A Complete Guide To Elie| Fife’s Prettiest Coastal Town
Travel along Scotland’s east coast and you’ll discover the pretty town of Elie, Fife.
Here, neat rows of sandstone houses line pristine streets, nestled between Elie’s immaculate beaches and sheltered bays.
Once a royal burgh, in recent years Elie has become an escape for Scottish day trippers keen to escape the city; now a town where the affluent disappear to enjoy long weekends in one of the town’s many grand homes.
And yet, this beautiful town of impressive stone walls and pastel hues, still retains its harbour seaside charm. Even as the crowds flock and the beaches fill up, Elie remains as quaint and lovely as ever.
Not only pretty, but there’s also heaps to do in Elie.
With miles of Fife coastline to explore, fantastic beaches, watersports, and excellent eateries, plus nearby traditional fishing villages and iconic harbours, Elie is the perfect summer spot for a Scotland getaway or daytrip. I was lucky to spend three weeks in Elie last summer and made the most of my time there exploring the beaches, coves, and cafes. Plus, it was one of my favourite stopovers on my solo walk around the Fife Coastal Path.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Elie, including where to stay and how to visit.
Where is Elie?
You’ll find Elie in the East Neuk of Fife, on Scotland’s east coast. Elie is actually the first stop on a trip around this coastline – an area of Fife known for its postcard perfect villages and stunning beaches.
To the west is this beautiful coastal hamlet, the lesser visited Lower Largo. Whilst to the east, the wonderful harbour villages of St Monans and beyond to Pittenweem, Anstruther, and Crail.
Where to stay in Elie
There’s no shortage of places to stay in Elie, including a holiday park, holiday homes, and Airbnbs to suit all tastes and budgets.
However, if you’re looking for an informal yet stylish Elie hotel, then treat yourself to The Ship Inn.
This small boutique hotel has gorgeous sea views and the light airy rooms are beautifully decorated. Plus, food served in their restaurant is exceptional (be sure to book a table) and the outdoor terrace a strong contender for my favourite sundowner spot.
How to get to Elie
For those seeking sandy beaches and seaside vibes, Elie makes for a wonderful daytrip or coastal break. Here’s how to visit:
By car: As with many places along the Fife coast, the easiest way to visit Elie is by car. There are two main parking areas in Elie: Ruby Bay (here) and the High Street (here). Both are free. You can also find parking along Elie’s residential streets, though please be mindful of leaving access for local residents.
By bus: Alternatively, the Stagecoach 95 bus service runs regularly between all the East Neuk villages and towns including Elie. If you are taking the bus, then Elie makes an ideal base to explore this part of the Fife Coast.
For those travelling from Edinburgh, the Stagecoach X60 stops in Elie (and most East Neuk villages). Plan your journey here.
On foot: If you’re up for a challenge, then visit Elie via the Fife Coastal Path. The most beautiful section of the 178km trail starts in Lower Largo before reaching Elie, then continuing along the East Neuk. The clifftop views and hidden beaches are incredibly beautiful and I have no doubt you’ll love the Elie section of the trail. Find out more about the coastal path here.
The best beaches in Elie
Elie is known for having some of the most wonderful beaches in Fife. Here are the best white sandy beaches and hidden coves, including iconic Ruby Bay and Elie Beach:
Earlsferry Beach
Just a 10-minute walk away from the town centre is Earlsferry Beach, a wide stretch of golden sand that often feels like a well-kept secret.
Accessible via Sea Tangle Road to the west of Elie, it’s a fantastic option if you’re keen to escape the crowds – even on a summer’s day Earlsferry Beach can be quiet. When the tide is low, this beach links to Elie beach and creates almost a mile of uninterrupted sand. There are no facilities here, so be sure to bring everything you need.
Whilst here, take a short (but steep) walk up Kincraig Steps. At the top you’ll find the most glorious views over Earlsferry Beach and Elie beyond.
Find Earlsferry Beach here on Google Maps.
Elie Beach
Just a few steps from the main street, this is the town’s main beach. Popular with families, watersports, and the local cricket teams weekend pitch - this stretch of golden sand is busy in summer. On the plus side, it’s easily accessible and just few minutes stroll to Elie’s cafes, shops, and bars.
Find Elie Beach here on Google Maps.
Ruby Bay
Ruby Bay is considered one of Fife’s most iconic spots.
Located to the east of Elie, the gloriously sandy beach is a secluded spot that requires a little extra effort to reach. Best visited during low tide, when the rock pools are revealed, and Ruby Bay’s thriving marine life is easily spotted. Also keep an eye out for red rubies rumoured to be buried in rocks.
You’ll find Ruby Bay directly on the coastal path, though there’s also a small car park. Once here, you can easily extend your walk to include Elie Ness Lighthouse and the Lady’s Tower.
Find Ruby Bay here on Google Maps.
