Sitting on one of Scotland’s most beautiful harbours overlooking the vast North Sea, Crail dates back to medieval times and this fishing village feels suspended in time.

Inside the harbour’s rugged stone walls you’ll still spot tiny fishing boats that bring in the catch of the day. While some of the cosy fisherman cottages have been turned into holiday rentals, the village still has a strong sense of community and hasn’t been overrun by tourists like some of the neighbouring areas. 

Right next to the harbour is the small sandy Crail Beach which is set in a sheltered bay making it popular for swimming. The cold weather doesn’t deter people. You’ll often see wild swimmers decked in Dryrobes getting ready to take the plunge. At one end of the beach is a small abandoned swimming pool that over time has been reclaimed by nature, and is now a haven for wildlife where you can go rockpooling.

Walk uphill through the narrow winding streets and you’ll find the charming centre of Crail. It has a quaint high street that’s packed with independent shops, including places selling handmade items and gifts to take home with you. Crail Pottery is particularly popular with visitors, and this arty studio sells hundreds of items of locally made ceramics at reasonable prices.

You’ll also find a selection of cosy independent cafes that offer a welcome change from the chains you find in most towns. Crail Fish Bar & Cafe offers traditional fish and chips to takeaway or eat in, while The Shoregate is a well-reviewed local restaurant that focuses on seasonal Scottish ingredients such as venison and smoked salmon.

Crail sits on the Fife Coastal Path, and there are lots of walks you can enjoy from the village depending on your stamina levels. A well-worn path that tends to be suitable for beginners is the Fife Ness Circular, clocking in at about two hours. This gives walkers amazing views across the Firth of Forth and across to Lothian on clear days. 

A half-hour walk along the coast brings you to Caiplie Caves, a system of caves thought to have been used in ancient times to hold livestock. In the ninth century, the caves were used as a place of worship by Christians, and you can still see crosses carved into the walls. One of the caves, Hermit’s Well, was even the home of a hermit who was a former soldier, and you can still see some of the fittings from when he turned the caves into his own cosy retreat.

Crail can sometimes be overlooked due to its proximity to St Andrews, famous for its golf courses and royal connections. However, living in St Andrews comes with a hefty price tag. The average house price in 2025 was a whopping £458,381, while Crail, which still offers historic charm and a lovely community vibe, had an average house price of £307,501 making it a cheaper option for people who want to live in this beautiful part of Scotland. 

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