Photo of Portobello beach with bright sand surface

Photo of Portobello beach with turquoise water surface

Photo of Portobello beach with long straight shore

Photo of Portobello beach with very clean level of cleanliness

Photo of Portobello beach amenities area

Photo of Portobello beach and the settlement

Photo of Portobello beach - popular place among relax connoisseurs

Photo of Portobello beach - good pet friendly spot for vacation

7.3

Good

Portobello beach

Q: Is there any food or beverages in the area of Portobello beach?

The bar is located right on the Portobello beach.There are 4 restaurants nearby.The Espy is the closest place located 100 meters from the beach.

Q: What is the closest accommodation to the Portobello beach?

There are 2595 places to stay in the Portobello beach area.Some of the best hotels in the area of Portobello beach include:<ul><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=4712763&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Georgian Guest House</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=5091955&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Straven Guesthouse</a></li></ul>The most popular other types of accommodations nearby:<ul><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=6455087&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">St Margaret's Cottage, Edinburgh</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=6126386&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">425 Quirky and charming 2 bedroom seaside apartment in Portobello</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=2980705&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Beachview Apartment</a></li></ul>

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

#168 out of 298 in Scotland

7.3

Good

Free entrance Amenities beach Easy access Bright sand Sand bottom Beach activities rent Good for Kayaking

Click on any feature to view all similar beaches in area

Located within the settlement

Newcraighall • 2.6 km

Map of beach

Brunch Restaurant Miro's On The Prom

8.4 - Very good 60m

Restaurant Civerinos Portobello

9 - Excellent 60m

Restaurant The Espy

8.6 - Excellent 60m

Cafe The Beach House

8.8 - Excellent 60m

Restaurant St Andrews Restaurant & Takeaway

8.4 - Very good 300m

Cafe chaiiwala Edinburgh

8.4 - Very good 1.6km

Bar Cuddie Brae - Pub & Grill

8.6 - Excellent 1.6km

Fast Food Restaurant McDonald's

7 - Good 1.7km

Bar The Ship Inn

8.8 - Excellent 1.7km

Park Portobello Promenade View

70m

Park Portobello Community Garden

70m

Park Joppa Quarry Park

500m

Park Fisherrow Links

2.2km

Park Musselburgh Lagoons

3.1km

Park Inveresk Lodge Garden

3.4km

Park Lewisvale Public Park

3.4km

Park Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

5.3km

Park Inverleith Park

5.8km

Playground Weehailes Adventure Playpark

1.2km

Swimming Pool Royal Commonwealth Pool

3.9km

Playground Goldenacre Playing Fields

5km

Gym Juvenate Health & Leisure

9 - Excellent 9.7km

Supermarket Sainsbury's Local

340m

Supermarket Asda Edinburgh Supercentre

1.2km

Supermarket Marks and Spencer

1.5km

Supermarket Lidl

1.7km

Grocery Store ALDI

1.7km

Supermarket Iceland Supermarket Musselburgh

1.7km

Discount Store Home Bargains

1.8km

Discount Store Poundland

2.5km

Supermarket Tesco Extra

2.6km

Tourist Attraction Musselburgh Beach

1.5km

Tourist Attraction The Royal Yacht Britannia

4km

Museum Surgeons' Hall Museums

4.1km

Tourist Attraction Royal Mile

4.2km

Church St Giles' Cathedral

4.4km

Museum National Museum of Scotland

4.4km

Tourist Attraction Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh

4.5km

Museum Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

4.7km

Tourist Attraction Johnnie Walker Princes Street

5.3km

Movie Theater ODEON Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird

8.6 - Excellent 1.7km

Art Gallery National Galleries of Scotland: National

4.6km

Art Gallery Inverleith House

5.4km

Historical Landmark Newhailes Estate

1.3km

Historical Landmark Arthur's Seat

3km

Historical Landmark The Real Mary King's Close

4.3km

View all on map

About

Portobello beach is located on the North Sea and it is in the 7th place out of 13 beaches in the Edinburgh region The beach is located in an urban area.

It is a long lasting coastline with turquoise water and bright sand, so you don't need special shoes. The entrance to the water is very smooth. This beach is suitable for different categories of people, lonely travellers, relaxation getaway lovers, pet owners etc. It is not crowded place during the season.

Portobello beach coast is free for all. This beach has the following amenities, beach restaurant, toilets. There is also possible to take different water activities such as catamarans or jet skis.

Please note, that this shore has a significant low tide.

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also take part in other activities, sea kayaking.

This beach is easily accessible, it is located very close to road. Parking is located directly on the beach.

5 more beaches are also available within a 5 km radius. The best one is Portobello Beach, which has a rating of 8.7.

Portobello beach is located in Edinburgh within Newcraighall, which makes it not only easily accessible, but even popular among tourists. However, during the high season it is quite uncrowded, which allows you to spend a comfortable time on the coast.

The beach stretches on the sunny coast, within the boundaries of the settlement, it is not difficult to get to it. If your stay is located not far from the beach, you can reach it by walking. In this case you will not be tied to finding parking or to the schedule of public transport. If you are traveling by car just use your navigator. In any case, do not forget about the availability of public transport and taxis.

