The spectacular Moray coast is still relatively undiscovered, meaning its quieter in the peak months than the west coast but no less beautiful.
Striking rock formations punctuate the expansive sandy beaches of the Moray coast, the most famous of which is the aptly-named Bow Fiddle Rock, best seen from the villages of Cullen and Portknockie.
Attractive towns and villages along the coast make great lunch stops and places to wander through the attractive streets and down to sandy bays. Some of our favourites include Cullen, Sandend, Portsoy and Pennan, the latter being the famous location of the 1983 film Local Hero.
Sometimes referred to as the 'jewel in Moray's crown', Lossiemouth's East and West beaches are vast golden-yellow sandy stretches reaching for miles and meeting crystal clear blue waters of Spey Bay and the Moray Firth.
At the mouth of the River Findhorn is Findhorn Bay, where impressive dunes and machair grasslands back a beautiful stretch of sandy beach.
The wildlife of the Moray coast is also a draw - it's one of the best places to see dolphins and whales in the whole of the UK. Often visible from the shore for keen-eyed locals and visitors alike, you can also take boat trips to get a closer look at these beautiful creatures. A great place to start is the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay, where you'll learn all about the dolphins and where best to try and see them. Widely recognised as the best spot to look for the dolphins from the shore is Chanonry Point near Inverness, a key feeding location. However, this is closely followed by Spey Bay, Hopeman and Burghhead in Moray.
As well as the scenery and marine wildlife, the Moray Firth area is famous for its history. Two important sites (although both relevant in very different periods!) include the Burghead Pictish ruins and Culloden battlefield.