Isle of Gigha
Scotland's Adventure CoastThe 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. The Vikings called it 'God’s Isle' – and there's plenty of truth in this!
But there's even more to Gigha than its stunning landscapes, this island is brimming with character! Since 2002, Gigha has been a community-owned island, meaning that the roughly 160 locals have a real say in its future. This sense of pride and community spirit is evident everywhere you go on Gigha, from the local restaurants to the island's facilities.
The short crossing makes it a perfect short break or holiday in Scotland and an exciting and diverse place to add to your Scottish bucket list.
Visit the Isle of Gigha
A destination of discoverySeven miles long by a mile and a half wide, Gigha is situated three miles west of the Kintyre peninsula, less than three-hour drive from the city of Glasgow and only a 20-minute ferry from the mainland. This makes it a brilliant short break destination that will feel like a world a million miles away!
No matter if you want to get active outdoors, seek to escape to tranquil beaches, or want to try the best of Scottish food & drink, this small but captivating island has it all!
Key attractions on the island include Achamore Gardens, the Eilean Garbh beaches ('Twin Beaches'), a nine-hole golf course, a wealth of archaeological sites, mesmerising dark skies, numerous shipwrecks on the surrounding rocks and skerries and an abundant wildlife, especially seabirds.
A Destination of Discovery & Relaxation
From outdoor adventure to culinary delights and fascinating heritage – Gigha is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered!
Good to know!
Plan ahead to make the most of your visit.- Style: A casual walker's dream, very few hills, good paths. Take your walking boots and a wet-weather coat.
- Ferry: The ferry runs hourly from Tayinloan Port on the Kintyre peninsula. The crossing takes roughly 20 minutes. Foot passengers, cars and cyclists are welcome!
- Ferry Tickets: You cannot reserve a specific sailing on this route. However, we advise purchasing your tickets in advance via the CalMac website.
- Parking: The ferry terminal has only 20 parking spaces, so ensure that you find parking on arrival before your ferry departs.
- Driving on Gigha: If you are planning to drive on Gigha, please be considerate of farm entries, single-track roads and parking restrictions.
- Toilets: You can find public toilets next to the ferry slip and near the Walled Gardens in Achamore Gardens (entry by donation).
- Stay: Limited accommodation is available. We recommend booking in advance.
Explore Gigha
Discover places to stay, eat & drink and things to do on the isle of Gigha.
Achamore Garden
In the early 20th century Achamore Gardens was mostly woodland, planted to provide cover for rabbits, pheasants, and other game animals for shooting. Gardene...
Achamore Gardens
Isle of Gigha
PA41 7AD
Tel: 01583 505390
Isle of Gigha Pontoons
The Isle of Gigha has been welcoming yachts for many years, both as a safe anchorage when sailing the West Coast, transiting the Mull of Kintyre, or cruising...
Isle Of Gigha Moorings And Pontoons
Isle of Gigha
PA41 7AA
Tel: 01583 505390
Walking & Cycling on Gigha
Leave the car on the mainland, slow down and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Gigha on foot or by e-bike. The Gateway to Gigha is an interlinking path network, with online and physical interpretation along 22km of path networks and provides access to key sites of historic interest and stunning viewpoints.
Make sure at the start of your visit to stop in the Activity Centre, which is located just next to the ferry slip when you arrive. Here you can grab a useful route map and other local leaflets from the Visitor Hut and look at the recent wildlife on the sightings board. Here, you can also hire equipment such as e-bikes, bikes and stand-up paddleboards.
Visit the Eilean Garbh Beaches
The Eilean Garbh beaches ('Twin Beaches') sit on either side of a tombolo, a thin strip of land which connects the main island to the tiny outcrop of Eilean Garbh. Located towards the North end of the island, these beaches are one of the most photographed spots on Gigha. They can be easily reached from the road, by foot or bike, following a short downhill pathway that is clearly signposted. These stunning white-sand beaches are the perfect place for a paddle or dip into the clear, turquoise waters. Bring your snorkelling gear to look beneath the waves!
Visit Achamore Gardens
These luscious gardens are located to the South of the island, are roughly 50 acres and well-known for their abundance and variety of plants, including the beautiful Azaleas, Fuchsias and Rhododendrons. You can also view a wide selection of exotic plants and trees, which flourish in Gigha’s microclimate. There is free car parking available on site to visitors. They ask for a small donation for entry to the gardens and dogs on leads are welcome.
Gigha’s Dark Skies
Due to its low levels of light pollution, Gigha is a fantastic spot to go stargazing. You may be lucky to see the Northern Lights! At the top North end of the island, you'll find Gigha’s Dark Sky Theatre – A perfect spot which has the best opportunities to stargaze, especially on a dark, clear night. It is well worth picking up a 'Discover Gigha Dark Skies' leaflet at the Visitors Hut near the ferry slipway to make the most of Gigha’s beautiful dark skies.
