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Port Charlotte

  1. Home
  2. Places to go
  3. Islands
  4. Isle of Islay

Isle of Islay

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!

Get the latest updates on Scotland's ferries to plan your trip - spring and summer 2026 sailing information is now available and Scotland's islands are ready and open to visitors.

Great things to do on Islay

Whether you’re exploring the island’s famous distilleries or wandering its scenic beaches, there’s plenty to see and do on Islay.

Beautiful walks to try on Islay

Find out everything you need to know about walking on Islay.

Explore one of Islay's stunning beaches

Islay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. Embrace the fresh air and enjoy stunning views along the way.

Have an adventure with guided outdoor activities on Islay

Book guided outdoor activities on Islay and get stuck into island life.

Three Distilleries Pathway

Cover 3 distilleries in 3 miles on the beautiful Isle of Islay - and maybe a wee dram or two along the way.

Islay nature and wildlife

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!

Scottish Island Adventures podcast - Islay and Jura

Get trip inspiration on Islay and Jura from host Coinneach MacLeod and special guest John Carmichael.

Top days out ideas

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.

Islay distillery tours

With ten working distilleries, Islay is definitely the place to sample a dram.

Islay Woollen Mill

Wrap up warm with some Islay Woollen Mill fashion accessories. They have even featured in big blockbuster films including Braveheart and Rob Roy.

Ardnahoe Distillery

Get a behind-the-scenes look into the whisky making process and say hello to Islay's newest member of the whisky distillery family.

American Monument

This monument pays tribute to hundreds of American servicemen and offers stunning views over the North Channel, the sea between Ireland and Islay.

Driving tours

Hit the road and explore Islay until your heart's content by hiring your own car.

Carraig Fhada Lighthouse

This iconic lighthouse stands out from the rest and is the only square-shaped lighthouse in Scotland.

Inspiring routes, trails and itineraries

Islay is a wonderful place to explore, on foot, by bike or on a guided tour.

Lagavulin Distillery, Islay

Follow a route

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.

  • The Whisky Coast
  • Explore Islay by boat
  • 5-day Islay itinerary

See what's on the Isle of Islay

Find out what’s happening on 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

Cantilena Festival, 5 – 10 July 2026 – Experience classical music performances in unique island venues during this acclaimed chamber music festival.

Islay Book Festival, 27 – 30 August 2026 – Celebrate literature, storytelling and Scottish culture with author talks, workshops and events hosted across the island.

Islay Jazz Festival, 11 – 13 September 2026 – Enjoy a lively weekend of jazz performances, concerts and community events set against Islay’s stunning coastal scenery.

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.

Map of Islay

Explore Isle of Islay

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How to travel to and around Islay

Getting to

Ferry

You can catch the ferry daily from Kennacraig and once a week from Oban.

Visit the Calmac website for more information

Flying

Take the flight of a lifetime, with Loganair operating flights from Edinburgh and Glasgow and Hebridean Air Services running flights from Colonsay and Oban.

Check out the Loganair flights on their website

Visit the Hebridean Air Services website 

Getting around

Bus and coach

There are regular buses on the island to transport you around.

Discover more on getting around Islay

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.

Ferry

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.

Plan your ferry trip to Jura

Ardbeg House, a luxury whisky-themed hotel in the Isle of Islay.

© Ardbeg House

Places to stay on Islay

From charming hotels to glamping pods, Islay has a great selection of accommodation options to choose from. 

  • Find accommodation on the Isle of Islay

Glenegedale House, Isle of Islay

Places to eat on 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!

  • Taste Islay and Jura Food, Drink and Foraging Festival
  • Explore Islay and Jura food and drink
Browse food & drink options

The Singing Sands on Islay

Find information on accessible trips

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.

  • Accessibility on Islay
  • Accessible accommodation - Islay and Jura
  • Islay accessibility guide

Explore nearby

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.

Isle of Jura

Follow in the footsteps of George Orwell and find whisky, magnificent mountains and splendid tranquillity on this island off Scotland's west coast.

Isle of Mull

This large Inner Hebridean island is full of many incredible possibilities, whether you are going for a day trip or staying a fortnight.

Isle of Bute

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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Oban

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Scotland's islands

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