The Very Best Places In Fife To Visit | Fife’s Prettiest Villages + Towns
Fife is one of the most beautiful, if underrated, parts of Scotland. It’s a place perfect for both wonderful day trips and weekends away, with heaps of pretty harbour villages, a beautiful coastline and lush countryside to explore.
Once you arrive it’s easy to see why Fife is so special.
Split into distinct regions, I think that no trip to Fife is complete without seeing a little of each. With quaint fishing villages like Crail and Pittenweem, to historic towns like St Andrews – each beautiful Fife destination has its own particular charm.
And we haven’t yet mentioned the rolling hills and countryside walks, famous coastal trail, and delicious cafes & restaurants dotted all across this wonderful county.
Are you planning a trip to Fife?
If you’re booking a trip to Fife and want to know where to see, stay, and eat - we have you covered. Below are some of my top hotels, tours, and more!
Popular tours in Fife:
Top places to stay in Fife:
The Arran: for the best luxury design-led hotel (St Andrews)
The Old Stable: for a gorgeous seaside hideaway (Pittenweem)
No1 Apartments: for the best luxury self-catering apartments (St Andrews)
16 Westgate South: for the best holiday home (Crail)
Annandale Guest House: for the most gorgeous guest house (St Andrews)
Fife itinerary and map:
Want to explore coastal Fife and see it’s prettiest spots hassle-free? Check out our Fife itinerary here.
That’s why figuring out exactly where to visit in Fife can be tricky.
This is especially true if it’s your first-time here. How to choose between the historic East Neuk harbours, or the seaside villages on the coast, or hidden countryside gems in the north? Every time I visit Fife, whether on a day out or staycation, I struggle to choose my favourite place - but no matter where I eventually land, I know I’ll have the most incredible experience.
So, to help you plan, in this guide I’m sharing the absolute best and most beautiful places in Fife to visit on your next trip.
Fife Map
Situated to the east of Scotland, the Fife peninsula with its rich history is sandwiched between the Firths of Forth and Tay. Inland, north Fife is all countryside views and quaint market towns like Cupar.
Then on the coast, you’ll find the East Neuk and its quintessential seaside villages including beachy town Elie and picturesque Crail. Whilst coastal south Fife includes bustling towns like Aberdour and Kirkcaldy.
My Fife map is split, and colour coded into these distinct regions, so you can easily see these defined areas.
Best places in Fife to visit
Here are the best place in Fife to visit, split by area:
The East Neuk
Anstruther
The biggest town in Fife’s East Neuk, Anstruther is a bustling place based around a busy harbour.
It’s a great place to stop during a wider trip around the Fife coast, with plenty of amenities, shops, hotels, and eateries. In summer, my top pick for food is the iconic Anstruther Fish Bar. Whilst winter days are best spent eating by the fire in the exceptional Dreel Tavern.
Cellardyke
During your time exploring the East Neuk, make sure to stop off at Cellardyke.
Nestled towards the end of Anstruther, Cellardyke is a tiny seaside gem. Whilst exploring here won’t take long, the pastel cottages lining the seafront are postcard-perfect and the sheltered bay is stunning. When visiting, follow the road just outside of the village to see the tidal pool. You’ll also find The Grind café here, who serve up delicious crepes and coffee from their shiny Airstream.
Crail
Truly a postcard harbour village, Crail is simply stunning. Seriously, if can only you visit one village on the Fife coast, make it this one.
Also in the East Neuk, Crail is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Fife. Quaint narrow streets wind their way to a pretty harbour and a sandy cove. Whilst in the village spend a morning wandering along the delightful streets and corners.
Foodies have a choice of places to eat: Barnet Bakery, Harbour Tearoom, and The Shoregate are all excellent.
Along with the other East Neuk villages, this Fife gem is easily accessible on a day trip from Edinburgh. Either visit on a self-drive, by bus, or on this really excellent tour.
Elie
Quaint architecture combines with peaceful village life in seriously pretty beachside town Elie. When visiting, a trip to stunning Earlsferry beach is essential and there’s also a wonderful viewpoint on the cliffs you can easily walk to. Alternatively, walk the coastal path to visit Ruby Bay and Elie Ness Lighthouse with their incredible sea views.
Afterwards, take a wander through Elie and its lovely streets.
Or stop off for lunch - a deli on the high street has delicious takeaway options. Whilst the Pavilion Café also offers a tasty lunch menu. Or for something more formal, then the Ship Inn by the harbour has a delicious menu.
Pittenweem
Built around a small but busy harbour, the picturesque village of Pittenweem is still shaped by its fishing heritage. Spend time exploring Pittenweem’s winding streets and whitewashed cottages by the beach before a wander along the harbour walls.
After a morning spent exploring, go indulge in the freshest seafood in Dory Bistro or enjoy brunch at the Clock Tower Café. If you have a sweet tooth, then a hot chocolate from the Cocoa Tree Café is delicious.
