7 Amazing Barra Beaches (2026)
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Looking for the best Isle of Barra beaches? Then this is the post for you.
Although there are several smaller sandy bays there are 7 beaches to visit whilst on the island.
In this post each beach has a short description including where to park, how to access the beach and a photo to help you come up with an itinerary.
The list of beaches on Barra below is split into two parts based on geographic location. The first set of beaches are on the peninsula by Eoligarry and the airport. The second are on the west coast along the Barra “ring road”.
How Many Days Do You Need on Barra?
Barra is a small island so it is possible to drive around the island and see its beaches during a day trip to Barra from Eriskay or South Uist.
If you want to explore at a more leisurely pace you need at least two days. That will allow you to get onto the beaches for a walk and be there at low tide to see the beaches when they are most spectacular.
There are also several other attractions on Barra that you should add to your itinerary.
In addition to Barra, don’t forget about the Vatersay beaches such as Bagh a Deas. Vatersay is an island south of Barra but the two islands are connected by a causeway so it is easy to get to. You should also plan to spend one day at Vatersay.
Can You Swim at the Beaches on Barra?
Most of the beaches on Barra face the Atlantic Ocean and can often have large waves rolling in. It is possible to swim but assess the weather and the conditions carefully before getting in the water.
The most protected beach is Eoligarry, which is best for swimming.
Isle of Barra Beach Activities
Except for Traigh Mhor, which is also the runway for Barra’s airport, all the beaches are good for walking and are dog friendly.
Other popular activities are kayaking, paddle boarding and surfing. To book a half day or full day trip contact Barra Surf Adventures. For multiday trips get in touch with Clearwater Paddling.
Barra Beach Map
How to Get Around the Isle of Barra Beaches
Car: Bus services are limited in this part of the world so hiring a car allows you to be at the beaches at the right tide level, hopefully when the sun is shining.
Cars can be rented from Barra Car Hire which can be contacted +44 (0) 1871890313. If you travel to Barra by ferry I recommend renting a car for your whole trip at either Glasgow or Inverness airport to get the most out of your holiday. Click here to check prices and availability.
Public Transport: The W32 bus route drives past all the beaches on Barra listed below. Despite going to both the ferry terminal and the airport the service is surprisingly infrequent.
Buses run a couple of times a day Monday to Saturday with no service on Sunday. The last stop is Eoligarry and the journey time from Castlebay is 30 to 45 minutes depending on the exact route.
Check the latest timetable before going.
Bike: Barra Bike Hire rents out standard bikes and e-bikes for half a day (up to 4 hours), full days or multiple days.
Although there is a bit of up and down the ring road around Barra is only 13 miles. Therefore it is the perfect place to use a bike (especially an e-bike!) to explore all the beaches. It is much more flexible than using the bus.
I highly recommend booking a rental car for your trip
Barra Beaches – At the Peninsula by Eoligarry and the Airport
If time is limited this is where you will find the best beaches on Barra. The two which you shouldn’t miss are Traigh Mhor to watch a plane land and Eoligarry beach for the vast sand flats at low tide.
1. Traigh Mhor Beach – Airport Beach
During low tide two flights from Glasgow land, and with a short turnaround, take off again at Traigh Mhor beach. Barra is the only island in the world that has a tidal beach as their airport runway.
Make sure you time your visit to coincide with the flight schedule. Just be aware that you will not be the only one watching. This is the only time on Barra where there will be lots of other tourists together and the car park by the airport fills up quickly.
The best views are from the fence between the car park and the beach or walk to the left of the terminal (when facing the beach) for a quieter plane spotting experience.
Although seeing a plane land is the main reason to come here the beach is also very pretty a few hours before or after low tide.
All the tourists will be gone and if the sun is out the water colour will be the amazing shades of blue and turquoise the Wester Isles beaches are famous for.
At this time stop at the bench which looks out over the beach a few hundred metres past the road going to Ardmhor ferry terminal (driving towards the airport).
Tide Level: This is the beach where the tide makes the most difference. Make sure you plan around the flight times which can be found here or check with your accommodation
Access to the beach: You cannot walk onto the beach at low tide since it is closed when the airport is in operation
Parking: There is a large car park next to the airport
For the viewpoint by the bench referred to above it is possible to park along the side of the road right next to the bench
2. Traigh Eais
After the planes have taken off walk across the road and through the gate for the short walk to Traigh Eais. Most people go to these two beaches at the same time so it can get a bit busy.