Delve into Gigha's History
The Isle of Gigha is home to remarkable historic sites, from the legendary Bodach and Cailleach stones (see image) and the Bronze Age Carragh an Tairbeirt (“Giant’s Tooth”) stone to the 13th-century Kilchattan Chapel with its nearby Ogham Stone, one of the oldest surviving Gaelic texts in Scotland. You can also explore ancient burial cairns at the island’s north, the cliff-top fort of Dùn Chibhich, and the atmospheric Fisherman’s Cave, once a refuge for local seafarers. All are easily accessible by foot or bike along marked trails and quiet roads, with parking, bike hire, and visitor maps available near the ferry terminal.
Gigha's Wildlife
Gigha is a haven for wildlife, on land and in the water. You may be lucky to spot Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoises, Bottlenose dolphins, Otters and Seals all within the waters that surround Gigha. Whilst exploring, keep your eyes peeled for some of the islands' feral Goats around the more remote hills! There are also great number of seabirds to spot on Gigha, including Guillemots and Great Northern Divers. Larger birds of prey, such as Peregrines, Hen Harriers, Sparrowhawks and Golden Eagles, can often be spotted circling above, particularly over farmland areas.
Places to Eat on Gigha
The Isle of Gigha is full of flavour, with local food and drink at the heart of island life. The Boathouse is a must-visit restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and beachside views. The family-run Wee Isle Café serves artisan ice cream made from their own dairy herd alongside lunches and fresh milk. Summer visitors can enjoy The Nook Seafood Takeaway for crab rolls, langoustines, and fish and chips, while Kintyre Fire Pizza brings stone-baked pizzas to the island on select nights.
Shopping, Arts & Crafts on Gigha
For a taste of Gigha to take home, Ardminish Stores stocks groceries, wines, spirits, and local produce, while the micro-bakery Sunshine Bread offers delicious loaves and bakes. Gigha Natural Skincare makes eco-friendly cosmetic products, and Gigha Brewery occasionally opens its Taproom for tastings of its craft beers.
How to get to Gigha
Planning Your VisitBy Ferry
The Isle of Gigha is reached by a short ferry crossing operated by CalMac Ferries between Tayinloan (Kintyre Peninsula) and Ardminish (Gigha). The crossing takes around 20 minutes, with hourly sailings throughout the day. Passengers with cars, dogs, and bikes are welcome!
Arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure, especially when travelling with your car, as space on the ferry is limited. It is not required to book a specific sailing time slot for this ferry. However, we recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance via the CalMac website.
By Car
The ferry port of Tayinloan can be reached from Glasgow in around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The most direct route is via the A82 along Loch Lomond, continuing onto the A83 through Inveraray and Lochgilphead, before turning off at Clachan to reach Tayinloan. This scenic journey is part of the adventure, with plenty of spots to stop along the way.
By Public Bus
For those travelling without a car, buses run from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Campbeltown, stopping at Tayinloan en route. The journey takes around 4 hours 30 minutes, and the bus stop is just a short walk from the ferry slipway, making it straightforward to continue your trip across to Gigha.
CAMPBELTOWN & KINTYRE
Once proclaimed ‘the whisky capital of the world,’ Campbeltown situated on the beautiful peninsula of Kintyre is one of Argyll's largest towns.
KNAPDALE
Knapdale is a place sculpted by the great forces of nature and it’s here that beavers have been reintroduced into Scotland.
TARBERT
Tarbert on Loch Fyne is an attractive village which for many visitors acts as the gateway to the beautiful peninsula of Kintyre
The Gigha Guidebook
Written by local Gigha resident and author Keith Wilson, this full-colour guidebook will lead you to over forty interesting places to explore on the island and also provide you with heritage information, tales, photographs, directions and detailed maps. So, why not leave the car behind and use this guidebook to start exploring and enjoying the beautiful little Hebridean gem that is the Isle of Gigha.
Available to purchase in Ardminish Stores or below.
Enjoy some of our blogs on the Isle of Gigha
How to enjoy Gigha by foot, paddle or pedal power!
The Island of Gigha is an enchanting small island and is easily explored by bike, by foot or from the sea by kayak. Visit Gigha on Scotland's Adventure Coast.
Visit | Kintyre | Isle of Gigha | Scotland
If you love Kintyre then you’ll love Gigha. The island of Gigha offers fabulous walking and cycling, as well as great beaches and a good dose of history.
Gigha: where great food meets glorious scenery
Gigha is the most southerly and one of the most beautiful of the Hebridean Islands where great food meets glorious scenery. Here are a few tips for your visit!
