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

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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

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Bowmore Distillery

Our Bowmore distillery tours bring our craft vividly to life. Come and discover how our exceptionally expressive single malt Scotch whisky is created.

Enjoy...

Bowmore Distillery

School St, Bowmore

Isle Of Islay

PA43 7JS

Tel: 01496 301228

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Whisky and Waves

Whisky and Waves offers unforgettable sailing experiences along Scotland’s rugged west coast, blending adventure and whisky heritage. Based in Oban, our priv...

Oban
North Pier
PA34 5QD

Tel: 07919368415

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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

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Basking Shark Scotland

Operating across Argyll & the Isles, our wildlife-watching adventures run from April - October. Basking Shark Scotland is the only dedicated snorkel oper...

Cluaran
Crannaig-a-Mhinister
Oban
PA34 4LX

Tel: 07975 723140

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Another Place, The Machrie

Facing the Atlantic, with unbroken views of dunes, sea and sky, lies The Machrie on the Isle of Islay. A contemporary hotel with 43 beautifully designed room...

Port Ellen
Isle of Islay
Argyll
Scotland
PA42 7AN

Tel: +44 (0)1496 302310

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Islay Sea Adventures

We are Islay's only boat tour company. We offer a range of tours, including wildlife, fishing, seafood and Corryveckan.

Looking for something bespoke and pe...

Trip departure Address:
Port Ellen Pontoons
Port Ellen
Isle of Islay
PA42 7DW

Tel: 01496 300129

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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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