Ganavan Sands Tours

Ganavan Sands featuring a bay or harbor and a coastal town
Photo "Ganavan Sands" by GEEZABREK (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Ganavan Sands" by GEEZABREK (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Ganavan Sands" by Helen L Cave (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original


Spend a few hours wading, strolling or building sandcastles at this lovely Blue Flag beach.

Ganavan Sands, also known as Ganavan Beach, is a rural beach that offers wonderful coastal views and gloriously soft sands. Bring the family for a relaxing day at this peaceful beach and when you get bored of sunning and swimming, go for a walk to check out some of the nearby castles.

Walk along the coast of Ganavan Bay, admiring the views of the islands of Mull and Lismore. Swim in the waters off the coast, but keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty to supervise children as they swim.

Examine the rock pools around the beach and try to spot unusual creatures in them. Bring snacks and water because there are no refreshments available on-site, although ice-cream trucks do sometimes pass by in the summer months.

Consider walking or cycling along the gorgeous coastal walking leading north from the beach to Dunstaffnage Castle. This rugged but rewarding 4.75-mile (7.75-kilometer) trail takes around 2.5 hours to complete.

As you walk along the coastal path away from Ganavan Sands, look for Mull and Lismore islands when you pass over the cliffs. Stop to take in views of Dunbeg village and the peaks of Ben Cruachan and Taynuilt Peak as you continue over Ganavan Hill. Visit 13th-century Dunstaffnage Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest surviving stone castles. There is a fee to enter.

Join other walkers, runners and cyclists on the quiet coastal road leading to the town of Oban. Stop for lunch at one the town’s many fantastic seafood restaurants. You could also explore the quieter nearby beach, called Little Ganavan.

A short walk south along a woodland trail will bring you to Dunollie Castle. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle is the long-time stronghold of the clan MacDougall.

Ganavan Sands is located 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of Oban and can be easily reached by foot or bike. Alternatively, take a bus from Oban or drive. Parking is offered on-site. Unwind with a quiet afternoon at the charming beach.

Plan a trip to see Ganavan Sands

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Alona Hotel
The Commercial Hotel
Best Western Motherwell Centre Moorings Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Ganavan Sands

Perle Oban Hotel & Spa

Perle Oban Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
Station Square, Oban, Scotland
Perle Oban Hotel & Spa
The Great Western Hotel

The Great Western Hotel

3 out of 5
Corran Esplanade, Oban, Scotland
The Great Western Hotel
Claredon Hotel

Claredon Hotel

3 out of 5
1 Shore Road, Oban, Scotland
Claredon Hotel
Muthu Alexandra Hotel

Muthu Alexandra Hotel

3 out of 5
Corran Esplanade, Oban, Scotland
Muthu Alexandra Hotel
Oban Bay Hotel

Oban Bay Hotel

4 out of 5
Corran Esplanade, Oban, Scotland
Oban Bay Hotel
The Scot

The Scot

3 out of 5
138 George St, Oban, Scotland
The Scot
Muthu Oban Regent Hotel - Refurbished

Muthu Oban Regent Hotel - Refurbished

3 out of 5
Esplanade Oban, Oban, Scotland
Muthu Oban Regent Hotel - Refurbished
Muthu Queens Hotel

Muthu Queens Hotel

4 out of 5
Corran Esplanade, Oban, Scotland
Muthu Queens Hotel
The Kelvin Hotel

The Kelvin Hotel

1 out of 5
Shore Street, Oban, Scotland
The Kelvin Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ganavan Sands

Ganavan Sands offers a delightful escape for outdoor enthusiasts with stunning coastal walks and scenic trails. Explore the charming town of Oban nearby, known for its vibrant culture and local attractions. Enjoy shore tours that showcase the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of the area. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls or adventurous hikes, Ganavan Sands has something to satisfy every nature lover's desire for exploration.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience at Ganavan Sands, visit Highland Arts Studio for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Loch Fyne Whiskeys offers a wide selection of local spirits, located 21 miles away, perfect for souvenirs to take home.

Recreation

Atlantis Leisure offers a range of wellness activities, including a relaxing pool and fitness classes just a mile from Ganavan Sands. For golf enthusiasts, the Dragons Tooth Golf Course provides a scenic outdoor experience 20 miles away. Crarae Garden Argyll, located 23 miles away, invites tranquility with its beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the breathtaking Arichonan Clearance Village hiking trail, located 26 miles from Ganavan Sands, where outdoor adventure meets stunning scenery. Explore the Signal Rock and An Torr Trailhead, 22 miles away, offering exhilarating trails. Don't miss the iconic West Highland Way, a remarkable hiking experience 29 miles from Ganavan Sands.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Ganavan Sands. Enjoy a cozy evening at the nearby Oban Distillery for whiskey tastings, or visit The View for stunning sunsets and cocktails. For lively music, head to The Lorne Bar, where you can sip craft beers and enjoy local bands.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ganavan Sands

Ganavan Sands in Oban, Scotland, offers a delightful mix of attractions, including castles, historic bridges, and towers, perfect for culture enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Visitors can enjoy stunning coastal views and relax on beautiful sandy beaches, making it a sand paradise. With its interesting beach experiences, Ganavan Sands is an ideal spot for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

  • Connel Bridge: This historic bridge, located 3 miles from Ganavan Sands, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the iconic Falls of Lora. The bridge's architectural beauty and cultural significance make it a must-see attraction for history enthusiasts.
  • McCaig's Tower: Just 2 miles away, McCaig's Tower is an impressive structure inspired by the Roman Colosseum. Its elevated position provides breathtaking panoramic views of Oban and the islands beyond, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.
  • Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel: Located 2 miles from Ganavan Sands, this romantic castle steeped in history offers a glimpse into Scotland’s past. Explore the ruins and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, perfect for a picturesque day out.

Best time to go to Ganavan Sands

The best time to visit Ganavan Sands can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Ganavan Sands falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Ganavan Sands falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.2°F (4.0°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
May49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
June54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October49.3°F (9.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.1°F (6.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December40.3°F (4.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ganavan Sands

To save money on your trip to Ganavan Sands, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February and November when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or take advantage of last-minute deals on Expedia. Wednesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter results by price and type, and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key program can also provide exclusive discounts and future savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ganavan Sands are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Ganavan Sands is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ganavan Sands is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Ganavan Sands is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type—if you check the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Ganavan Sands hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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