Many think the beach is the perfect alternative to Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos – although perhaps a slighter cooler version
While it’s certainly nice to jet off for a holiday abroad, the rising costs of flights and hotels have left many families opting to holiday in the UK instead. Staycations are certainly a cheaper alternative than flying to the Caribbean, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a taste of paradise.
Staycation experts at holidaycottages.co.uk have named Scotland’s Luskentyre Beach as an almost perfect ‘dupe’ for Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caico, thanks to its expansive stretches of light sand, and crystal-clear, turquoise waters. Located on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Luskentyre has been named one of the UK’s best beaches in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
The stunning beach boasts miles of white sand and clear blue water, alongside views of the island of Taransay, famous for being the filming location of the shortlived BBC reality show Castaways.
The perfect location for those looking to explore, the sand dunes and hilly surroundings of Luskentyre make for great hiking or cycling trails.
And while you can go for a swim in the sea, it’s advisable to wear a wet suit while doing so as the water temperature rarely gets above 10°C – this being perhaps the biggest drawback when it comes to choosing this location as an alternative for the Caribbean.
Visitors to Luskentyre have been leaving rave reviews on TripAdvisor, with one writing: “This beach is stunning – miles of white sand to walk & a beautiful sunset to enjoy. We found it such a restful, peaceful, still place to visit.”
Another said: “An extraordinarily beautiful beach of brilliant white, shell sand, stretching across a huge, sheltered bay. Despite its being early April, we decided to have a very brief swim in the gloriously clear water. Unforgettable.”
And a third person wrote: “You’ve never seen water such a turquoise colour and multiple shades of turquoise. Beautiful white sands in front and mountains behind and beside. Outstanding scenery and breathtakingly beautiful.
“Be sure to climb to the top of the sand dunes to try to get some pictures of the different colors of the water from more of an aerial view. You could also climb some of the adjacent mountain for similar views. Well worth a stop on your trip. Parking lot is chaos, but the view is worth it when you see it.”
