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Port Charlotte, Islay

Islay Sea Adventures

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Port Askaig, Islay

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Coal Whisky, Islay

Isle of Islay

Scotland's Adventure Coast

The Isle of Islay (pronounced ‘eye-luh’), affectionately known as the "Queen of the Hebrides", is a Hebridean paradise where world-renowned single malt distilleries meet pristine beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, and rich wildlife.

This beautiful island is home to ten working whisky distilleries, including legendary names like Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. Beyond the exceptional whisky, Islay offers unspoiled natural beauty, warm Highland hospitality, world-class golfing, and an authentically Scottish island experience that captivates visitors from around the globe.

Whether you're a whisky enthusiast on pilgrimage or simply seeking tranquil landscapes and genuine island charm, Islay delivers unforgettable moments for the whole family.

Where to start planning your trip? Islay Info is the most trusted, authoritative travel guide to help you plan every aspect of your trip. Find where to stay from a wide range of high-quality accommodation and check availability at our most up-to-date properties.

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

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Top reasons to visit

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

10 Whisky Distilleries

5 Castles

2 RSPB reserves

The Machrie Golf Links

Watersports

Wildlife Spotting

Why visit the Isle of Islay?

Whisky Distilleries, World-Class Golf & Welcoming Highland Spirit

Islay is home to a wide 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 small 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. And for the truly devoted, with a bit of planning, yes, it is possible to do them all in a day!

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

Lift your spirits by taking time out on Islay

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

Download our Destination & Experience Guides

Islay Sea Adventures

Birdwatching on Islay

Lagavulin Distillery

Islay Wollen Mill

Another Place, The Machrie

Ardbeg Distillery

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Good to know!

Plan ahead to make the most of your visit to Islay.

Best time to visit: May brings Fèis Ìle, the unmissable whisky festival, though accommodation must be booked well in advance. June to September offers the warmest weather and longest days. Autumn offers beautiful light and fewer crowds, whilst winter offers the opportunity to spot the Northern Lights and makes for extraordinary birdwatching.
Ferry: We recommend booking your ferry tickets well in advance, especially when travelling during the summer months. See CalMac for more information on timetables.
Local facilities: Port Ellen and Bowmore have shops, banks, petrol stations, and medical services. Stock up before exploring remote areas. Many businesses close on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Weather preparation: Pack layers and waterproofs year-round. Islay experiences changeable maritime weather, but rain clears quickly, revealing stunning clarity and dramatic light perfect for photography.
Accommodation booking: Reserve well in advance, especially for Fèis Ìle week and peak summer. Options range from luxury hotels and boutique B&Bs to self-catering cottages and camping. Port Ellen, Bowmore, and Port Charlotte offer the widest selections.
Distillery visits: Book tours and tastings in advance through distillery websites. Distilleries offer exclusive bottlings unavailable elsewhere. Take advantage of these special releases, but remember airline luggage restrictions when flying.
Driving considerations: Most roads outside main villages are single-track with passing places. Drive cautiously, respect local drivers, and allow extra time for journeys. Mobile signal is limited in remote areas, so download maps beforehand.

A Legacy of Whisky and Heritage

Islay's Whisky History

Islay's whisky-making history stretches back centuries, with folklore suggesting Irish monks first distilled whisky here in the early 1300s. Most of Islay's distilleries began as small, farm-based operations hidden in secluded glens before emerging into legitimate production. Today, these distilleries represent one of Scotland's five protected whisky regions, producing distinctive single malts characterised by peaty, smoky profiles that reflect the island's maritime climate and unique terroir.

What makes Islay peat special is its purity, free of rotting wood because of the scarcity of natural tree cover. This peat, burned to dry malted barley, imparts the distinctive smoky character that whisky lovers worship worldwide. Each May, Islay celebrates its liquid heritage during Fèis Ìle, the Festival of Malt and Music, with distillery open days, special tastings, live music, and cultural events that attract thousands of whisky pilgrims. It's a fantastic time to visit!

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Explore Islay

Discover places to stay, eat & drink and things to do on the island of Islay.

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Things to See & Do on Islay

From charming coastal villages to iconic distilleries and scenic golf courses, there's plenty to discover on the 'Queen of the Hebrides'.

Whisky Isle

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

Distilleries to Visit

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. Ardbeg 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.

