Port Charlotte
The Isle of Islay promises an amazing experience with its birdlife, seafood, peaty whiskies and dramatic coastal seascapes. A stunning island on the "whisky coast" of west Scotland, Islay is probably best known for its distinctive peaty drams. Home to ten working distilleries, Islay has the process down to a fine art. Sláinte!
Whether you’re exploring the island’s famous distilleries or wandering its scenic beaches, there’s plenty to see and do on Islay.
Find out everything you need to know about walking on Islay.
Islay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. Embrace the fresh air and enjoy stunning views along the way.
Book guided outdoor activities on Islay and get stuck into island life.
Cover 3 distilleries in 3 miles on the beautiful Isle of Islay - and maybe a wee dram or two along the way.
Islay is packed full of wild scenery, flora and fauna throughout the year. Keep your eyes peeled while you're out and about and you might be in luck!
Get trip inspiration on Islay and Jura from host Coinneach MacLeod and special guest John Carmichael.
You're never short of things to do on the Isle of Islay. See iconic landmarks, book a whisky distillery tour or embrace the island's rich textiles history.
With ten working distilleries, Islay is definitely the place to sample a dram.
Wrap up warm with some Islay Woollen Mill fashion accessories. They have even featured in big blockbuster films including Braveheart and Rob Roy.
Get a behind-the-scenes look into the whisky making process and say hello to Islay's newest member of the whisky distillery family.
This monument pays tribute to hundreds of American servicemen and offers stunning views over the North Channel, the sea between Ireland and Islay.
Hit the road and explore Islay until your heart's content by hiring your own car.
This iconic lighthouse stands out from the rest and is the only square-shaped lighthouse in Scotland.
Islay is a wonderful place to explore, on foot, by bike or on a guided tour.
Lagavulin Distillery, Islay
Check out some tours and trails on the island, from sampling the exquisite whisky and finding out more about distilleries to exploring the open sea.
Find out what’s happening on the Isle of Islay with whisky festivals, genre-spanning live music, traditional gatherings and even a book festival taking place across the island throughout the year.
Ardnahoe Distillery
Fèis Ìle, 28 May – 6 June 2027 – Islay’s world-famous festival of music and malt brings together whisky tastings, distillery open days, live performances and Gaelic culture across the island.
Islay Book Festival, August 2027 – celebrate literature, storytelling and Scottish culture with author talks, workshops and events hosted across the island.
You can catch the ferry daily from Kennacraig and once a week from Oban.
A new Scottish Government / Transport Scotland 12-month initiative to make bus travel more affordable for both visitors and locals is now available. It applies to short and long-distance routes and all main bus operators (Stagecoach, Ember, CityLink), meaning single bus fares are capped at £2 across the Highlands and Islands. The scheme runs until early 2027.
Take the flight of a lifetime, with Loganair operating flights from Edinburgh and Glasgow and Hebridean Air Services running flights from Colonsay and Oban.
There are regular buses on the island to transport you around.
Islay is also the main gateway to Jura where you can enjoy even more whisky! The ferry crossing only takes 5 minutes and runs regularly throughout the day.
Ardbeg House, a luxury whisky-themed hotel in the Isle of Islay.
© Ardbeg House
From charming hotels to glamping pods, Islay has a great selection of accommodation options to choose from.
Glenegedale House, Isle of Islay
With the sea on its doorstep and island bursting with life, there's plenty of fresh food and drink to try in addition to their famous whiskies!
The Singing Sands on Islay
Whether you're a wheelchair user or looking for a holiday suitable for all the family. Islay's accommodation and attractions have the right amenities in place to help you have a fantastic trip away.
Looking for more island adventures to tick off your bucket list? Scotland is home to a whole host of exciting destinations from Jura and Mull to the Isle of Bute.
Follow in the footsteps of George Orwell and find whisky, magnificent mountains and splendid tranquillity on this island off Scotland's west coast.
This large Inner Hebridean island is full of many incredible possibilities, whether you are going for a day trip or staying a fortnight.
Bute is perhaps the most accessible of Argyll’s islands. With its balmy climate, it's been a popular holiday spot for well over a century.
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