The UK's beautiful beach that 'looks just like the Maldives' with perfect unspoilt sand

Tucked away in the windswept Outer Hebrides, a remote island off Scotland's west coast is quietly turning heads for its unexpected, tropical-like beauty. The Isle of Barra, often overlooked in favour of more famous destinations, is home to a breathtaking stretch of shoreline that many are now comparing to the Maldives.

Eoligarry Beach and its neighbouring expanse, Traigh Mhor, boast soft white sands and brilliant turquoise waters that appear more suited to the Indian Ocean than the North Atlantic. Yet, despite its far-flung location, this little-known paradise is very much real, and stunningly Scottish.

The most remarkable aspect of this pristine beach is not just its beauty, but its functionality. Traigh Mhor, which means "big beach" in Gaelic, is also the island's official airport runway.

At low tide, planes land directly on the sand in what is the only tidal beach runway in the world used for scheduled flights.

Once the aircraft have come and gone, the beach reverts to a peaceful, unspoiled expanse that stretches out into clear blue sea and sky.

Visitors to Barra often find themselves in awe of the island's natural charms. The white sands are fine and clean, fringed by gently rolling dunes and vibrant machair wildflowers in summer.

The surrounding sea is shockingly clear, its hues shifting from deep blue to a light, almost tropical green in sunlight. It's a view that's frequently described as "Caribbean-like," though with the unmistakable ruggedness of the Scottish coast.

Unlike the bustling resorts of tropical islands, Eoligarry and Traigh Mhor remain blissfully quiet.

Even in the height of summer, the beaches are often nearly empty, ideal for peaceful walks, quiet reflection, and watching seals bob just offshore.

The tranquillity only adds to the area's mystique, giving travellers the sense they've discovered a secret corner of paradise.

Reaching Barra is part of the adventure. Daily flights from Glasgow offer a stunning aerial approach, with the plane touching down directly on the beach. For those who prefer a slower route, ferries from Oban also connect the mainland to this remote gem.