Weekends on Islay & Jura – Whisky, Wellness & Wildlife
3 Nights | 4 Days on Islay and JuraThe Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura are the perfect destinations for a weekend of coastal wellness, whisky and wildlife. We recommend spending at least 3 nights and 4 days on these islands to truly experience their unique spirit. Depending on your preferences, you can split your time between Islay and Jura or base yourself on one of the islands for your coastal escape. We’ve outlined three ‘perfect weekends’ on these Hebridean gems below.
Along the way, we share our recommendations for unique places to stay, restaurants that celebrate local flavours, and memorable experiences designed to nourish both body and soul. These weekends are about connection with nature, with culture, and most of all, with each other.
A Whisky Weekend on Islay
Weekend 1 – Based on IslayIslay, often called the "Queen of the Hebrides," is home to some of the world’s most iconic whisky brands. So, start your weekend with walking the ‘Three Distilleries Pathway’ running from Port Ellen and taking in the distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Stop at each distillery to sample a dram (or two) or join a guided distillery tour. If you’d like to pair your dram with a pint of knowledge, book a bespoke whisky tour with Tim of Westie Whisky. He will create a custom itinerary based on your interest and function as both your tour guide a tailored to your interests and serve as both your tour guide and designated driver for the day!
For your second day, balance the drams with time in nature. Join Islay Sea Adventures for their seafood & wildlife boat trip, where you’ll savour local catches while cruising along the dramatic coastline and sheltered bays of Islay. If you prefer land-based exploration, Islay Encounters with Nature offers guided safaris into peatland and moor, where you might spot red deer or golden eagles. Wrap up your day with a seafood dinner at the award-winning Bowmore Harbour Inn or the uniquely furnished Ardbeg House.
For your final day, we recommend doing very little…after all, you’re on a wellness weekend! Enjoy a slower beach day by the water at the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse near Port Ellen, an iconic spot where soft sands meet Atlantic waves. If you fancy a wee dip, we’d recommend the beaches of Laggan Bay, Loch Gruinart and Loch Indaal, as they are a bit more sheltered. Hire e-bikes from Islay e-Wheels to explore the island at your own pace!
With whisky, coastal scenery, and a dose of luxurious wellness, this weekend is perfect for a romantic escape!
Unplug & Reconnect on Jura
Weekend 2 - Based on JuraJura, with its rugged mountains and vast, untamed coastline, is the place to truly switch off. The island is famous for its wild deer population (outnumbering people 30 to 1), its silence, and its staggering landscapes. On your first day, lace up your walking boots and climb up the iconic Paps of Jura to soak in the spectacular panoramic coastal views. If you prefer a gentler walk, head on a coastal stroll along Corran Sands or Lagg Bay for a quiet picnic with sweeping sea views. Pop by The Antlers - Bakehouse & Bar in Craighouse before you set off to pick up some picnic treats!
If you’d like to learn more about Jura’s unique habitat and Jura's fascinating heritage, join Jura Guided on a walking tour to lesser-known gems and wildlife spots. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for sea eagles and peregrine falcons roaming the skies!
A visit to Jura wouldn't be complete without a trip to the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool, one of the largest and most powerful natural whirlpools in the world! Join Jura Boat Tour for a coastal exploration. On the journey, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, porpoises, seals, and even minke whales.
On day three, your journey continues with a taste of the island itself. Sample smooth single malts at Jura Distillery, or head to Lussa Gin for a tasting of their botanical gin in their small distillery. Another must-try is Deer Island Rum, the island’s own rum distillery! You can visit them during the summer months at The Pier Garage in Craighouse. If you’d like to sample a few of the local spirits, visit the pub and restaurant at the Jura Hotel!
Jura’s combination of wild coastline, rich wildlife, and vast landscapes makes it the perfect place to unplug, recharge, and reconnect.
