Elie is a well known and beautiful seaside holiday village nestled around an award winning mile long curve of golden brown sand on the East Neuk of Fife. Originally a fishing village, Elie has plenty of self catering holiday accommodation available and now attracts tourists, golfers, sailors and surfers, as well as those wishing for a pleasant place to retire.
Elie has four spectacular beaches with miles of golden sand, much of which has been accredited with a ‘Blue Flag Award.’ Dolphins and seals can often be seen close to shore.
The former Royal Burgh dates back to the 15th Century and is made up of Elie and its twin Earlsferry. In 1929 the two were eventually merged! Interesting historic buildings are everywhere, from the Chapel Ness on Chapel Green at one end, to the Lady’s Tower at the other, and much in between can be rented as holiday accomodation. The Lady’s Tower was originally built for Lady Janet Anstruther in the late 18th century as a summer house with changing room amongst the rocks below to allow her to bathe naked in the nearby pools. Elie also boasts the first lighthouse in the East Neuk with excellent views over Elie.
Dating from 1639, Elie Parish Church has only three faces as there were no buildings to the rear when it was built! There is also some of the finest traditional local architecture in a 15th/16th century Castle in South Street. The 16th century harbour is a haven for yachts and small pleasure craft and while the surrounding bay is popular with windsurfers and bathers. Most Elie holiday houses are close to the beach or harbour.
Elie also attracts lots of golfers to its two golf courses. James Braid was born in Elie, celebrated golf course designer and five times winner of the British Open Golf Championship.
There is also a good Watersports Centre, hiring anything from mountain-bikes to sailing-boats, a championship qualifying 18 hole golf course, kids 9 hole course, sports club, tennis courts, putting green, bowling green and driving range.