Isle of Iona
Scotland's Island CoastDreamy Iona sits less than a mile off the south-western-most tip of Mull.
Known as the “cradle of Christianity”, Iona is a place of pilgrimage for many. Visit the ruins of the medieval abbey, established by St Columba when he arrived here from Ireland in his coracle in 563.
Iona has an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity enhanced by shell-sand beaches fringed by intense blue-green seas and an unspoiled natural environment where rare wildlife thrives.
The medieval nunnery is utterly absorbing. You can easily explore the rest of the island on foot, including the stunning sandy bays at its northern tip. As you explore, you'll discover Iona's wonderful flora and fauna. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the views.
Good to know!
Plan ahead to make the most of your visit.- Style: A casual walker's dream, a fairly flat small island, with very few hills and good paths. Take your walking boots and a wet-weather coat.
- Ferries: Take a ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull via Oban/Craignure, Lochaline/Fishnish or Kilchoan/Tobermory.
Take a ferry from Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull to Iona. The ferry ride is 4 minutes long. You should check the timetables before arriving at the ferry port. - Parking: Leave the car on Mull; no cars are permitted on Iona.
- Driving on Iona: Iona is car-free.
- Toilets: Public toilets are available 24 hours a day, include accessible facilities, and are located near the ferry terminal at Baile Mòr. There are no toilets at Iona Abbey, but the nearest toilets are at the Iona Community Shop.
- Eat & Drink: There are a few restaurants and cafes on Iona. They get busy in the Summer, so pre-booking is advisable.
- Stay: A range of self-catering and B&B accommodation is available; it is recommended that you book in advance, particularly in the summer. Alternately, it is a day trip from Mull.
A tiny island with a lot to offer
Day trip or stay a while longer with a ferry from Mull
How to get to Iona
By Ferry
Note Iona is only accessible by ferry as a foot passenger
- Oban to Craignure (Mull) by Ferry; Begin at Oban Ferry Terminal. Board the Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. The crossing takes about 45–50 minutes. Booking in advance is recommended, especially if bringing a car.
- Craignure to Fionnphort: Disembark at Craignure. Follow signs for the A849 and drive southwest across Mull to the village of Fionnphort. The drive is approximately 35 miles and takes just over an hour. The road is mostly single-track with passing places, so take your time and enjoy the scenery
- Fionnphort to Iona as Foot Passenger; Park your car in Fionnphort (cars are not allowed on Iona unless you have a special permit). There are both paid and free car parks near the ferry slip.
- Walk to the ferry terminal and board the short passenger ferry to Iona. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. No booking required for foot passengers.
from Oban by Public Transport
- From Oban ferry terminal: board the CalMac ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull (about 45–50 minutes crossing).
- Craignure to Fionnphort by Bus: On arrival at Craignure, take the West Coast Motors bus (service 96/496) directly to Fionnphort. The journey takes about 75–90 minutes.
- Fionnphort to Iona by Foot Ferry: From the bus stop, walk a short distance to the ferry slip.
- Board the passenger-only ferry to Iona (10 minutes).
Book ferry tickets in advance via the CalMac website, especially in summer. Bus tickets can be purchased on board or via West Coast Motors.
Alternatively, take a tour with one of our tour operators.
Discover more inspiration on our blog
Three Isles Tour: Visit Mull, Iona and Staffa
The islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa are just a ferry trip away from Oban. Why not go on an island-hopping adventure on Scotland's Adventure Coast!
Iona’s special place in Christian history
Iona is one of the oldest religious centres in Europe. The Hebridean island has played a key role in the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland and beyond.
ISLE OF MULL
Mull has it all: towering peaks, ancient castles, sparkling sands and rich cultural life. It also has Tobermory, easily the most attractive fishing port on the west coast of Scotland.
STAFFA
Staffa is an entirely volcanic island with dramatic basalt columns and caves. Regular boat trips bring visitors to experience the outstanding Fingal’s Cave and spot some puffins!
TRESHNISH ISLES
Lunga is the largest of this evocative string of islands, easily accessible by regular boat trips, allowing you to experience its rare marine bird life up close during the nesting season, along with other fascinating flora and fauna.
ULVA
This community-owned island is an idyllic escape from modern life where the Boathouse offers delicious home cooking. Ulva is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful walker's paradise with impressive archaeological and geological features.