Weather

history

+15 ^o C +13 ^o C

Air temperature

6.6 M/S

Wind

+13 ^o C

Water temperature

0.3 M

Wave height

Located within the settlement

Newcraighall • 2.6 km

Map of beach

Brunch Restaurant Miro's On The Prom

8.4 - Very good 60m

Restaurant Civerinos Portobello

9 - Excellent 60m

Restaurant The Espy

8.6 - Excellent 60m

Cafe The Beach House

8.8 - Excellent 60m

Restaurant St Andrews Restaurant & Takeaway

8.4 - Very good 300m

Cafe chaiiwala Edinburgh

8.4 - Very good 1.6km

Bar Cuddie Brae - Pub & Grill

8.6 - Excellent 1.6km

Fast Food Restaurant McDonald's

7 - Good 1.7km

Bar The Ship Inn

8.8 - Excellent 1.7km

Park Portobello Promenade View

70m

Park Portobello Community Garden

70m

Park Joppa Quarry Park

500m

Park Fisherrow Links

2.2km

Park Musselburgh Lagoons

3.1km

Park Inveresk Lodge Garden

3.4km

Park Lewisvale Public Park

3.4km

Park Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

5.3km

Park Inverleith Park

5.8km

Playground Weehailes Adventure Playpark

1.2km

Swimming Pool Royal Commonwealth Pool

3.9km

Playground Goldenacre Playing Fields

5km

Gym Juvenate Health & Leisure

9 - Excellent 9.7km

Supermarket Sainsbury's Local

340m

Supermarket Asda Edinburgh Supercentre

1.2km

Supermarket Marks and Spencer

1.5km

Supermarket Lidl

1.7km

Grocery Store ALDI

1.7km

Supermarket Iceland Supermarket Musselburgh

1.7km

Discount Store Home Bargains

1.8km

Discount Store Poundland

2.5km

Supermarket Tesco Extra

2.6km

Tourist Attraction Musselburgh Beach

1.5km

Tourist Attraction The Royal Yacht Britannia

4km

Museum Surgeons' Hall Museums

4.1km

Tourist Attraction Royal Mile

4.2km

Church St Giles' Cathedral

4.4km

Museum National Museum of Scotland

4.4km

Tourist Attraction Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh

4.5km

Museum Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

4.7km

Tourist Attraction Johnnie Walker Princes Street

5.3km

Movie Theater ODEON Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird

8.6 - Excellent 1.7km

Art Gallery National Galleries of Scotland: National

4.6km

Art Gallery Inverleith House

5.4km

Historical Landmark Newhailes Estate

1.3km

Historical Landmark Arthur's Seat

3km

Historical Landmark The Real Mary King's Close

4.3km

View all on map

Located at nearest locality

Newcraighall • 2km from center

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View all nearest stays

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Area

Average rating of nearest beaches is 7.4 (Good)

There is no particular indicator for the extremity of any particular activity, but if there were, then sea kayaking is definitely at the bottom of the scale. If you are a fan of this kind of entertainment, you can do your favorite activity at Portobello beach. See what our users think about it in the reviews section.

In most cases, the question What to do on Portobello beach implies the presence of any excursions or attractions near the beach. Of course in this area there are lots of places to go besides the beach. There are historical, entertainment and even gastronomic tours offered by local guides. More information is better to clarify directly on the spot.

View map

Nearest Beaches

70m 1 min walk

Portobello Beach Portobello Beach

8.7 Excellent

2.2km

Beach Walk Beach Walk

7.3 Good

Popular beach 2.8km

Musselburgh Beach Musselburgh Beach

7.4 Good

2.8km

Musselburgh Beach Musselburgh Beach

7.8 Very good

3.4km

Scott Hislen Beach Scott Hislen Beach

6.9 Good

7.3km

Wardie Bay Wardie Bay

7.4 Good

8.4km

Prestonpans Beach Prestonpans Beach

7.2 Good

8.7km

Granton Beach Granton Beach

6.8 Good

Localities

Nearest

Newcraighall • 2.6km

Transport

Airport

EDI • 16.3km

Bus Station

Brunton Theatre Journey Hub • 3.4km

Train Station

Brunstane • 1.5km

All nearest beaches

You can set the search radius & filter nearest beaches by features

Recommended Activities

Travelers reviews

Average Reviews rating

7.3 Good

Contribute

Share your experience with other travelers

Average Reviews rating

7.3 Good

Cole

8 Very good

My wife and I visited in late August 2023, and surprisingly, the weather was quite pleasant for Scotland. Since my wife is from the Philippines, she wanted to visit a beach during our stay here. After some research, we ended up at this particular beach. It has a sandy shoreline with a few small rocks scattered around, but they don't hinder walking comfortably without shoes. Additionally, there are several activities available, including a large arcade that we enjoyed. However, there isn't much specifically for kids, apart from a small playground that might be around 35 square meters, or maybe even smaller. I'm not great at measuring accurately. Overall, it's a decent place to spend an afternoon, although it may not offer anything exceptionally thrilling.

