
The beautiful island dubbed the 'Maldives of Scotland' - with crystal-clear waters and 'untouched' natural beauty
Travel bloggers (@The Travel Duo) made the bold claim in a YouTube video filmed on the Isle of Harris. The couple, Chris and Sam, are originally from Plymouth and explore the world in their remote home.
In the video, titled 'We found the Scottish Maldives', the pair are so shocked at its beauty, they're left asking 'is this really Scotland?'
As the pair walk across the island's white sand, Sam exclaims: 'I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. Honestly it's insane and that water is way too good to not go in for a swim.'
She adds: 'Doesn't it look like the Maldives?'
The couple then go skinny dipping in the chilly sea before exploring some of the inland areas.
And as shocking as it might sound, the Isle of Harris actually does look a little like the Maldives even if the weather isn't quite as exotic.
A stunning island in Scotland has been described as the country's 'Maldives' due to its incredible natural beauty. Travel bloggers (@The Travel Duo ) made the bold claim in a YouTube video filmed on the island
Luskentyre Bay is one of the island's most famous beaches with breathtaking turquoise water and golden sand
Tourists can reach the Isle of Harris by taking the ferry from the isle of Skye or from Ullapool on the mainland
The Isle of Harris is the southern part of the Isle of Harris and Lewis in the Scottish Hebrides. Its stunning sandy beaches will easily make you feel that you're somewhere far more tropical than Scotland.
Luskentyre Bay is one of the island's most famous beaches with breathtaking turquoise water and golden sand.
A Tripadvisor reviewer describes it as 'one of the best beaches in the world' adding: 'Luskentyre beach is the most stunning beach I have ever visited, which is saying something, as I am in my seventieth year.
'When I first saw it my breath was literally taken away. It has beautiful sand and is never crowded.'
Another visitor describes the beautiful beach as a 'little slice of Maldives on the coast of the Isle of Harris.'
Scarista Beach is another of the island's prettiest beaches and has expansive sandy dunes.
A Tripadvisor reviewer says: 'Perfect. Blue sea, white sand and very quiet. It's a place to put your troubles behind you and soak up nature at it's best. I have no more words.'
After spending some time at the beach, tourists can head to the island's distillery to sample local scotch and gin.
As shocking as it might sound, the island actually does look a little like the Maldives even if the weather isn't quite as exotic
Titled 'We found the Scottish Maldives', the pair are so shocked at its beauty, they're left asking 'is this really Scotland?'
The Isle of Harris Distillery offers tours and tastings and has a shop selling local products.
Tourists can reach the Isle of Harris by taking the ferry from the isle of Skye or from Ullapool on the mainland.
It's a good time to visit as National Geographic recently crowned the Outer Hebrides as one of the best places to travel to in 2025.
Vicki Miller, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said at the time: 'These wild but captivating islands offer something for everyone – stunning scenery, unparalleled opportunities to see amazing wildlife, a rugged coastline, delicious food and drink with strong local provenance, and an incredible historical and archaeological story to tell.
'Our communities, along with our natural and cultural heritage, are what make these islands so special.'
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