Sandness

Travel Guide

A lake surrounded by grassy hills and a clear sky.
A rocky beach with a house in the distance and a clear sky.
A stone wall, a grassy field, a stone building, and a body of water.
A coastal cliff with green vegetation and a rocky shoreline.
A stone church with a grassy cemetery in the foreground.

Sandness features stunning coastal cliffs, historic tombolos, and scenic hikes that showcase the region's natural beauty and local culture.

Sandness is known for its stunning natural features and outdoor activities. Nearby, you can visit the Esha Ness Cliffs, which offer dramatic coastal views. The area is also home to St Ninian's Isle Tombolo, an interesting geological formation that connects the island to the mainland. For those who enjoy hiking, the Ness of Hillswick Circular Walk and the Fethaland Circular Walk provide scenic trails to explore the landscape. Additionally, the Sandvoe to Uyea Circular Walk allows you to take in more of the area’s natural beauty.

Make sure to explore the nearby areas around Sandness, as they offer distinct experiences. Papa Stour and Walls are nearby places known for their unique characteristics and scenic views, providing a glimpse into local life. Aith, another nearby area, is known for its cultural experiences, giving visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local heritage. Each of these places contributes to the overall experience of the region and highlights the diversity of attractions outside Sandness.

The best time to visit Sandness is from June to September. During these months, the weather is typically cool, with temperatures ranging from 52 to 56°F, and the conditions are mostly dry. This period often sees fewer rainy days, making it a more pleasant time for outdoor activities and exploration. However, the summer months can also attract more visitors, so you may encounter busier attractions and accommodations during this peak season.

Scalloway Hotel

Scalloway Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Main St Scalloway Scotland
$148 nightly
The price is $178 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$178 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Scalloway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (141 reviews)
"Lovely place and would definitely return"

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2026

Scalloway Hotel
Busta House Hotel

Busta House Hotel

3 out of 5
Busta House hotel Busta Scotland
$172 nightly
The price is $207 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$207 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Busta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction North Mainland Leisure Centre is ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay at Busta House. The staff were happy and helpful. The room was spacious, well equipped and very clean. The building has a great history and is well maintained throughout. The food was brilliant too."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2026

Busta House Hotel
Shetland Hotel

Shetland Hotel

3 out of 5
Holmsgarth Road Lerwick Scotland
$232 nightly
The price is $279 total per night from Dec 15 to Dec 16
$279 total
Dec 15 - Dec 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Lerwick. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (218 reviews)
"Pleased to have booked here. Thought the price a bit steep but had a very pleasant three nights stay? Staff amazing, cheerful and helpful and nothing too much trouble. Building is tired double glazed units blown etc but really enjoyed my stay. Food excellent loads and nice and hot. Free breakfast ..."

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2026

Shetland 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.
Easterhoull Chalets

Easterhoull Chalets

3 out of 5
East Voe Scalloway SCT
Stay at this chalet in Scalloway. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Scalloway Castle and Scalloway Museum are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (29 reviews)
"Really enjoyed our stay, wonderful location."

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2026

Easterhoull Chalets
Charming Newly Renovated 1 Bedroom Chalet | Stunning Sea Views

Charming Newly Renovated 1 Bedroom Chalet | Stunning Sea Views

South Whiteness Shetland
Stay at this chalet in Whiteness. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Shetland Bus Memorial and Scalloway Museum are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"The location is wonderful, not far from Lerwick in a very quiet spot. Ali gave us very clear instructions and photos of what to look out for as we turned off for South Whiteness and we found it ok. The chalet itself has all the amenities you could wish for. A bathroom with a shower over a bath gives ..."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2026

Charming Newly Renovated 1 Bedroom Chalet | Stunning Sea Views
NEW to VRBO: Luxe Coastal Retreat Near Shops & Castle, Parking

NEW to VRBO: Luxe Coastal Retreat Near Shops & Castle, Parking

Shetland Islands Scotland
Stay at this vacation home in Scalloway. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Scalloway Castle and Scalloway Museum are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"The Bulwark is a comfortable well appointed house with lovely views across the harbour. It is ideally situated in Scalloway and within easy reach of the many attractions of these wonderful islands. We would recommend it to anyone."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2026

NEW to VRBO: Luxe Coastal Retreat Near Shops & Castle, Parking
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.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Sandness?
The best time to visit Sandness is from June through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March offer a different experience, with cooler temperatures and a calmer atmosphere.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Sandness?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Sandness by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Sandness with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Sandness trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Sandness?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Sandness can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Sandness trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Sandness trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Sandness trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Sandness trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Sandness?
If it's your first trip to Sandness, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Sandness hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Sandness hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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