Islay & Jura
Scotland's Adventure CoastIslay 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.)
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
Visit Islay & Jura
Scotland's Adventure CoastThe 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 a population of around 200 outnumbered 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.
Paps of Jura rule over the island being three steep-sided conical quartzite mountains rising to 785 metres (2,575 ft). Beinn an Òir is the highest of the three mountains standing at 785 metres (2,575 ft), followed by Beinn Shiantaidh, at 757 metres (2,484 ft) and the lowest of the Paps being Beinn a' Chaolais, reaching 733 metres (2,405 ft).
Jura had a famous resident from 1946 - 1949, the renowned novelist and poet Goerge Orwell. During his time on the Isle, he wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four at Barnhill, his final novel.
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
Explore Islay & Jura
What are you looking for?
Islay - The 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!
On Islay, 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 the bestselling whisky on Islay.
With these distilleries, it definitely isn’t a case of ‘you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all’!
The Times Travel writer, Jane Wright, rates Lagavulin Distillery as the best in Scotland for tradition. She writes "Join the charming Iain McArthur, who, with over 50 years of service, informs and entertains visitors in equal measure on cask tasting sessions. One of the older and more traditional distilleries on Islay, Lagavulin is famed for its distinctive red chimney, unusual pear-shaped stills and gorgeous views over the bay in front. For those who find the strong, smoky flavour a little too robust, there are younger, lighter expressions of Lagavulin available too."
In the same guide, Bunnahabhain is rated as the Scottish distillery with the best views and Jura is the best for the beautiful boat journey to reach it.
The distilleries are spread across the island, with Laphroig, Lagavulin and Arberg clustered next to each other on the south coast connected by the linear three distilleries pathway – you’ll get some wonderful coastal views and it’s ideal for clearing the head between tastings.
All you need to know about visiting Islay & Jura
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.
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.
4 Ways to enjoy the wonderful wildlife of Islay
The Hebridean island of Islay is one of the most wildlife-rich places on the west coast of Scotland. Here’s how to enjoy the wonderful wildlife of Islay.
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!
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.
