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Isle of Jura © Ben Shakespeare

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Isle of Jura © Ben Shakespeare

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Jura Distillery, @BenShakespeare

The Paps of Jura, © Ben Shakespeare

Isle of Jura

Scotland's Adventure Coast

The mountainous, wild and sparsely populated island of Jura has a rugged and remote appeal. Located off Scotland's west coast, Jura is the eighth-largest Scottish island, and yet only around 200 people live there. The deer population, by contrast, numbers between 6,000 and 7,000. So, it comes as no surprise that the name Jura, or Diúra in Gaelic, is believed to originate from the Norse “Island of the Deer”. Jura had a famous resident from 1946 to 1949, the renowned novelist and poet George Orwell. It was here that he came to seek peace to complete his most famous book, 1984.

So, whether you're here to hike, spot eagles, sip local spirits, or switch off for a while, Jura invites you to slow down and discover its untamed beauty.

Where to start? The Isle of Jura website is the most trusted and authoritative travel guide to help you plan every aspect of your trip. Find where to stay from a wide range of high-quality accommodations and discover things to do on this beautiful island.

Planning your trip? Check out "Is Jura Worth Visiting?" - an honest guide covering who Jura is for, what to expect, and whether to visit as a day trip from Islay.

"Looking for more things to do beyond distilleries? Explore outdoor activities on Jura"

Jura in Gaelic 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

With thanks to partners CHARTS

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Top reasons to visit

Soaring eagles, wildlife on the water and land and its very own distillery - here are the top reasons to visit the Hebridean island of Jura.

Gin, Rum and Whisky Distilleries

Historic Sites

Bird Spotting

Watersports

The Paps of Jura

Deer Island

Download Our Jura Destination Guide

Outstanding wildlife, beautiful scenery and world-famous distilleries.

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Isle of Jura © Ben Shakespeare

Isle of Jura © Ben Shakespeare

Lussa Gin

Isle of Jura © Ben Shakespeare

Jura Boat Tours

Things to Do on Jura

From exploring the island’s distinctive peaks to joining guided walking tours and sampling world-famous whisky, Jura is a haven for all kinds of adventure seekers.

Go for a Wander

The Mighty Paps of Jura

The Paps of Jura dominate the island's skyline. Comprised of three steep-sided conical quartzite mountains rising to 785 metres (2,575 feet), they provide the perfect hill walking adventure for those seeking a challenging hike with the most breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Secluded Beaches & Waterfalls

For gentler walks, Jura’s coastline is dotted with secluded beaches perfect for a peaceful stroll or picnic, such as Corran Sands, Lagg Bay, and Glenbatrick Bay. The Falls of Jura are another fantastic walk, taking you through lush woodlands to hidden waterfalls.

Discover local Wildlife

The 'Deer Island' is home to more than just a large population of deer! The unique landscapes of Jura support a wide array of wildlife, from seals basking in the sun along Jura’s shores to sea eagles and peregrine falcons roaming the skies. Join a guided wildlife tour to learn more about this unique habitat and Jura's fascinating heritage.

See the Corryvreckan whirlpool

A visit to Jura wouldn't be complete without a trip to the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool, one of the largest and most powerful natural whirlpools in the world. On the journey, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, porpoises, seals, and even minke whales.

Visit Jura's Distilleries

A visit to Jura wouldn’t be complete without sampling its locally made spirits. Visit the famous Jura Distillery in Craighouse to taste their island-crafted whisky. For something different, pop into Lussa Gin, a small, women-led distillery using botanicals hand-picked from the surrounding hills. Or try Deer Island Rum, Jura’s first rum producer, making waves with its sustainably sourced ingredients and distinctive island character.

Delve into Jura's History

Explore ancient stone circles at Balnahard, echoing tales from Jura’s prehistoric past. Wander through the ruins of Jura House or the atmospheric ruins of the abandoned village of Tarbert. Then drop into the Jura Museum, a treasure trove of photographs, artefacts, and stories documenting the island’s people and traditions.

Shopping, Art & Festivals

Jura has a thriving local art & music scene. Pop by the weekly local craft fair in the village hall during summer (Fridays, 12-4 pm) to discover a variety of locally produced artworks, textiles and produce – you might find the perfect souvenir!