Shell Bay
Located around a 30-minute walk from Elie, the crescent of golden sand at Shell Bay is popular with families. Being in a sheltered cove, Shell Bay is an ideal spot for a swim or snorkel in the clear, shallow water. There’re also heaps of facilities at the adjacent at Elie Holiday Park.
Alternatively, walk west out of the holiday park and visit the sand dunes above Largo Bay – the beach along this stretch of the coast is part of Dumbarnie Links Nature Reserve and is both stunning and very rarely visited.
Find Shell Bay here on Google Maps.
Best things to do in Elie
These are the best things to do in Elie, besides visiting the beach!
1. Wander the town
One of the best things to do in Elie is simply wander around the town. Compact and incredibly walkable, the streets of impressive buildings and beautiful cottages are packed full of history and charm. Many of the old cottages are brightly painted, whilst the grander homes retain their Edwardian features.
Whilst here, be sure to visit South Street in the town centre where Elie’s oldest buildings back onto the beach. The historic High Street, Fountain Road, and Bank Street are also well worth exploring for their century’s old buildings.
Of course, don’t forget to walk along The Toft, a charming street turned pier, which leads to Elie Harbour.
2. Visit Elie Ness Lighthouse
Another of the best things to do in Elie is visit the dramatic 120-year-old lighthouse that stands guard over the headland. Still active, Elie Ness Lighthouse and the keeper’s cottage were given a full restoration in 2010, the white walls and lantern brought back to life.
To get there, follow the coastal path from the village to Elie Ness point and walk out to the lighthouse over the sand dunes (around 10-minutes). Also, the cliffs around the lighthouse are isolated and can be blustery – so be sure to pack a jacket and wear sturdy shoes.
Find Elie Ness Lighthouse here.
3. Visit Ardross Farm
Home to super fresh vegetables, free range meats, cheese, homemade jams, and farm ice cream, Ardross Farm Shop is a foodie gem. Once here, you’ll want to stock up on the freshest and seasonal produce - most grown or made onsite. It’s a lovely spot to buy picnic items and particularly helpful if you’re staying in a self-catering apartment in Elie.
Ardross Farm Shop is open daily, 9am till 5.30pm, extended till 8pm every Thursday.
Find it here.
4. Tackle the Elie Chain Walk
Adventure lovers should take time to explore the Elie Chain Walk, where a series of rocky footholds and bolted chains create a scrambling route along jagged cliffs just above the sea.
Be warned though, the route requires a head for heights, a decent amount of agility and, crucially, a low tide. I have to admit to walking around the clifftop path and avoiding the chains (happy to admit my fear of heights) but my partner tackled the rocky route and loved it.
The 0.5km route takes around 1 – 2 hours to complete and is open every day. Find it here, and a comprehensive guide on how best to tackle this cliffside scramble here.
5. Explore the East Neuk
Whether you’re basing yourself in Elie, or here for a day, a trip along the spectacular East Neuk coastline is essential.
Home to picturesque fishing villages and harbour towns, it’s a beautiful place to explore and can be done in a long day. Highlights include the villages of St Monans, Pittenweem, and Crail. Choose to visit the East Neuk on a road trip, by bus, or walk some of the prettiest parts of Fife’s coastal trail.
6. Go Windsurfing
The sheltered bays and generally calm water around Elie are perfect for watersports. Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned pro, there are SUPs, windsurfing, canoes, and sailing all on offer. Either hire equipment or take lessons from Elie Watersports, located by the harbour. You can find out more here.
7. Walk the coastal path
One of the best ways to spend time in Elie is exploring the coastal path.
Elie is the first village in the East Neuk and is linked to its neighbouring villages by the long-distance coastal path, a trail which takes you high above the sea and over the cliffs. The Fife Coastal Path from Elie has dramatic coastal scenery and spectacular views, as well as sweeping views over the town. Once here, you can easily join the path which is reasonably flat.
From Elie walk east to the harbour villages of St Monans (5km, approx. 1-hour). Or Anstruther via pretty Pittenweem (10km, approx. 2-hours). This route is packed with history, cafes, and stunning sea views.
Alternatively, head west over dramatic Kincraig Hill to the pretty village of Lower Largo. This 10km coastal route is one of the best sections of the Fife Coastal Path.
To return from either direction, catch the hourly Stagecoach 95 bus which connects the East Neuk villages (plan your journey here).
Where to eat in Elie
By far the best restaurant in Elie is The Ship Inn, which features locally caught seafood and fresh produce on their varied menu. I ate dinner here on my walk around the Fife Coastal Path, and the hearty macaroni cheese was exactly what I needed.
For breakfast and lunch head to the Elie Deli, where you’ll also find delicious takeaway options including lovely quiche, cheeses, and freshly made sandwiches. Then for sweet treats it has to be Barnett’s Bakery, just along the high street.
Read my full guide of Elie restaurants, including cafes and takeaway bites.
Discover Fife
Pin for later
