Crail is a coastal parish, which lies in Fife Council Area, some 7 miles (11 km) southeast of St Andrews and 14 miles (22 km) east of Cupar in Fife.
It is located in the old county of Fife, which disappeared following the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1974.
The parish has an area of 25.7 sq. km (9.9 sq. miles). Crail has 5 neighbouring parishes; namely Carnbee, Dunino, Kilrenny, Kingsbarns and St Andrews & St Leonards. The boundaries of this parish were modified among significant changes recommended by the Boundary Commissioners after the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1889.