Islay Sea Adventures

Islay & Jura

Scotland's Adventure Coast

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

With miles of sandy beaches, outstanding Scottish wildlife and a rich Highland heritage, there’s so much to see and do on Islay.

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.

In contrast, the mountainous, wild and sparsely populated island of Jura has a rugged and remote appeal. Jura is the eighth largest Scottish island and yet only around 200 people live here. The deer population by contrast numbers between 6,000 and 7,000.

The island’s distinctive peaks, the Paps of Jura, offer fantastic hillwalking and one thing you’re sure to see when you visit Jura is the wonderful wildlife, such as red deer and wild goats.

Gaelic in Scotland

The indigenous language of Argyll contains a great richness of expression. Here we have some lines from 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

With thanks to partners CHARTS

Lift your spirits by taking time out on Islay & Jura

Outstanding wildlife, world class distilleries, beautiful beaches and impressive heritage. There's something for everyone

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Visit Islay & Jura

Scotland's Adventure Coast

The spectacular beaches and mesmerising wilderness of the Inner Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura will fill you with joy and enrich your life.

Home to a vast variety of birds and wildlife, big unblemished skies and, of course, world famous distilleries, these islands are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and will either have you relaxing with the peace and quiet, tapping your toes to traditional music or tantalizing your taste buds with quality local produce.

Islay

Islay is famed for its friendly locals, smoky whiskies, overwintering geese and miles of sandy beaches. The island’s main features are undoubtedly the single malt whisky distilleries, which are sought after the world over. Take a tour at your most loved, or all nine to create a real unique experience you’ll never forget.

Islay also has a unique sea faring heritage, and many fascinating archaeological sites from standing stones, forts and duns to Finlaggan, the headquarters of the Lord of the Isles.

Jura

If you’re looking to see more wildlife than you do people, Jura is for you. Considered one of Scotland’s last wildernesses with the population of around 200 out-numbered by over 5000 deer. Jura, believed to originate from the Norse ‘Island of the Deer’ is a walkers’ paradise with the Paps of Jura being the main destination.

You can also visit the world’s third largest whirlpool, Corryvreckan, which sits between Jura and nearby Scarba in the north – it’s a sight like no other

Top reasons to visit Islay & Jura

Big skies, soaring eagles, red deer and peaty malts; here are top reasons to visit the Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura.

10 Whisky Distilleries

5 Castles

3 RSPB reserves

2 Links Golf Courses

The Paps of Jura

Deer Island

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Caol Ila Distillery

The Isle of Islay is known as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ and it is best known for its peaty, smoky whiskies that some say are the best in the whole world – so why not come and see for yourself?

The Caol Ila Distillery, pronounced ‘cull-eela’, is the largest malt whisky distillery on the Isle of Islay and is located in a hidden bay just north of Port Askaig on the east coast of the island.

From the distillery you can enjoy stunning views out to sea across the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps of Jura.

Join in a distillery tour to see the whisky making process for yourself, before tasting a dram of one of the delicious varieties of malt whisky in a special branded Glencairn glass that you can take home with you.

Head to the visitor centre before you leave to take home a bottle of your favourite, or a wee souvenir to remember your trip.

All you need to know about visiting Islay & Jura

Background image - On Top Of A Pap Jura Bonnie Wood

Why you can’t miss out on Jura when visiting Islay. | Argyll & the Isles

What makes Jura so special? There is nowhere quite like it in Scotland. Mountainous, wild and sparsely populated, it couldn’t be more different from Islay.

Background image - Port Askaig Jura Ferry

How to enjoy Jura by ferry, foot and bike. | Argyll & the Isles

Jura is the eighth largest Scottish island but cyclists can enjoy the quiet road (there’s only one!) while intrepid walkers can explore the wild west coast.

Islay & Jura on YouTube

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

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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.