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Planning a trip to Scotland’s beautiful northeast coast and deciding between Portsoy and Cullen?
It’s one of the most common questions visitors ask when exploring the Moray Firth coastline.
Both towns offer stunning sea views, charming harbour settings, beautiful beaches, and easy access to some of Aberdeenshire’s most scenic attractions. However, depending on the type of holiday you’re planning, one destination may suit you better than the other.
This guide compares Portsoy and Cullen to help you choose the best base for your Scottish coastal getaway.
| Feature | Portsoy | Cullen |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Harbour | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coastal Walks | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Central Location | ✓✓✓ | ✓ |
| Sandy Beach | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ |
| Nearby Attractions | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Local Dining | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Accommodation Options | ✓✓✓ | ✓ |
For travellers wanting to explore multiple destinations across the Moray Coast, Portsoy often offers a more convenient central location.
Portsoy sits between Banff and Cullen, making it an ideal base for exploring the wider Aberdeenshire coastline.
From here, visitors can easily access:
If you’re planning to visit several attractions during your trip, staying in Portsoy can reduce travel time and provide easier access to surrounding destinations.
For inspiration, explore our guide to the perfect 2 day Portsoy itinerary.
Cullen is best known for its impressive sandy beach and iconic viaduct.
Visitors who prioritise beach walks, sea views, and a quieter atmosphere often enjoy staying close to Cullen.
Highlights include:
For short beach-focused breaks, Cullen remains a popular choice.
If coastal walking is a major reason for your trip, Portsoy has an advantage.
The surrounding area offers easy access to multiple walking routes, including cliff-top paths, harbour walks, and sections of the Moray Coast.
Many visitors use Portsoy as a starting point for exploring nearby routes.
You can discover some of the most popular routes in our guide to coastal walks near Portsoy.
When it comes to beaches, Cullen is larger and more famous.
However, visitors staying in Portsoy can easily reach Cullen Beach while also exploring several other nearby coastal spots.
This gives travellers greater flexibility without being limited to a single location.
Our guide to the best beaches near Portsoy highlights several excellent options within a short drive.
Cullen offers a smaller selection of accommodation focused mainly on guest houses and seaside stays.
Portsoy provides a wider variety of accommodation choices while remaining close to the beach and major attractions.
For visitors wanting convenience, accessibility, dining options, and easy exploration, Portsoy is often the more practical choice.
You can compare options in our guide to the best hotels in Portsoy.
Both Portsoy and Cullen offer memorable Scottish coastal experiences.
Choose Cullen if:
Choose Portsoy if:
For most visitors exploring Aberdeenshire and the Moray Firth coastline, Portsoy provides the best balance of location, convenience, and access to nearby attractions.
If you’re looking for a comfortable base to explore both Portsoy and Cullen, view our rooms and availability before planning your trip.
Before booking, explore our guide to where to stay near Cullen Beach and discover why many visitors choose Portsoy as their base for exploring Scotland’s spectacular northeast coast.
Both towns are excellent coastal destinations. Cullen is ideal for beach-focused trips, while Portsoy provides easier access to multiple attractions across the Aberdeenshire coast.
Portsoy is approximately 7 miles (11 km) from Cullen, making it a short drive of around 10–15 minutes.
Portsoy generally offers more accommodation choices and serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions.
Yes. Portsoy provides easy access to coastal walks, dolphin spotting locations, beaches, whisky distilleries, and nearby towns including Cullen and Banff.
Absolutely. Cullen Beach is only a short drive from Portsoy, making it easy to visit during a day trip.
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[…] stay — Cullen and Banff are both a short drive away. If you’re deciding between bases, our Portsoy vs Cullen comparison breaks down which suits your trip […]