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St Monans is one of the quietest villages in the East Neuk, a place where the harbour and sea set the pace. Neat rows of stone cottages, big skies and open water make it a simple but striking base for a coastal break. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay by the sea, our holiday homes give you both comfort and character.
If you plan to split your time, compare our accommodation in St Andrews with the homes below and shape your perfect break.
Most of our places to stay in St Monans sit close to the harbour or are tucked along the narrow lanes behind it. Many are old fishermen’s cottages, restored with modern comforts but still carrying their traditional character. Standards stay high: fast Wi‑Fi, full kitchens, quality linen, and local art on the walls. Many homes welcome dogs, several come with private parking, and most sit within a five‑minute walk of the surf.
Filter by size or feature to find:
cosy one‑bed hideaways for two
bright family houses with enclosed gardens
modern beach apartments with floor‑to‑ceiling glass
Every listing shows room layouts, amenities, and clear photos. What you book is what you meet when you unlock the door.
Travel cots, highchairs, stair gates, and fenced gardens mean you pack lighter and relax sooner.
One-bed cottages and apartments make peaceful bases for a short break. Wake to sea views, wander the harbour, and step straight onto the coastal path for an afternoon walk.
A number of homes welcome dogs, with enclosed gardens or easy access to walking routes.
No taxi needed. Every home sits within 300 metres of sand or slipway.
St Monans suits travellers who want calm without being cut off. It’s small and peaceful, but rich in history and scenery, with landmarks and walks that start right in the village.
You’re still close to great food, walking routes and golf courses, but without the bustle. The East Neuk villages nearby, Crail, Pittenweem, Anstruther, are all a short drive or scenic walk away. It’s a simple, restful base for exploring Fife.
The village wraps around a three-pier harbour lined with traditional fishermen’s cottages. Mornings bring boats and gulls, while evenings settle into quiet streets with wide skies and sea air.
The Fife Coastal Path passes through St Monans, so you can walk straight out along marked trails. Head west to Elie for beaches and Lady’s Tower, or east towards Pittenweem for a shorter, gentler stretch.
On the edge of the village stands St Monans Windmill, the last of its kind in Fife. Beside it lie the old salt pans. They are a reminder of the area’s industrial past. Together they make one of the East Neuk’s most recognisable sights.
Getting to St Monans, Fife, is fairly straightforward whether you’re traveling by car, bus, or train. Here’s how to reach this charming village:
From Edinburgh:
From Dundee:
The nearest railway station to St Monans is Anstruther, around 4 miles away. From there, you can take a local bus or taxi to St Monans.
To reach Anstruther from Edinburgh, you can catch a train to Leuchars station (about 1 hour and 15 minutes), and then change for a bus to Anstruther (about 20 minutes).
Alternatively, you can take a train to Leven and then catch a local bus or taxi to St Monans.
You can easily reach St Monans and other East Neuk villages by bus. The Stagecoach 95 service offers regular connections between all the towns and villages in the area, including Pittenweem. It’s a convenient and scenic way to explore the region!
If you’re following the Fife Coastal Path, St Monans is easily accessible for walkers and cyclists along this scenic route, which stretches along the coast from Kirkcaldy to Dundee. The village is one of the key stops on the path, offering stunning views and a perfect rest spot.
Set right on the waterfront in picturesque St Monans, offering stunning views across to the North Berwick coast, May Island, and Bass Rock on clear days. In the summer, the outdoor terrace is a popular choice, with Mediterranean-style vistas of the local harbour and across the Firth of Forth. In winter, the cosy bar, with its fireplace and fisherman’s pub decor, featuring brass bells and wooden paneling, provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere steeped in local history.
Open daily from 10am, perfect for a late breakfast or a leisurely brunch. The menu features delicious light bites such as pork apple sausage rolls, bacon rolls, pastries, and croissants. On weekends, the Giddy Gannet stays open late on Saturdays, ideal for a relaxed evening out.
Located directly on St Monans harbour, is an iconic seafood restaurant. The specialty is fresh, local seafood like scallops, lobster, sea bass, and smoked langoustines, with options like maple miso salmon. For those not in the mood for seafood, there are also tasty alternatives.
St Monans Harbour
St Monans Harbour is easily recognized by its intricate zigzagging stone walls, considered one of the best harbours in the East Neuk. Originally built as a breakwater to protect boats, it now provides breathtaking views over the water. Take a stroll along the pier walls for a great perspective of the village, and try to visit during golden hour when the light makes the harbour especially stunning.
St Monans Church (Auld Kirk)
One of the oldest churches in Scotland, St Monans Church, also known as the Auld Kirk, dates back to the 13th century. Though it fell into disrepair, it was rebuilt a century later and now stands as a fine example of medieval architecture. Inside, you’ll find whitewashed walls, Celtic crosses, and a vaulted ceiling, but the real draw is its hilltop location offering fantastic views over the village.
St Monans Windmill
A striking remnant of Fife’s industrial past, St Monans Windmill was once part of the area’s thriving salt industry. The 18th-century windmill, along with the nearby salt pans, offers a glimpse into the history of this coastal region and is a fascinating stop for history buffs.
Welly Boot Garden
A quirky and cheerful sight, the Welly Boot Garden is a delightful upcycled garden located on the harbour slipway. Over 200 old wellies are turned into vibrant plant pots, bursting into colour each summer.
July and early August sell out first. Book six months ahead for school holidays and golf tournaments.
Most holiday homes offer contact‑free key boxes from 4 p.m. Early check‑in is possible outside peak dates.
Choose your dates, browse the homes, and secure instant confirmation in a few clicks. Our local team lives minutes away and is on call if you need anything. Book today and feel the sand between your toes tomorrow.
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