The Best of Both Worlds
Weekend 3 - Islay & JuraCan’t decide between whisky-rich Islay and wild Jura? With a long weekend, you don’t have to! Spend two nights on Islay to immerse yourself in the island’s distilleries and coastal charm. The must-dos (in our opinion): walk the three-distillery path to sample some local spirits and enjoy the coastal views, and join Islay Sea Adventures for a wildlife & seafood trip. Stay at The Machrie or Ardbeg House for a touch of luxury, or 4* Port Charlotte Hotel for a charming, central location.
Cross from Port Askaig on Islay to Feolin on Jura via a short ferry for your two nights on Jura (check ferry timetables in advance). Here, the pace slows, and wellness takes centre stage. Hike the Paps for panoramic views or wander along secluded beaches where you might not meet another soul. Sample local spirits such as Lussa Gin and Jura Whisky at the Jura Hotel restaurant or during a distillery tour. If you haven’t experienced a boat trip at this point, join Jura Boat Tours for an exploration of the island’s coastline and the famous Corryvrecken Pool. Stay at Jura Bothan Retreat to truly unplug and reconnect for your two days. Spend your evenings relaxing in your private hot tub, gazing up at the stars or reading a book inside your cosy cabin.
By blending Islay’s vibrant atmosphere with Jura’s wilderness, this coastal weekend escape offers the best of both worlds!
Good to Know!
Planning Your Island Weekend- Booking your ferry tickets: We recommend booking your CalMac ferry tickets well in advance to secure your preferred dates, especially if you’re planning to bring a car.
- Ferry timetables: Confirm your ferry times and any notices ahead of your travel. Weather can impact ferry schedules!
- Book direct and save: Book your accommodations and experiences directly with the providers to save costs.
- Leave your car behind: Both islands offer bike rentals and limited public buses to get around the islands.
- Islay’s Festival Fever: There is plenty happening on Islay during the summer months, such as the iconic Fèis Ìle. If you’re planning to visit during festival season, we recommend booking well in advance!
Getting to Islay & Jura
Reaching Islay is part of the adventure. You can fly direct from Glasgow or arrive by ferry with CalMac Ferries from Kennacraig on the Kintyre Peninsula, which sails into either Port Ellen or Port Askaig. Travelling by ferry allows you to take your car, or you can hire one on arrival.
From Islay, reaching Jura is easy: A short passenger ferry runs from Port Askaig across the narrow Sound of Islay to Feolin on Jura. Alternatively, you can reach Jura directly from the mainland via the Jura Passenger Ferry, which connects Jura with Tayvallich during the summer months.
Where to Stay
From 4* Luxury to Cosy SimplicityYou are spoiled for choice when it comes to fantastic accommodations on Islay and Jura. Here are some of our recommendations, depending on your definition of wellness.
Places to stay on Islay
- The Machrie – Enjoy 4* luxury at this iconic hotel & golf course with unbroken views of dunes, sea and sky.
- Bowmore Distillery Cottages – If you prefer a self-catering option, these traditional cottages, once home to Bowmore Distillery workers, might be the perfect fit!
- Ardbeg House – Enjoy uniquely themed luxury bedrooms and a Signature Restaurant showcases the best of Islay’s larder with an Ardbeggian twist.
- Port Charlotte Hotel – This 4* Hotel puts you at the heart of the charming coastal village of Port Charlotte.
- Port Askaig Hotel – Conveniently located next to the ferry terminal, this hotel is the perfect base for those seeking to explore Islay & Jura.
Places to stay on Jura
Bothan Jura Retreat is the perfect place to unwind, reconnect and explore the wild landscapes of the Isle of Jura. Sitting above Corran Sands, the bothans are complete with Swedish wood-fired hot tub, pizza ovens, fire pits, and a telescope to enjoy Jura’s unrivalled dark skies. The cottage even comes with a private sauna!
Alternatively, Jura Lorne Cottages provide a cosy, central base for your island adventure. The self-catering holiday cottage is a stone's throw from the beach and within walking distance of the amenities of Craighouse, Jura’s main village.
