Sanday, Orkney Islands

Explore Sanday (Orkney Islands) Coast and Beaches

Sanday is one of the larger inhabited islands of Orkney. As well as the coastline there are several small bodies of freshwater on the island. There are several SSSIs on the island and the marine coast around the east of the island is designated a Special Protection Area due to presence of sand dune and machair habitats, as well as extensive intertidal flats and saltmarsh. Seals and otters can be found in and around Sanday. Sanday is well set-up for visitors with a 9-hole golf course and regular walks and activities run by the Sanday Ranger.


Why not check beaches nearby as we have 18 beaches in Orkney Islands. You can even take a look at our list of Orkney Islands dog friendly beaches or even our United Kingdom Blue Flag beach list.

Sanday Orkney Islands Coast Map

Sanday Orkney Islands Coast Search Bar

Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:

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Want some ideas on where to visit?

Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, and places to stay and eat:

Bay-of-Stove-beach

Bay of Stove Beach

Bay of Stove Beach is a sandy beach that becomes a large area at low tide but also no beach at high tide. The ruined farm behind the beach is unusual in the Orkney islands in that it represents early industrialised farming incorporating a steam-powered threshing barn and projecting byre with granary. Read more…
Quoyness-Chambered-Cairn

Quoyness Chambered Cairn

The Quoyness Chambered Cairn is approximately 5,000 years old and is located on the shoreside. The cairn is about 4 metres high, and can be accessed through the small entrance passage, itself 9 metres long. Only half the entrance passage is roofed. A stone platform surrounds the cairn. The Cairn had bones from 10 adults and 5 children removed. Read more…
Backaskaill-Bay-beach

Backaskaill Bay Beach

Backaskaill Bay is a long sweeping white sandy beach backed by grass covered sand dunes. The beach is remote and has no facilities. You will need to bring everything with you and remember to take your rubbish away. Read more…
Start-Point-Lighthouse-Orkney

Start Point Lighthouse

Start Point Lighthouse was built by Robert Stevenson and completed on 2 October 1806. This was the first Scottish lighthouse to have a revolving light and since 1915 has exhibited distinctive black and white vertical stripes which are unique in Scotland. The light was automated in 1962 and is powered by a bank of solar panels. Read more…
Kettletoft-Bay-beach

Kettletoft Bay Beach

Kettletoft Bay Beach is a sandy and stone sheltered bay to the east of the village of Kettletoft on the south coast of Sanday in the Orkney Islands. On the headland to the east, you have the Quoyness Chambered Cairn. Kettletoft is the main settlement on the south of the island and you have a choice of places to eat. The Read more…
Whitemill-Bay-beach

Whitemill Bay Beach

Whitemill Bay is a white sandy beach backed by sand dunes. The beach is located on the northern coastline of Sanday that itself is the largest of the North Isles of Orkney. A remote beach with no facilities so make sure you bring everything you need. Read more…
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