October 2023

10 Exceptional

Portobello Beach, located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, is a true hidden gem that provides a delightful coastal getaway. From the moment I set foot on this sandy shore, I was captivated by its charm. The beach extends gracefully, beckoning visitors to leisurely stroll or soak up the sun while relishing the invigorating sea breeze.

October 2023

Rahman Atiqur

8 Very good

The beach in Edinburg is absolutely stunning and delightful. It boasts a sandy shoreline, making it perfect for those seeking tranquility and quality time either alone or with their family. However, there is one aspect that is noticeably lacking. For individuals who are not interested in beachside activities, this destination is still a great choice. By incorporating a variety of activities, sports, games, or other attractions, it could become even more appealing to a diverse range of people. Currently, there is only a small playground available for children. If there were some captivating rides, it would greatly enhance the experience for families with kids. Additionally, there are a few food shops available. Aside from these minor drawbacks, this place is guaranteed to capture your heart.

October 2023

Nadia Patel

8 Very good

Every summer, it's a must to visit the beach, and Portobello has truly improved in recent years! The times I've been there lately, it's been clean and not overly crowded, with a wide selection of restaurants, cafés, and ice cream shops. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll as it extends quite far, and if you're not wearing suitable shoes for walking on the sand, there's a convenient path right next to the coastline. The availability of parking is also a plus, but there are also frequent bus stops nearby! It's absolutely fantastic!

October 2023

Rahul Kumar

10 Exceptional

I didn't have high expectations for the beach, but it turned out to be quite beautiful. It was easily accessible by bus and offered plenty of activities. We were fortunate to have fantastic weather. We spent our time sitting, enjoying the breeze, taking a leisurely walk, and watching the dogs. It was a bit crowded since it was the weekend. Additionally, there were numerous affordable cafes and restaurants to choose from, where you could sit outside and enjoy the beach view.

October 2023

Questions and answers

What is the water and sand quality of the Portobello beach?

The coastline of Portobello beach is covered with golden sand. It's very clean, the surface has a mixed fraction. The water is impeccably turquoise. The entrance to the water is sandy, which makes it very comfortable.

What are the key activities at Portobello beach?

For the main activity - sunbathing, there are no sun loungers on the Portobello beach, so you need to take personal items with you and there is no natural shade, so be careful on a hot day.

Is the Portobello beach good for swimming?

The entrance to the water is very smooth, the bottom is comfortable. The prevalence of sharks in the area is low.

Portobello beach does not have a wave-protected swimming area, but there are usually no strong waves during the season. The tides are high, so sometimes you have to cross several meters to get to the water.

There are few boats in the bay. So the overall recommendation of the Portobello beach for swimming is positive.

Is the Portobello beach good for families?

Family travelers should consider the following features of the beach. On the beach, there are minimal sufficient amenities such as sun loungers or beach bar. It's covered with sand and the entrance to the water is very smooth.

Is the Portobello beach secluded and good for relaxing?

The region of the Portobello beach is not one of the mass tourism destinations, but is still popular with solo travelers. There are several buildings near the beach. During the high season, the occupancy of the beach is moderate, which is very good for lovers of a relaxing holiday.

What are the key audiences of Portobello beach?

Portobello beach can be a good place for the following groups of travelers:

Beachgoers with pets

Is there any food or beverages in the area of Portobello beach?

The bar is located right on the Portobello beach.

There are 4 restaurants nearby.The Espy is the closest place located 100 meters from the beach.

What is the closest accommodation to the Portobello beach?

There are 2595 places to stay in the Portobello beach area.

Some of the best hotels in the area of Portobello beach include:

The most popular other types of accommodations nearby:

How far is the Portobello beach from parking?

The Portobello beach has a parking spot. It is not very large, so in high season it can be busy. The approximate distance from parking is less than 100 metres.

Are there any attractions nearby Portobello beach?

There are 1 attractions near Portobello beach that are popular with travelers. The nearest are Royal Mile located in 4.9 km. See the attractions section for details.

What is the best time of the year to visit Portobello beach?

The month with the highest temperature in Portobello beach is August. Its average value reaches 16°C. The warmest sea is in August, the average value is 15°C. The coldest month is January with air temperature 7°C and water 7°C. See more details in weather section.

Is the beach good for sunbathing?

Portobello beach (City of Edinburgh) is not fully equipped for sunbathing. However, if you are not picky and are willing to spread out on a towel, you can sunbathe here as well. The natural shade will allow you to hide from the scorching sun in the peak of its activity. Well, the photos of our visitors will be the best proof of that, all the available photos of the beach are above.Portobello beach (City of Edinburgh) is a place for true nature lovers, but if you like sunbathing on the beach, then this location is not the best option. There are no sunbeds and umbrellas, and even there is no natural shade to hide you from the scorching sun. From positives, the presence of sand, on which you can sit comfortably. But do not forget sunscreen for this place, such a recommendation is relevant. Photos of the beach you can see above. All photos are taken by our visitors personally.