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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, the Isle of Islay is probably best known for its peaty, smoky whiskies. Some say they are the best in the whole world. Home to nine working distilleries, Islay definitely has the process of making the stuff down to a fine art, using peat cut from the mosslands to give 'Islay malts' their distinct flavours. Sláinte!
Find experiences
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Travel to and around Islay
Getting to
Ferry
You can catch the ferry daily from Kennacraig and once a week from Oban.
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.
Getting around
Bus and coach
There are regular buses on the island to transport you around.
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.
Port Ellen, the Isle Of Islay
Places to stay
From charming hotels to glamping pods, Islay has a great selection of accommodation options to choose from.
A tip from your local expert

VisitScotland Information Centre
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Help and advice
You can also get advice from our accredited iKnow partners, with excellent local expertise, travel advice and insider tips about must-see attractions and great accommodation in the local area.
Find our iKnow Partners in this area
Glenegedale House, Isle of Islay
Food and drink in 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!
Map of Islay
Explore Isle of Islay
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Ideas for things to do in Islay
From exploring the islands distilleries to adventuring on scenic beaches, there's plenty to do on Islay.

Beautiful walks to try in Islay
All 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
8 of Scotland's Best Island Ferry Routes
There’s something special about ferry journeys. They offer a sense of adventure, a link to our seafaring past, and a showstopping island conclusion.

Have an adventure with guided outdoor activities on Islay
Guided outdoor activities on Islay, Jura and Colonsay
Lower Killeyan, Islay
Unique experiences
Islay is packed full of wild scenery, flora and fauna to explore as well as nine unique distilleries to try.
Lagavulin Distillery, Islay
Tours, routes and trails
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.
Ardnahoe Distillery
Events
Discover more about the festivals and events taking place on Islay, including family-friendly fun and whisky festivals.
Other things you might like
Isle of Jura
The Highlands

Isle of Skye

Oban
Argyll & The Isles

Scottish Islands & Island Hopping
Scotland's Airports & Flights Around The Country
Getting around Scotland by ferry
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