For a quieter experience come at sunset when you are likely to have the beach to yourself. Being west facing it is a great spot to sit and watch the sun go down over the Atlantic Ocean.
Tide Level: Not important
Access to the beach: A short walk up slight incline and over a sand dune takes you to the beach
Parking: At the airport
3. Eoligarry Beach – Eolaigearraidh Beach
The beach stretches to Traigh Mhor at one end and out past Barra Sands Campsite at the other. At low tide the white expanses of sand equal those at Uig bay on Lewis and Seielbost beach on Isle of Harris.
Arrive during high tide and there is only a small beach close to the harbour in Eoligarry still visible.
This is another great place to come for those fabulous aqua marine waters. They are most visible in between high and low tide when the sun is out.
Whilst driving out to Scurrivals campsite and Croft number 2 camping and caravan site the views are fantastic. Both sites have beaches in front of them which are worth exploring.
You could argue that they deserve their own write up rather than merely being part of Eoligarry beach. Isle of Barra has many small beaches that are not marked on the map for you to explore.
Tide Level: Best at low tide
Access to the beach: Easy access from the harbour in Eoligarry described below. Further out access is by Scurrivals campsite and Croft number 2 camping and caravan site
Parking: There is a car park by the harbour in Eoligarry village. The harbour is not marked on the map but put “Jetty Road End” into Google Maps and drive down the dead end road to the sea.
At the campsites parking is for customers only so it is harder to park. The roads are very narrow so you can’t park on the side of the road but you should be able to find a spot towards the end of the road.
For more amazing beaches read my guide to Vatersay beach
Barra Beaches – On the West Coast of the A888 Ring Road
The below lists the beaches from north to south driving along the A888 on the west coast.
All the beaches are most impressive at low tide but unless you are staying for a few days make sure you prioritise Traigh Mhor and Eoligarry beach.
The two beaches to make sure you see along the west coast is North Allasdale beach for the machair and Tangasdale beach.
4. Cleat Beach
At high tide the beach is narrow. It is worth a short detour but this is the Barra beach at which you are likely to spend the least time.
Whilst driving through Cleat look out for the red phone box next to the cattle grid as you go through the village. It makes for a nice photo.
Tide Level: Best at low tide, the above photo shows the beach at this time
Access to the beach: The road and parking is right next to the beach
Parking: Follow the signs for Cleat as the A888 turns inland. Park on the grassy verge by the beach and not in the turning area at the end of the road
5. North Allasdale Beach
In the early summer the short walk to the beach is covered in wildflowers, which is called machair.
Although the beach is nice the wildflowers are what makes this beach different to the other Barra beaches. It is worth coming here just for the machair.
The walk is short and easy but since it is a bit further from the road you are likely to have the beach to yourself.
Tide Level: Not important
Access to the beach: A short walk through the cattle fields takes you to the beach. The gate to the field is opposite the parking described below. There is no path but head towards the sea whilst keeping to the right
Parking: A couple of cars can park along the turn off to North Allasdale. Coming from Cleat beach this is the first road to the left shortly after Cuier cemetery. Make sure not to park in the passing bay along the A888
To plan your visit to Barra read my guide to the top things to do in Barra
6. Allasdale Beach – Traigh Hamara
Driving south towards Allasdale beach the road runs along the coastline. There are a couple of small beaches that are visible at low tide and after the third beach there is a layby with parking so you can stop and take in the views.
Allasdale is the busiest beach and village along the west coast since it has a variety of accommodation options such as camping and a caravan site as well as B&Bs and cottages. It even has a takeaway pizza shop!
Tide Level: Best at low tide
Access to the beach: Walk across the bridge over the stream. Shortly after a path goes down to the right which takes you onto the beach
Parking: Coming from North Allasdale there is a parking area as the road turns left into Allasdale. This is a good viewpoint but for access to the beach continue driving on to Allasdale village and park at the car park by the bus stop
7. Tangasdale Beach – Bagh Halaman
This is another beach that requires a short walk but it is not as quiet as you would think. Being next to Isle of Barra Beach Hotel and a popular spot for swimming and surfing more people visit than you would have thought.
Tide Level: Best at low tide
Access to the beach: a short walk from the car park
Parking: At the carpark in Tangasdale village. It is on the right hand side of the A888 coming from Allasdale. Parking at the hotel is for guests only
LOOKING FOR MORE ON THE OUTER HEBRIDES?
The Ultimate Vatersay Beach and Island Guide
