The next time you find yourself in the East Neuk of Fife be sure to plan some time to spend in the lovely community of St Monans. Named after the famous Saint Monan, the town is a picturesque holiday destination that is easily accessible and fun to explore.
Vibrant and vital, a community to truly enjoy
Although St Monans is a very old community with a long and illustrious history, it has managed to transition itself in the modern world while still retaining its historic charm and interest. The community itself is quite closeknit, creating a vibrant feeling that can be felt throughout the area as you explore and enjoy the sights. From the town itself, which lies on a hill above the Firth of Forth, you can see terrific views including the Isle of May, North Berwick, and Bass Rock.
The town boasts quite a number of historical buildings, many of which can be visited and explored to this day. The most notable of these historical buildings is the original windmill, which was once the primary source of power for the large local salt panning industry. The salt panning industry is no longer active, but the windmill has been restored very nicely and is open to visitors. Another scenic and historical building you can choose to explore is a church dating back to the 14
th century. Located on the western side of St Monans, it sits on the rocks above the water and from there you can enjoy some lovely views.
For visitors who want to spend their time mostly in the town itself there are many things to see and do, including some distinctive shops, businesses featuring local goods, traditional fish merchants, and a popular fish smokehouse. There are also some fun and vibrant restaurants, pubs, and cafes situation throughout the village. Interestingly, the town of St Monans has carved out a name for itself among holiday travelers who choose to caravan, and there is a wonderfully clean and convenient caravan park located nearby.
No holiday in St Monans is complete without spending a few hours exploring the beautiful and historic St Monans Church. Said to be the church nearest to the sea in all of Scotland, it is easy to see that this is quite possibly true. It is located only about 20 meters from the edge of the sea, and with a building dating back to the Middle Ages it is spectacular in many ways. Although the building itself still lacks a nave, it is architecturally of interest thanks to the stone vaulting above the choir area. It is considered among the most attractive, light, and airy Scottish churches from ancient years, so it is truly a "do not miss" place to visit during your holiday stay in St Monans.