Isle of Tiree
Scotland's Island CoastKnown as the ‘sunshine isle’, Tiree is home to some of the best beaches in Scotland. If you seek tranquillity, freedom of space, and clean pure air, the Isle of Tiree has it all. Though only 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, the sky and sea stretch from horizon to horizon.
With no woodland and only three sizeable hills on an otherwise flat landscape, there is nothing to obscure the view. There is something of a fascination for all visitors, young and old.
The beautiful beaches provide miles of potential sandcastles, gently sloping paddling pools, and windsurfing for the more adventurous.
Gaelic in Scotland
The indigenous language of Argyll contains great richness of expression. Here we have shared a phrase from local Gaelic poetry about the Isle of Tiree.
’S toigh leam fhéin an t-eilean grianach (I myself love the sunny island)
Càit air ’n ear no ’n iar a th’ aig bàrr air? (Where in east or west is its better?)
With thanks to partners CHARTS
Visit the Isle of Tiree
The Hawaii of the NorthDespite being just 10 miles long and three wide, Tiree is packed with character and natural beauty.
Tiree’s beaches are legendary – miles of white sand and turquoise waters that rival the Caribbean on a sunny day. The great surfing conditions attract windsurfers, kitesurfers, and paddleboarders from around the world.
But don't worry if you rather stay on land! Tiree is also a haven for walkers and birdwatchers with a diverse wildlife and an abundance of scenic trails.
Tiree's main village, Scarinish, is the heart of island life, with shops, a hotel, and the harbour where colourful fishing boats bob against the pier. Visit An Iodhlann (the Tiree Heritage Centre) to learn more about the island's fascinating history or pop into the Skerryvore Lighthouse to learn more about how the heroic engineers and keepers built and maintained Scotland's tallest lighthouse.
Islands Breaks for Wellbeing Experiences
Good to know!
Plan ahead to make the most of your visit.- Style: A haven for watersport enthusiasts, beach strollers and wildlife watchers. Casual, tranquil yet packed with character.
- Ferry: The ferry runs daily from Oban, stopping over at the Isle of Coll on the way. The total journey time is approximately 4 hours.
- Ferry Tickets: We advise purchasing your tickets in advance via the CalMac website.
- Driving on Tiree: If you are planning to drive on Tiree, please be considerate of farm entries, single-track roads and parking restrictions.
- Motorhomes & Camping: Campers who are walking, cycling or kayaking are free to wild camp around the island. However, cars, vans, motorhomes or caravans are required to stay at an overnight pitch to protect Tiree's ecosystem. Advanced booking recommended.
- Bike & Surf Hire: You can hire various types of equipment from Tiree Fitness Bike Hire, Blackhouse Watersports & Bike Hire and Wild Diamond Watersports.
- Toilets: You can find public toilets next to the ferry slip in Scarinish.
- Stay: Limited accommodation is available. We recommend booking in advance.
Explore Tiree
Discover places to stay, eat & drink and things to do on the isle of Tiree.
Hebridean Air Services
Our 30-minute scenic flights take in castles and other points of interest around Oban and Lorn. Our sightseer tickets allow you to fly on the schedule withou...
Oban Airport
North Connel
PA37 1SW
Tel: 0845 805 7465
Water Sports on Tiree
Tiree is world-renowned for its watersports, thanks to consistent Atlantic swells, shallow sandy bays, and a reputation as one of the sunniest, windiest places in the UK. Surfers flock to Balevullin and Balephuil beaches, where rolling waves provide the ideal playground for all levels, from beginners to experienced riders. Windsurfers and kitesurfers are equally well catered for, with conditions that have earned Tiree the nickname “the Hawaii of the North.” The annual Tiree Wave Classic is the longest-running windsurfing competition in the world, attracting top athletes each October.
For those seeking gentler adventures, paddleboarding, kayaking, and wild swimming offer calmer ways to enjoy Tiree’s turquoise waters. Local instructors and hire shops make it easy for visitors to get out on the sea safely.
Go for a Wander
There are numerous great walks on Tiree, taking you to stunning beaches such as Balephui and Balevullin as well as The Ringing Stone and Happy Valley. Each walk takes you through a range of different habitats from coastal strand to machair and sliabh. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife whilst walking – and always be mindful of traffic and changing path conditions.
Head on a Boat Tour
A fantastic way to explore Tiree's coastline and rich marine wildlife is a boat tour. Local operators run tours to neighbouring isles, including Staffa, famous for Fingal’s Cave, and the Treshnish Isles, home to thousands of nesting seabirds. During the summer months, puffins are a star attraction, often spotted up close on boat landings. Closer to home, you may encounter seals lounging on skerries, pods of dolphins playing in the surf, or even minke whales passing through.
