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?
Background image - Lead Preferred Crop Another Place X The Machrie Golf Links Preferred Crop
18 Restaurant & Bar at Another Place, The Machrie

Start with a drink by our roaring log fires or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the 18th green —the perfect spot to gaze out to sea at endless sunsets. Our...

Low Road
Port Ellen
Isle of Islay
PA42 7AN

Tel: +44 (0)1496 302310

Discover more
Background image - Port Charlotte Hotel
Port Charlotte Hotel

The Port Charlotte Hotel is a small 4 star hotel located in a charming, beachside location in the conservation village of Port Charlotte, on the beautiful is...

Port Charlotte Hotel
Main Street
Port Charlotte
Isle of Islay
PA48 7TU

Tel: 01496 850360

Discover more
Background image - Ganavan image 3.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - Bunnahabhain 1
Westie Whisky Tours

The west coast of Scotland is home to some of the best, if not the best, distilleries in Scotland. Westie Whisky is run by a self-confessed whisky geek, who...

Head Office: Ramsay House
Glenalmond
Perth
PH1 3RY

Tel: +44 (0)7946 839738

Discover more
Background image - whatsapp_image_2023-08-27_at_19.59.481.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - ardbeg_banner.jpg
Ardbeg Distillery

For over 200 years, Ardbeg has been made on the small, remote Scottish Isle of Islay. Some people travel to Ardbeg along the winding road from Port Ellen. Ot...

Port Ellen
Isle of Islay
PA42 7EA

Tel: +44(0) 1496 302244

Discover more
Background image - gt_tobermory_-_bryan_milne__3_.jpg
The Majestic Line (Scotland) Ltd

Step aboard a small ship cruise with The Majestic Line, a Scottish holiday with a difference. Sail the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Loch Ness, the Caledonian Ca...

18 Highland Avenue
Sandbank
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8PB

Tel: 01369707951

Discover more
Background image - LandscapeCaley.jpg (1)
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

Discover more
< Prev
Page 1 2 3 6
Background image - Waa Background
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
Background image - Youtube Screen

Getting here

Background image - Waa Single Letter Outline
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.

Background image - Port Askaig Jura Ferry

Explore more of Argyll & the Isles

Stay Icon
STAY
Explore
See Do Icon
SEE & DO
Explore
Food Drink Icon
EAT & DRINK
Explore
WHATS ON 01
WHAT'S ON
Explore