Crail Harbour

The basics

Immerse yourself in Crail’s rich history as a fishing hub by wandering around the harbor and watching local fisherfolk unload their daily catches, including lobster and crab, which you can often purchase directly. You can also learn about the village's maritime and trading history at the Crail Museum & Heritage Centre or tee off at Crail Golfing Society, one of the world’s oldest golf clubs. Crail Harbour is a typical stop on guided tours exploring the East Neuk and Kingdom of Fife departing from St. Andrews, Dundee, and Edinburgh.

Things to know before you go

• The East Neuk is one of the best places in Scotland to eat fish and chips. You’ll find plenty of options in Crail.

• A handful of grocery stores are within a short walk of the harbor.

• Crail’s cobblestone streets can be tricky to navigate for wheelchair users.

How to get there

Crail is a 20-minute drive southeast of St. Andrews, and you can also get there by riding the number 95 bus from St. Andrews bus station, which connects to other villages along the East Neuk. If you’re planning to make multiple bus trips, save money by buying a DayRider bus pass on board.

When to get there

You can visit Crail Harbour all year round, but visiting during the summer months offers the best chance of mild weather, as well the added benefit of local festivals and events, such as the Crail Food Festival, which celebrates regional produce and seafood. With its sharp light and dramatic waves off the coast, winter can be a magical time to visit, but you may find many businesses closed.

Windswept walks

Running past Crail Harbour, the Fife Coastal Path runs 116 miles (187 kilometers) from Kincardine to Newburgh. From Crail, you can walk a section of the path 4.5 miles (7.3 kilometers) to Pittenweem or six miles (9.5 kilometers) to Kingsbarns by following the coastline and waymarker signs.