Accommodation in Elie & Earlsferry

A quieter corner of the East Neuk, Elie and Earlsferry offer the kind of coastal escape most people imagine but rarely find. Whether you’re planning a family break, a romantic weekend, or a longer stay by the sea, our handpicked holiday homes give you a base that’s peaceful, practical and minutes from the beach.

If you plan to split your time, compare our accommodation in St Andrews with the homes below and shape your perfect break.

Our Holiday Homes in Elie

We handpick each cottage, apartment, or converted fisherman’s loft. 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.

Inglisfield

Beachcomb Cottage

Stonesthrow Elie

The Stables Loft

Park Place Elie

The Cupboard

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
We have a great selections of cottages in Elie too

Every listing shows room layouts, amenities, and clear photos. What you book is what you meet when you unlock the door.

Family-friendly Options

Travel cots, highchairs, stair gates, and fenced gardens mean you pack lighter and relax sooner.

Pet‑Friendly Stays

Over half of our holiday lets in Elie accept well‑behaved dogs. Look for the paw icon in search results.

Parking & EV Charging

Many houses include off‑street parking. A growing number now offer 7 kW chargers, handy on a rural grid.

Walk to the Beach

No taxi needed. Every home sits within 300 metres of sand or slipway.

Why Stay in Elie or Earlsferry?

Elie and Earlsferry sit halfway along the East Neuk. The twin villages share one long curve of sand, neat stone cottages, and an easy pace that helps you switch off fast.

People come to Elie for space, sea air and slower days. It’s a place where kids can run free on wide beaches and grown-ups can actually switch off. Unlike nearby St Andrews, which hums year-round with students and golfers, Elie and Earlsferry keep a calm pace.

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.

A Quieter Alternative to St Andrews

Skip the tour buses and student crowds. Elie offers the same coastline, shorter queues, and room to breathe.

Local Food Culture

From lobster rolls at the Harbour Cafe to artisan pastries at Elie Deli, fresh produce anchors every menu.

Year Round Appeal

Summer brings sea swims and outdoor cinema on the beach. Winter swaps suncream for log fires, dark skies, and dolphin sightings.

How do you get to Elie and Earlsferry?

Getting to Elie in Fife is fairly straightforward, whether you’re traveling by car, train, or bus. Here’s a guide on how to make your way to this charming coastal village:

By Car

Elie is easily accessible by car, especially if you’re coming from Edinburgh or other nearby towns in Fife.

From Edinburgh: Elie is about a 1-hour drive from Edinburgh, making it a great option for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Head north on the M90 motorway, and then take the A92 towards Kirkcaldy. Follow the signs for Leven and then continue on the A917, which will take you directly to Elie.
From St. Andrews: If you’re coming from St. Andrews, Elie is about a 30-minute drive to the south. Take the A917 along the coast, passing through beautiful fishing villages like Crail and Anstruther.

Once you’re in Elie, parking is available, and the village is small enough to explore on foot.

By Train

The nearest train station to Elie is in Leven, which is about 7 miles away. From Leven, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Elie.

From Edinburgh: You can take a direct train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Leven. The journey takes about 50 minutes. Once you arrive in Leven, you can catch a bus (Bus 95 or 96) to Elie, or grab a taxi for a quick 15-minute ride.
From Glasgow: If you’re coming from Glasgow, you can travel to Leven via Edinburgh or Dundee. You may need to change trains at Edinburgh or Dundee, depending on the route.

By Bus

There are also bus services that connect various towns in Fife to Elie.

From Edinburgh: You can catch a bus from Edinburgh to Leven via Stagecoach services. From Leven, you can take a local bus to Elie.
From St. Andrews: Buses run regularly from St. Andrews to Elie via the Fife Bus Service (Stagecoach, Route 95), and the journey takes about 45 minutes.
From Dundee: You can catch a bus from Dundee to Leven, and then transfer to another local service to Elie.

You can easily reach Elie 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!

By Bike or Walking

If you’re feeling adventurous, Elie is also part of the Fife Coastal Path, which stretches from the Firth of Forth in the south to the Firth of Tay in the north. This is a fantastic way to reach Elie if you love hiking or cycling, as the route offers stunning coastal views and plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful scenery of Fife.

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Where to eat in Elie and Earlsferry

Ship Inn
The Ship Inn in Elie is one of Scotland’s most iconic pubs, renowned for its stunning location, panoramic views, and unique cricket pitch on the beach – the only one of its kind in the UK. Purchased by Graham and Rachel Bucknall in 2014, following a major renovation, the Ship Inn reopened in 2015 with six beautiful bedrooms added in 2016. Nestled among old cottages by the harbour, it offers a cozy bar with open fires, an upstairs restaurant with bay views, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. The hearty menu features locally sourced seafood. In summer, the Ship’s cricket team plays matches on the beach, attracting teams from all over the world.

