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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.
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.
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.
Over half of our holiday lets in Elie accept well‑behaved dogs. Look for the paw icon in search results.
Many houses include off‑street parking. A growing number now offer 7 kW chargers, handy on a rural grid.
No taxi needed. Every home sits within 300 metres of sand or slipway.
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.
Skip the tour buses and student crowds. Elie offers the same coastline, shorter queues, and room to breathe.
From lobster rolls at the Harbour Cafe to artisan pastries at Elie Deli, fresh produce anchors every menu.
Summer brings sea swims and outdoor cinema on the beach. Winter swaps suncream for log fires, dark skies, and dolphin sightings.
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:
Elie is easily accessible by car, especially if you’re coming from Edinburgh or other nearby towns in Fife.
Once you’re in Elie, parking is available, and the village is small enough to explore on foot.
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.
There are also bus services that connect various towns in Fife 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!
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About thirteen miles by car, usually thirty minutes. Buses run hourly from Leven if you prefer public transport.
A car helps when you travel with family or golf bags, yet walkers manage well using buses and the coastal path.
Most of our holiday homes in Elie stand within 300 metres. None of them are more than a ten‑minute walk.
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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