Alternatively, go for a wander along the streets of Craighouse to discover a few local galleries and shops. The old photo exhibition at Jura Church, just outside Craighouse, is another fantastic spot to catch a glimpse into the island’s rich history and unique character.

Jura Music Festival

The annual Jura Music Festival is a fantastic time to visit the island, where the local community comes together for ceilidhs, various bands & singers, and workshops. In 2025, the festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary!

Switch Off & Stay a While

Jura is more than a day trip – it’s a place to linger, disconnect from the world, and truly unwind. Whether you prefer the comfort of a cosy self-catering cottage, the charm of a family-run B&B, or a wild wellness retreat, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.

Jura invites you to switch off, stay a while, and experience life at a gentler pace. Who knows, you might discover more than you expected.

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Explore Jura

Discover places to stay, eat & drink and things to do on the isle of Jura.

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An introduction to Jura

What to expect from Jura?

Discover what makes each of Jura's areas unique, helping you plan your trip.

Craighouse

The Jura Hotel began life in the 18th century as a change house, or alehouse, welcoming travellers to the island. Beside it stands the Jura Distillery, first licensed in 1810. The present distillery buildings date from the 1960s, marking the revival of whisky-making on Jura.

Today, Craighouse remains the island’s hub, home to the hotel, distillery, a café, the village hall, and a handful of shops and craft outlets — a welcoming stop for both visitors and residents alike

Corran Sands

A sweeping arc of white sand, Corran Sands is one of Jura’s most striking beaches. The sheltered waters of the bay provide a safe refuge and feeding ground for seals, otters, and a wide variety of birdlife.

Look out for oystercatchers, curlews, terns, divers, eider ducks, and shags, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot an Arctic skua passing through.

The North End

From the quarry car park at the end of the road, it’s just over 7 miles (11 km) to the Corryvreckan viewpoint. Allow around 6 hours for the return walk, and keep your eyes open for wildlife along the way — hen harriers, short-eared owls, buzzards, red deer, and perhaps even one of Jura’s golden or white-tailed eagles.

Further north lies Barnhill (Knockintavill), the remote house where George Orwell lived while finishing his novel 1984. Please remember this is a private home — please admire it from a respectful distance.

The West Coast

Escape to Jura’s wild west coast — a land of crashing seas, raised beaches, sea caves, and vast peat bogs. With no roads or settlements, it stands as one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, defined by raw beauty and true solitude. Here, three remote bothies — Glengarisdale, Cruib, and Ruantallain — offer simple shelter and the chance for an unforgettable adventure.

Explore the Isle of Jura

Be inspired to visit

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How to get to the Isle of Jura

By Ferry

Our recommended way to travel to Jura is via the Jura Passenger Ferry. Operated from April to September, the ferry connects Tayvallich (on the mainland) to Craighouse on Jura in under an hour. Foot passengers only, but bikes and dogs welcome.

For bookings, information, public transport, port information, and timetables, visit www.jurapassengerferry.com

By Car

If bringing a car, and during winter, take the Islay ferry from Kennacraig (mainland) to either Port Ellen or Port Askaig. From Islay, you will then cross the Sound of Islay on the “wee ferry” from Port Askaig to Feolin, in the south-west corner of Jura. Tickets can be purchased onboard or in advance from the website.

We highly recommend booking your Islay ferry tickets in advance. For timetables and bookings, visit www.calmac.co.uk

By Public Transport

The Jura Passenger Ferry links up with the local 425 Lochgilphead to Tayvallich bus service. So, you can get from Glasgow to Jura using only public transport in less than four hours.

By Plane

You can fly to Islay from Glasgow and proceed with the “wee ferry” from Port Askaig across to Jura.

Discover more about Jura in our blogs

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A Guide to Hiking the Paps of Jura | Argyll & the Isles

Jura is perhaps the wildest Isle of the Inner Hebrides. Here's all you need to know about hiking the Paps of Jura, an unforgettable hillwalking experience.

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Whisky, Gin & Rum: The Top Distilleries on Jura

The Hebridean Isle of Jura is known for its rugged landscape. Bute there's plenty whisky and craft gin to discover tool! Here are our top distilleries on Jura.