The 19th Hole
Located in Earlsferry, The 19th Hole overlooks the 4th Tee of Elie Links and serves fresh, locally sourced food in an open kitchen. With a dog-friendly bar and a private dining room for up to 20, it’s a hidden gem of the East Neuk. Run by Michelle Wilson and Stuart Fox, the duo behind Wilson and Fox Pubs LTD, The 19th Hole is committed to exceptional food and service for all its guests.

Elie Deli
A charming, family-run delicatessen and licensed grocer in Elie, offering a wide range of products for both locals and visitors. Freshly baked bread, pastries, and croissants are available every morning, making it a must-stop for food lovers in the area.

Best things to do in Elie and Earlsferry

Elie Beach

Located just a stone’s throw from the main street, Elie Beach is the town’s bustling heart. Popular with families, watersport enthusiasts, and the local cricket teams, this golden stretch of sand is lively, especially in summer. The beach is easily accessible, with Elie’s cafes, shops, and bars just a short stroll away, making it perfect for those looking for both relaxation and convenience.

Wild Scottish Sauna – Shell Bay, Elie

Nestled on the dunes of Shell Bay at Elie Harbour in Fife, the Wild Scottish Sauna brings the rugged charm of a wood‑fired, seaside wellness experience straight to the Scottish coast. Set against sweeping views of Elie Beach and the Firth of Forth, this mobile sauna invites you to alternate between the soothing heat and a refreshing dip in the North Sea. Anchored in the local wild‑swimming community and inspired by Nordic traditions, it offers a raw and elemental retreat that nourishes body and mind—perfect for locals or visitors craving a serene dose of nature, steam, and sea air .

Ruby Bay

Ruby Bay, to the east of Elie, is one of Fife’s most picturesque and secluded spots. Known for its striking sandy shore and crystal-clear waters, it’s a little more off the beaten track, requiring a bit of effort to reach. Best visited at low tide, the beach reveals fascinating rock pools teeming with marine life, and you might even spot the red rubies that are said to be hidden in the rocks. Accessible via the coastal path, Ruby Bay also has a small car park nearby. Once there, you can extend your walk to take in the stunning Elie Ness Lighthouse and the charming Lady’s Tower.

Earlsferry Beach
Just a 10-minute walk from the town centre, Earlsferry Beach is a hidden gem – a wide stretch of golden sand that often feels like a secret haven. Situated off Sea Tangle Road, to the west of Elie, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking solitude. Even on a sunny summer day, this peaceful beach remains pleasantly uncrowded. At low tide, Earlsferry Beach connects with Elie Beach, creating nearly a mile of uninterrupted sand. With no facilities on site, be sure to bring all the essentials for a day at the beach.

What's the best area to stay?

Near the beach if you love morning swims. Close to the golf course if you plan twilight rounds. Earlsferry feels quieter; Elie sits nearer shops and pubs.

What amenities are included?

Expect free Wi‑Fi, smart TVs, full kitchens, linen, towels, and starter toiletries. Extras such as log burners and outdoor showers appear in the property notes.

How far is Elie from St Andrews?

About thirteen miles by car, usually thirty minutes. Buses run hourly from Leven if you prefer public transport.

Do I need a car?

A car helps when you travel with family or golf bags, yet walkers manage well using buses and the coastal path.

How far are properties from the beach?

Most of our holiday homes in Elie stand within 300 metres. None of them are more than a ten‑minute walk.

FAQs About Staying in Elie

Plan Your Stay

Booking Tip for Peak Season

July and early August sell out first. Book six months ahead for school holidays and golf tournaments.

Flexible Check‑In

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.

Accommodation in Elie & Earlsferry

Our Holiday Homes in Elie

Inglisfield

Beachcomb Cottage

Stonesthrow Elie

The Stables Loft

Park Place Elie

The Cupboard

Family-friendly Options

Pet‑Friendly Stays

Parking & EV Charging

Walk to the Beach

Why Stay in Elie or Earlsferry?

A Quieter Alternative to St Andrews

Local Food Culture

Year Round Appeal

How do you get to Elie and Earlsferry?

By Car

By Train

By Bus

By Bike or Walking

Where to eat in Elie and Earlsferry

Best things to do in Elie and Earlsferry

FAQs About Staying in Elie

Plan Your Stay

Booking Tip for Peak Season

Flexible Check‑In

Stay In The loop

Follow for Local Tips & Property Updates

Contact Us

How to get a tee time at the Old Course

Accommodation for Wedding Guests

Where to golf in St Andrews

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Pet Friendly

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Parking & EV Charging

A Quieter Alternative to St Andrews