St Monans
At the start of Fife’s East Neuk, you’ll find the tiny fishing village of St Monans.
A picture-postcard village of white washed cottages and distinctive red roofs, St Monans is set around an intricate harbour.
Whilst this East Neuk village is the smallest on the coast, there’s plenty of lovely things to explore, including the restored windmill and old kirk both along the clifftops. Afterwards, pop into the Giddy Gannet for a delicious bite to eat and very tasty coffee.
West Fife
Culross
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 plenty of cafes along the causeways.
Limekilns
The quiet waterfront village of Limekilns (and neighbour Charlestown) are some of Fife’s prettiest villages. Lesser visited than other hotspots along the same coast, these wonderful little villages have their own unique charm.
Once here, walk along Limekilns promenade for views over the Forth Bridges. Especially beautiful at sunrise, afterwards pop into Coorie Cafe for a delicious breakfast to warm up.
North Queensferry
There are few places in Scotland more iconic than the Forth Bridge, which makes this coastal village one of Fife’s best places to visit.
North Queensferry is compact, so best explored on foot. Explore the peaceful village and its traditional cottages, then wander down to the waterfront where the most glorious view of the bridge awaits. Afterwards, have lunch in Rankins Cafe.
North Fife
Cupar
Situated in north Fife, former royal burgh Cupar is a beautiful town. Best known for its centuries old market square and historic buildings, nowadays there’s also heaps of wonderful places to shop, eat, and stay.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy Cupar too - nearby are the Scottish Deer Centre and Bowbridge Alpaca Experience, whilst the surrounding countryside has heaps of walks.
Falkland
A chocolate box spot that’s packed with charm; Falkland is a historic village in the north of Fife.
Once here, explore extraordinary Falkland Palace, a former royal hunting lodge that’s also home to Britain’s oldest tennis court. Afterwards, take a walk through the pretty village and, if you have time, explore the dreamy woodland at nearby Maspie Den.
Or, if you fancy a more challenging walk, you can tackle the hike up East Lomond for impressive views over the village and palace – just note that it’s quite steep!
Fans of TV show Outlander will also love pretty Falkland; this is the place where Claire’s journey begins and Jamie’s ghost looks up at her window. Be sure to visit or book a specialised Outlander tour.
Coastal Fife
Aberdour
Located on Fife’s south coast, the pretty village of Aberdour is one of the loveliest villages to visit in Fife.
Known for its castle and golden sandy beach, you can easily spend a long summers day in Aberdour. There are two beaches to visit: Silversands (the biggest) and Blacksands (a small bay). When visiting, walk the short coastal path between both beaches to find the most amazing viewpoint of both the seascape and Aberdour village.
Be sure to pop into Sands A Place By The Sea for a local bite too.
Kirkcaldy
One of Fife’s biggest cities, Kirkcaldy isn’t known as the quaintest spot – but it is packed with amenities and because of that, worth a mention. You’ll find heaps of shops, fuel stations, and hotels here. Whilst you’re visit, be sure to visit Ravenscraig beach and its ruined castle; you can park here and walk up the stone steps from the beach. Alternatively, park at the promenade and walk along the seafront.
Another spot not to miss in Kirkcaldy are the remains of the 16th century Merchants House. Accessible through Laws Close (from the promenade), this listed building is a small window into Kirkcaldy’s rich history. Afterwards, venture a few miles along the coast to the pretty harbour village of Dysart - a conservation area complete with harbour and historic cottages.
Lower Largo
Though there’s really not much to do in Lower Largo, it remains one of my favourite places in Fife. You’ll find Lower Largo on the coast, just before heading into the East Neuk. Once here, take a wander along the short but pretty main road and visit the Robinson Crusoe statue (a Lower Largo sailor inspired the tale).
Afterwards, blow away the cobwebs on Lower Largo’s sandy beach then visit the cosy Crusoe Hotel restaurant for a delicious bite to eat.
For walkers, this is also the best place to join the Fife Coastal Path which leads around the headland to Elie and beyond.
St Andrews
St Andrews needs little introduction.
However, if you’re new to Fife then this historic university town is one place you really can’t miss. Once here, you’ll find a bustling town, lively nightlife, and plenty of seriously excellent eateries tucked away amongst the myriad of streets. The hotel scene is also excellent.
If you have enough time, there’s also a cathedral, castle, and harbour to visit. Whilst along the coast, the beaches here are spectacular.
Of course, with all this to see St Andrews makes for a perfect weekend getaway. It’s also a wonderful base to explore the rest of Fife - especially the nearby East Neuk. In my experience of visiting St Andrews many times, though a day trip is wonderful you’ll ideally want to spend at least two days here.
And if you’re looking for the best St Andrews accommodation, my personal favourites are:
The Arran (luxury design-led hotel)
Annandale Guest House (beautiful guest house)
No1 Apartments (gorgeous self-catering apartments)
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