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 interests and function as both your tour guide and designated driver for the day!

The Three Distillery Pathway

The Three Distilleries Pathway offers a spectacular 4-mile coastal walk from Port Ellen, past the distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. This scenic trail winds along the shoreline, offering stunning sea views, opportunities to spot wildlife, and convenient access to distillery tours and cafés. Booking distillery visits in advance ensures guaranteed entry, particularly during busy summer months and Fèis Ìle.

Islay's Nature & Wildlife

Beach exploration and coastal walks

Enjoy a 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!

The Machrie: Golf, Wellness & Adventure

Facing the Atlantic, with unbroken views of dunes, sea, and sky, the Machrie is one of the most iconic golf hotels in the world. Enjoy world-class golf links against a dramatic Atlantic backdrop, or spend time unwinding in the wild garden hot tub and outdoor sauna. A stay at the Machrie is guaranteed to leave you recharged and filled with new memories.

Join a guided nature tour

Arguably the best way to experience the true spirit of Islay is on a guided tour with a local, whether that's on land or on the water. Islay Encounters with Nature offers a selection of walking safaris and wildlife-watching experiences, whereas the award-winning Islay Sea Adventure is a fantastic way to experience Islay's coastline from the water. They also offer unique food experiences, allowing you to sample a selection of seafood and local whisky whilst cruising along Islay's coastline.

Islay's Coastal Villages

The island's compact size makes for easy exploring! The two main settlements, Port Ellen and Bowmore, are fantastic places to enjoy a meal or base yourself for your time on Islay. Port Charlotte, a picturesque village on the western shore, will charm you with whitewashed cottages and the award-winning Bruichladdich Distillery.

Where to Eat on Islay

You are spoilt for choice on Islay when it comes to fresh seafood and exceptional Scottish cuisine! Here are some of our recommendations:

Bowmore Harbour Inn: Enjoy a seafood dinner at this cosy, award-winning restaurant.
Ardbeg House: This restaurant is a feast for your eyes and taste buds! The interior is inspired by Islay's rich fishing heritage, whilst the restaurant only serves the freshest produce – perfectly paired with an Ardbeg Signature cocktail or a wee dram!
18 Restaurant & Bar at The Machrie: Overlooking the links of the iconic golf course and the ocean beyond, enjoy local Scottish dishes that evolve with the seasons.
Port Charlotte Hotel: This charming, traditional Scottish restaurant is a favourite among locals, especially for its seafood platter. Also, a great place to stay!

Places to stay on Islay

From 4* Luxury to Cosy Simplicity

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to fantastic accommodations on Islay. Here are some of our recommendations:

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 that 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 exploring Islay & Jura.

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How to get to Isle of Islay

By Ferry

Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates daily services from Kennacraig on the Kintyre Peninsula to both Port Ellen and Port Askaig. The Port Ellen sailing takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, whilst Port Askaig crossings take around 2 hours. These scenic journeys provide opportunities to spot marine wildlife and take in spectacular coastal views. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially when bringing a car.

Travelling without a car? Jump on the Kintyre Express passenger ferry, connecting Campbeltown in Kintyre with Port Ellen on Islay. Bikes go free on all journeys.

By Plane

Loganair operates daily flights from Glasgow International Airport to Islay Airport near Port Ellen, with the journey taking under an hour. This small regional service provides spectacular aerial views of the Inner Hebrides and delivers passengers directly into the island's heart. Advance booking is essential, and luggage restrictions apply, though these accommodate typical holiday needs. The airport sits just 3 miles from Port Ellen, with taxis readily available.

Places to visit near Islay

Make sure to hop over to Jura or spend some time exploring Kintyre & Gigha.

ISLE OF JURA

The mountainous, wild, and sparsely populated island of Jura has a rugged, remote appeal. Located off Scotland's west coast, Jura is the eighth-largest Scottish island, and yet only around 200 people live there.

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ISLE OF GIGHA

The Isle of Gigha is one of the most beautiful of the Inner Hebridean Islands, famed for its lush turquoise seas, white sandy beaches and mesmerising dark skies.

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KINTYRE & CAMPBELTOWN

Drive along the iconic Kintyre 66, a coastal loop around the rugged Kintyre Peninsula. Stop in Campbeltown, once proclaimed ‘the whisky capital of the world.

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All you need to know about visiting Islay

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