaside daytrip: a beautiful harbour, quaint fishing village charm, pretty cottages, tranquil streets, art galleries, and bucket loads of fresh sea air.
As Pittenweem is tiny, a long morning is plenty of time to walk around the village, the harbour, and visit a local café.
Also visit:
Nearby are the charming Fife villages of Crail, Anstruther, St Monans, Elie, and Pittenweem.
8. Culross, Fife
A visit to the pretty village of Culross is like stepping back in time. One of the most picturesque places along the coast, this perfectly preserved piece of history is one of Fife’s best places to visit.
Once here, explore the cobbled streets of 16th and 17th century grand homes and traditional cottages. White-washed walls, red-tiled roofs and the colourful historic palace are wonderful for a morning of exploring, whilst you’ll find the very delicious Rankins Cafe the perfect lunch spot.
Also visit:
Not from from Culross are the quaint villages of Limekilns & Charlestown and North Queensferry with its iconic bridge. Whilst a little further afield you’ll find the market towns of Falkland and Cupar.
9. Luss, Trossachs & Loch Lomond
Luss is a beautiful village, nestled in the heart of Trossachs National Park. Once here, explore the narrow streets of quaint cottages, coffee shops, and small stores.
Situated on the banks of Loch Lomond, there’s also plenty of opportunity for adventure – hike nearby Ben Lomond or head into the hills for spectacular views over the village below. Alternatively, if you’d like to get out on the water there are companies in Luss hiring SUPs, canoes, and kayaks.
There are regular boat trips too from Luss pier, and a swimming spot by the small beach.
Also visit:
The Trossachs is dotted with beautiful villages, some around Loch Lomond (Milarrochy Bay), others in the wider national park (Drymen, Aberfoyle, and Arrochar), whilst a villages further afield in Argyll (Tarbet and Inveraray) are also lovely.
Also be sure to visit Three Lochs Forest Drive for gorgeous woodland walks.
10. Dunkeld, Perthshire
Historic and very lovely, the village of Dunkeld sits on the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire. Whilst you’re here, wander amongst the traditional cottages, cobbled streets, visit the cathedral, and explore the boutique stores. Later, pick up a coffee & cake from one of Dunkeld’s cafes. There’s a real thriving foodie scene in Dunkeld - my favourite spots are Aran Bakery and The Taybank.
After you explore the village, drive a minute along the road to The Hermitage. Here you’ll find the best Dunkeld walks, under a cathedral of towering fir trees and roaring waterfalls. It’s easily one of the most beautiful forest trails in Scotland.
Also visit:
I also love the Perthshire villages & small towns of Aberfeldy, Kenmore, Pitlochry, and Comrie.
11. Tyndrum, Trossachs National Park
Located on the boundary line of the Trossachs National Park and the Highlands, the small village of Tyndrum is the perfect stopover on a road trip north.
Whilst there’s not a great deal to do here, the surrounding Highland scenery is breathtaking and perfect for a hike. Why not try a section of the West Highland Way, which passes through Tyndrum and is one of Scotland’s most popular long distance walk.
After, grab in the drink in the Tyndrum Inn. Or pay a visit to Real Food Cafe for delicious fish & chips.
12. Arisaig, West Coast
Situated on the west coast is the peaceful, coastal village of Arisaig and its pretty stone cottages. Arisaig is all about that slow Scottish village life - think coastal strolls, SUP’ing in hidden coves, and savouring freshly caught seafood in the traditional Crofters Bar.
In truth, Arisaig is often only a stopover for those heading westward to Skye. Yet it’s worth staying overnight, especially to see the most breathtaking sunset in Scotland from one of Arisaig’s many wild beaches.
Also visit:
You’ll find Arisaig on the A830, the road to Mallaig and the Skye ferry. Stay for the night before travelling onwards, or visit on a day trip from Fort William after photographing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Nearby, Morar and its natural white sand beaches, the Prince’s Cairn, and Camusdarach Beach are also worth a visit.
13. Kinloch Rannoch, Perthshire
The sleepy village of Kinloch Rannoch is often overlooked in favour of Perthshire’s better known places, and even I only discovered it last year on a road trip to Dunkeld. Yet it’s chocolate box village square make Kinloch Rannoch one of the prettiest villages in Scotland.
It’s such a small village, there’s not overly much to do in Kinloch Rannoch. But it is home to the Rannoch Station Tearoom and it’s well worth visiting for this cafe alone.
There’s also some great walks in the area, including nearby Schiehallion, one of Scotland’s best known (and easiest) mountains.
14. Braemar, Cairngorms
Of all the villages in Scotland, Braemar is the highest.
Situated in the heart of the Cairngorms, it’s the perfect base to explore the National Park and Royal Deeside. In the village itself you’ll find boutique shops and cafes, whilst Braemar Castle is only a short walk away (sadly it’s closed for renovation at the moment).
There are plenty outdoor adventures too, with tons of hikes and trails to explore.
Also visit:
Nearby villages of Crathie and Ballater are particularly charming. Plus there’s plenty of castles in the area to wander around, including Balmoral and Craigievar.
15. Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh
Villages in Scotland don’t come much quainter than charming Dornie.
Located in the Kyle of Lochalsh area of the western highlands, Dornie is best visited en route to the Isle of Skye. The colourful houses line the water’s edge with tumbling hills and loch views all around.
In the village you’ll find a lively pub and restaurant and stunning views - though admittedly not much else! Yet it is most definitely worth a stop and wander. After, walk along to iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Then fill up on cinnamon buns in All The Goodness cafe.
Enjoy Scotland’s Prettiest & Best Villages
In my opinion, visiting Scotland’s villages is often the best part of a Scotland trip.
Expect a slow pace, quaint cottages, charming streets, cafes, bakeries, and heaps of photo opportunities!
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, have a read of my West Coast Road Trip guide. You may also like:
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