Machir Bay
Tràigh Mhachaire
A 2-kilometer golden beach on the Atlantic west coast of the island, framed by dunes and powerful waves. It is Islay's most beautiful beach.
Machir Bay faces the Atlantic. Its roughly 2-kilometer stretch of fine sand is backed by grassy dunes. On sunny days the sea is turquoise, and the sunset here is especially moving. You can still see wreckage from the Exmouth, which sank in 1847, on the sand. Rip currents and waves are strong, so swimming is not recommended. The car park behind the dunes is free. Nearby are the Kilchoman Distillery and the old Kilchoman Church, so you can combine them into a half-day trip.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Kilchoman Old Parish Church & Cross
- Saligo Bay
- Kilchoman Distillery
- Museum of Islay Life
- Port Charlotte
- Bruichladdich Distillery
- Portnahaven & Port Wemyss
- RSPB Loch Gruinart