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

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Best Lodging Options Near Ganavan Sands

The Great Western Hotel

The Great Western Hotel

3 out of 5
Corran Esplanade, Oban, Scotland
The Great Western Hotel
Perle Oban Hotel & Spa

Perle Oban Hotel & Spa

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

The Scot

3 out of 5
138 George St, Oban, Scotland
The Scot
Claredon Hotel

Claredon Hotel

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

Oban Bay Hotel

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

Muthu Alexandra Hotel

3 out of 5
Corran Esplanade, Oban, Scotland
Muthu Alexandra Hotel
No17 The Promenade

No17 The Promenade

3 out of 5
17 Corran Esplanade, Oban, Scotland
No17 The Promenade
The Kelvin Hotel

The Kelvin Hotel

1 out of 5
Shore Street, Oban, Scotland
The Kelvin Hotel
Muthu Oban Regent Hotel - Refurbished

Muthu Oban Regent Hotel - Refurbished

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

At Ganavan Sands in Oban, Scotland, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as exploring the play area for families, taking guided walking tours to discover the area's history, and relaxing with wellness options available in Oban. For adventure seekers, stand-up paddleboarding offers a fun way to experience the stunning coastline. Don't miss out on tours that highlight the beauty and charm of this picturesque seaside town.

Food and drinks

Visit Oban Distillery, just 2 miles from Ganavan Sands, for an unforgettable whisky tasting experience. Enjoy their whisky vaults, indulge in local seafood, and unwind at the snack bar, all while soaking in the romantic atmosphere and entertainment.

Shopping

In Ganavan Sands, you can visit Highland Arts Studio for unique art and crafts. If you're up for a drive, check out stores in Oban’s town center, where you’ll find charming shops offering local gifts and souvenirs, perfect for bringing a piece of Scotland home.

Recreation

Experience relaxation at Atlantis Leisure, just 1 mile from Ganavan Sands, where you can enjoy various wellness facilities. For outdoor enthusiasts, Glencruitten Golf Club, located 2 miles away, offers a chance to unwind while playing a round of golf amidst beautiful scenery.

Find the best attractions near Ganavan Sands

Ganavan Sands offers a delightful blend of attractions, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking romance. Visitors can explore the stunning Oban Esplanade, relax on the beautiful beach, and discover historical sites like Dunollie Castle and Dunstaffnage Castle. Don’t miss the chance to visit the picturesque Islands of Lismore, making your getaway to this charming Scottish destination truly memorable.

  • Connel Bridge: This historic bridge, located just 3 miles from Ganavan Sands, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the dramatic tidal waters below. Its distinctive architecture and cultural significance make it a great spot for photography and leisurely walks.
  • Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel: Just 2 miles away, this romantic castle boasts rich history and beautiful grounds. Explore the ancient ruins and enjoy breathtaking views of the Firth of Lorn, making it perfect for history buffs and lovers alike.
  • McCaig's Tower: A striking historic tower located only 2 miles from Ganavan Sands, McCaig's Tower offers panoramic views of Oban and the sea. Its unique design and cultural significance provide a memorable experience for visitors.

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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.2°F (4.0°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowModerately Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately 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 HighModerately High
June54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately High
July56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
August55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately 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 LowModerately 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, visit during the off-peak months of January to February or November for lower hotel prices. Take advantage of free nearby attractions like Connel Bridge and Kilmeford Church. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Use their search tool to filter options by budget and preferences, and consider bundling your hotel with flights for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also unlock exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Ganavan Sands is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Ganavan Sands are January to February and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Ganavan Sands about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Ganavan Sands hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • 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.