Visit the Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum
Ten miles off the coast of Tiree stands Skerryvore, Scotland’s tallest lighthouse. Visit the Skerryvore Museum at Hynish on the South of the island to learn more about its remarkable construction and working life of those maintaining one of Britain's most dangerous lighthouse. Featuring detailed exhibitions and a chance to see the original accommodation offered to the lighthouse keepers, this is a fascinating glimpse into one of the most eccentric of occupations.
Image Credit: Hynish Trust
Delve into Tiree's History
Tiree's Crofting Heritage
Tiree’s crofting heritage is central to its identity. The island’s fertile machair lands have long supported small-scale farming, with crofters working the land communally to grow crops and raise livestock. This traditional way of life has shaped Tiree’s distinctive patchwork landscape and continues to influence island culture today.
Thatched Houses
There are still some twelve traditional thatched buildings on Tiree, the highest concentration in Scotland. Their design and style of thatching is unique. With the distinctive ‘spotty’ two-storey stone houses, the beauty of the architecture of Tiree is one of the features which strike the visitor.
Hynish Heritage Site
A highlight for visitors is the Hynish heritage site, once the shore station for the Skerryvore Lighthouse, Britain’s tallest lighthouse. Built by Alan Stevenson in the 1840s, the site housed workers who braved the Atlantic seas to maintain the light. Today, restored buildings tell the story of Skerryvore through fascinating exhibitions, while the surrounding architecture, designed by Thomas Telford, stands as a monument to Victorian engineering. Join a guided walking tour to learn more about this unique heritage site.
Stay & Eat on Tiree
Though small, Tiree offers a welcoming range of places to eat and stay. In Scarinish, enjoy a cup of coffee at Hebridean Roast or pop by Scarinish Beach Hotel for a delicious meal. Tiree prides itself on community spirit, and many eateries champion local produce, from island beef and lamb to seafood caught in nearby waters.
The Isle of Tiree Distillery in Hynish is another great spot to visit, especially for all the gin-lovers out there! Afterwards, visit Alan Stephenson House for some lunch d in the heart of the world-famous Hynish heritage site in the Isle of Tiree.
Accommodations on Tiree
Accommodation options are just as varied, from self-catering cottages and campsites to cosy B&Bs and guesthouses. For those who prefer more comfort, small hotels and stylish lodges combine modern amenities with spectacular views of the sea. Early booking is recommended as availability is limited, especially in the summer months.
How to get to Tiree
Planning Your VisitBy Ferry
The Isle of Tiree is best reached via the CalMac ferry from Oban. During the summer months, there is one sailing every day out of Oban to Tiree. The total sailing time is approx. 4 hours.
The journey from Oban is pretty spectacular, gliding down the Sound of Mull past Tobermory and then Ardnamurchan Point (the most westerly tip of the UK’s mainland) before the short crossing in more open sea to Tiree.
We recommend booking your ferry tickets well in advance as availability is limited. Also, confirm your sailing times ahead of your departure days as these can change due to weather conditions. You can bring your car and bike with you on the ferry. However, spaces are limited. Find out more here.
By Plane
Coll and Tiree can be reached by plane via Hebridean Air Services. This short flight from Oban is a special way to reach the island, although it is not a daily service. Pre-booking is essential. Find out more from Hebridean Air Services here.
ISLE OF COLL
Coll enjoys some of the highest sunshine hours in the UK per annum, so be sure to take a walk on the secluded beaches, marvel at the fantastic wildlife and enjoy a dram or two.
OBAN, LORN & ISLES
The seaside town of Oban is a great place for a holiday with much to see and do in wider area and nearby Inner Hebridean islands.
INNER HEBRIDEAN ISLANDS
Argyll & the Isles is home to 23 inhabited islands, each combining stunning scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Tiree Windsurfer – William’s Story
William sees the world differently – having grown up on a remote Scottish island, that’s no surprise. He listened to the call of the sea and now, settled with a family, he owns and operates his own windsurfing school on the Isle of Tiree. Hear from William about allure of the sand and the surf against the backdrop of this Hebridean island and how tutoring others in this thrilling sport means so much to him. Scotland. A spirit of its own.
All you need to know about visiting Tiree
6 reasons history buffs can’t miss out on a trip to Tiree
Tiree is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. But it’s packed with history too.
5 reasons why you should go surfing on the Isle of Tiree
With pristine white beaches and near-guaranteed waves, Tiree is a Mecca for surfers. Here are the 5 reasons why you should go surfing on the Isle of Tiree.
Visit | Coll | Colonsay | Tiree | Itinerary | Argyll & the Isles
Read Ewan and Fiona's journal update about their island travels
Tiree on YouTube
Immerse yourself in all things Tiree by watching our dedicated YouTube playlist for food and drink, activities and so much more!
