Singing Sands, Islay

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The beach is one of the most beautiful on Islay, with bright turquoise, clean, and crystal clear water and caramel-colored sand that contrasts the black, craggy sea cliffs.

Singing Sands, Islay

The Singing Sands on the island of Islay aren’t a result of consuming too much whisky, no. When walking along this beach, if you slide your shoes against the sand, it will make a singing sound.

This is due to the shape and size of the sand granules (round and between 0.1 and .5 in diameter), level of humidity and the fact that the sand contains silica.

There are different types of sand; singing sand, roaring sand, and whistling sand, and while these beaches are rare, there are others around the world.

Singing Sands beach is located on the Oa peninsula, behind the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse. It’s a popular place for birdwatching, sunbathing or having a picnic while watching the boats sail into Port Ellen.

The secluded beach is one of the most beautiful on Islay, with bright turquoise, clean, and crystal clear water and golden sand that contrasts the black, craggy sea cliffs.

You can often spot seals bathing in the sun here, otters, or wild goats.

How to get there: From Port Ellen drive west to the Oa Peninsula. There is a car park located 50 yards before the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse, and from there it’s a five-minute walk to the beach.

Where to find the Singing Sands

What3Words: ///grudging.ends.turntable

Latitude / Longitude: 55.617898, -6.2165190

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