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Islay 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
The 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
Lussa Gin is made by 3 women at the end of the single-track road on the Isle of Jura. They grow and gather 15 botanicals and use a unique distillation proces...
The Stables
Ardlussa
Isle of Jura
Argyll
PA60 7XW
Tel: 01496 820196
Beautiful, comfortable, and tranquil, the Bowmore Distillery Cottages offer a unique place to stay near the heart of Islay’s oldest distillery. These traditi...
The Harbour Inn
The Square
Bowmore
Islay
PA43 7JR
Tel: 01496810330
Just a 25 min flight from Glasgow or two hours by ferry from Kennacraig, The Machrie features 45 beautifully designed rooms, suites and lodges, some with the...
Low Road
Port Ellen
Isle of Islay
PA42 7AN
Tel: 01496 302310
Join us aboard VIC 32, the last steam-powered Clyde Puffer - at a steady six knots little can equal the peace of silent steam!
Whether you’re looking to esc...
Boat Address:
VIC 32
Crinan Basin
Crinan
Lochgilphead
Argyll
PA31 8SW
Tel: 07780936407
Our extensive bus network across the West Coast of Scotland covering Campbeltown, Ardrishaig, Oban, Mull, Bute, Dunoon and Glasgow allows you to explore our...
Head Office, Benmhor
Campbeltown
PA28 6DN
Tel: 01586 552319
Lussa Gin is made by 3 women at the far end of the Isle of Jura, using 15 botanicals they can grow or gather from the island using a unique distillation proc...
The Stables
Ardlussa
Isle of Jura
Argyll
PA60 7XW
Tel: 01496 820196
With a maximum group size of six people, each trip is uniquely personalized and flexible. We contact every guest before joining to discover your sailing expe...
9 Elm Road
New Malden
United Kingdom
KT3 3HB
Tel: 07570 702 256
Let me take you on a bespoke and personal tour of my native Scotland, which I love so much. We can discover Scotland’s rich history and visit distilleries an...
15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD
Tel: +44 (0) 7775691641
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.
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.
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.
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.
Immerse yourself in all things Islay & Jura by watching our dedicated YouTube playlist for food and drink, activities and so much more!
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.
