Isle of Islay

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Islay has a place in the heart of every whisky lover. Still, it’s not just the world-class distilleries that draw visitors to this beautiful, fertile and fascinating inner Hebridean island.

You’ll feel alive on Islay. Miles of pristine beaches. Spectacular wildlife and habitats. Invigorating walks and boat trips. Great food. World-class distilleries. The Inner Hebrides’ southernmost island, Islay, will inspire and move you.

There’s plenty for kids to do too, and Islay is a great place for an active family holiday in Scotland.

Islay has a varied geology, which in turn gives rise to a diverse range of natural habitats from moorland to peat bogs. Enjoy an outdoor adventure on Islay, with fantastic walking, cycling, golf, horse riding and kayaking on offer. 

Gaelic in Scotland

The indigenous language of Argyll contains a great richness of expression. Here we have some lines from the Gaelic poetic tradition about Islay & Jura.

Ó mo ghaol air Ìle ’n fheòir
Far an d’ fhuair mi m’ àrach òg;
Oh my love for Islay of the grass
Where I got my early upbringing
(Trad.)

Islay & Jura

Gaelic with thanks to CHARTS

WAA Islay

Visit Islay - The Whisky Isle

Scotland's Adventure Coast

The stunning beaches and mesmerising wilderness of the Inner Hebridean island of Islay will fill you with joy.

Islay is home to a vast variety of birds and wildlife, big unblemished skies, and, of course, world-famous distilleries. They will have you relaxing with peace, tapping your toes to traditional music, or tantalising your taste buds with quality local produce.

Islay is famed for its friendly locals, overwintering geese and miles of sandy beaches. The island also has a unique seafaring heritage and numerous fascinating archaeological sites, including standing stones, forts and duns, as well as Finlaggan, the former headquarters of the Lord of the Isles.

For many, a trip to Islay is the ultimate whisky experience. This tiny wee island boasts ten working distilleries producing whiskies that genuinely reflect their environment with a characteristic peaty flavour and a hint of salty air and seaweed. All the distilleries offer tours, and each has something special to offer. And for the truly devoted, with a bit of planning, yes, it is possible to do them all in a day!

Kilchoman and Ardnahoe are the newest distilleries, while Bowmore is thought to be one of the oldest in Scotland, notable for malting its own barley. At Caol Ila, you can see large-scale production, while Bruichladdich is refurbished in the old Victorian style. Ardberg produces one of the peatiest flavours while Bunnahabhain produces a milder, unpeated whisky. Lagavulin produces one of Scotland’s most famous whiskies, while Laphroaig is said to be a favourite tipple of King Charles III.

With these distilleries, it isn’t a case of ‘you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all’!

Islay Info can help you plan every aspect of your trip.

Top reasons to visit Islay

Big skies, soaring eagles, red deer and peaty malts; here’s why you should visit our special Hebridean island.

WHISKY White 01
10 Whisky Distilleries
CASTLE 01
5 Castles
Eagle 01
2 RSPB reserves
Golf 01
1 Links Golf Course
KAYAK 01
Watersports
WILDLIFE 01
Wildlife Spotting

Explore Islay

What are you looking for?
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McKinlay Kidd Ltd

Award-winning specialist tour operator making holidays differently throughout Argyll and the Isles. At McKinlay Kidd, we like to get up close and personal wi...

Head Office: McKinlay Kidd
6/1 (front) The Hatrack
144 St Vincent St
Glasgow
G2 5LQ

Tel: 0141 260 9260

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Kathy Cameron Tour Guide & Driver

Let me take you on a bespoke and personal tour of my native Scotland, which I love so much. We can discover Scotland’s rich history and visit distilleries an...

15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD

Tel: +44 (0) 7775691641

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Islay e Wheels

Islay e-wheels is a small, family-run business offering quality bike hire. We pride ourselves on great customer service and well-maintained bikes. Whether yo...

35 Cnoc-Na-Faire
Port Ellen
Islay

Tel: 07497 090716

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Puffer Steamboat Holidays Ltd

Join us aboard VIC 32, the last steam-powered Clyde Puffer. At a steady six knots, little can equal the peace of silent steam!

Whether you’re looking to esca...

Boat Address:
VIC 32
Crinan Basin
Crinan
Lochgilphead
PA31 8SW

Tel: 07780936407

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Bowmore Distillery Cottages

Beautiful, comfortable, and tranquil, the Bowmore Distillery Cottages offer a unique place to stay near the heart of Islay’s oldest distillery. These traditi...

The Harbour Inn
The Square
Bowmore
Islay
PA43 7JR

Tel: 01496810330

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Argyll Safaris

Rab is passionate about Argyll, its landscape, culture and heritage. With 60 medieval castles, 32 clan seats, and 1256 Neolithic standing stones, it is the b...

Rughriach
Old Shore Road
PA37 1PT

Tel: 07760880757

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Wavysail Sailing Adventures

With a maximum group size of six people, each trip is uniquely personalized and flexible. We contact every guest before joining to discover your sailing expe...

Tel: 07570 702 256

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Hebridean Air Services

Our 30-minute scenic flights take in castles and other points of interest around Oban and Lorn. Our sightseer tickets allow you to fly on the schedule withou...

Oban Airport
North Connel
PA37 1SW

Tel: 0845 805 7465

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Islay on YouTube

Immerse yourself in all things Islay by watching our dedicated YouTube playlist, featuring food and drink, activities, and much more!

Watch YouTube
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Getting here

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Planning your journey

Travelling to and from Islay and Jura is a 2 hour ferry crossing from Kennacraig on the Kintyre pennisual which can be reached by car or by bus.

If travelling by car to Jura, take the Islay ferry from Kennacraig before taking the short connecting ferry from Port Askaig across to Jura. If by foot, take the passenger only service to Craighouse on Jura, from Tayvallich near Lochgilphead.

You can even fly to Islay from Glasgow.

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