Scotland’s Must-See Places Tour
Now that the good weather is here and the warmth is one of the best times to travel to Scotland. There are many essential places that you cannot miss. Enjoy a weekend as a couple discovering the spectacular landscapes of Scotland. Travel at your leisure between its lakes and mountains, discover its dramatic castles and stroll through the medieval streets of Edinburgh, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Renting a car and touring the island is the best way to enjoy it, but keep in mind that in Scotland you drive on the left. You can start with…
1. EILEAN DONAN CASTLE
This castle is one of the jewels and one of the most essential places to visit in Scotland. Located in the Highlands, on a small island in Loch Duich, it is only accessible by a small stone bridge, which makes it even more scenic.
In addition, this castle was the setting for several films, including Los Inmortales or Braveheart and is the image of Cardhu Scotch whisky.
2. NEIST POINT ON THE ISLE OF SKYE
This lighthouse, situated less than an hour's drive from Portree. We are talking about Neist Point, one of the great attractions of Skye. It is located at the westernmost end of the island and is located facing the sea on a beautiful cliff, a large arm of land against which the ocean waters break energetically. Arriving at Neist Point, we find an area where we can leave the vehicle and start the journey to the lighthouse. Neist Point is today a building with history, however, it is still working and performing its role as a ship guide. It no longer needs activation and maintenance by a lighthouse keeper, because it is remotely controlled from Edinburgh.
3. LOCH NESS AND URQUHART CASTLE
Urquhart Castle is the third most visited attraction in Scotland. This fortress on the shores of Loch Ness is an incredible place, marked by history and dominating the spectacular landscape of the Great Glen ("The Great Valley").
Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Loch Ness in search of the myth of Nessie, the Monster. Whether or not its existence is true, this sea creature is surrounded by a halo of mystery and continues to fascinate even though it has not been seen in almost 100 years.
Loch Ness, narrow, with dark waters and 37 kilometers long, is a place given to mystery. If you want to get closer there are many points from which it is worth seeing. There is the town of Fort Augustus, which is at one end of it. There is also Drumnadrochit, a town in the middle of the lake where there are several interactive museums around the lake and the legend of the monster. Boat trips depart from both places. If you're really interested in Nessie, maybe it's worth going in.
4. SAINT ANDREWS
This old and historic university town on the North Sea is known worldwide as the birthplace of golf.
One of the most beautiful places is the cathedral, walking among its ruins surrounded by tombs from all eras transports you to other times. The best place from which to have an incredible panorama is from the top of the tower of the church of Sant Rule, with fantastic views of the cathedral, the city and the sea.
In addition to this area, the medieval city of Saint Andrews is full of charm with its shops, cafes and markets, so it is worth exploring it quietly and dedicating a day.
You can't leave without running along West Sands beach, recalling the mythical scene from Chariots of Fire, which was filmed there. As a curiosity we will tell you that next to the beach you will see people playing golf in the emblematic Old Course, one of the oldest in the world.
5. DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
Dunnottar Castle is one of the best places to visit in Scotland. This medieval castle located on the east coast leaves you in awe of its location, on a rocky precipice above the sea, a perfect place to defend against attacks, with the waves of the North Sea protecting it and only accessible by a narrow steep path.
The ruins are from the 14th and 15th centuries and were featured in the movie Hamlet. When you visit it you will be able to see the remains of what remains of the palace, the stables, the chapel… and other places that are just as impressive as the views from them.
The best photo and the most beautiful view is the one before arriving, with the perspective of the ruins of the castle on top of the summit and the sea in the background.
6. EDINBURGH
Edinburgh is a tremendously welcoming city with a great atmosphere throughout the pub area. This city, in which its fabulous Edinburgh Castle stands out, has two very different parts, the Old Town and the New Town. There are many things to see and do in Edinburgh, we would recommend in addition to visiting the castle, strolling along the Royal Mile and Circus Lane, visiting Holyrood Palace or going up Calton Hill to watch the sunset, with some great views of the city of Edinburgh. Nor can you leave the city without having a pint in one of its many taverns or a single malt whisky.
