• Saligo Bay

    Sailgo Bay is one of the many impressive Islay beaches to explore.

  • Portnahaven

    Portnahaven lies on the very southern tip of Islay. If you’re lucky you might meet the seals, sunbathing in the bay.

  • Port Charlotte

    Situated in the more sheltered loch Indal area, Port Charlotte’s central beach, is great for younger families.

  • Loch Gruinart

    Cockles and Mussels can be hunted at low tide.

  • Wildlife

    Get up close with the local natives

  • Birdlife

    Islay boasts some of the best bird watching in the UK

  • Fresh Seafood

    Fresh fish and seafood is landed daily and served in local restaurants.

  • Islay Whisky

    With eight working distilleries on Islay, there’s plenty of options to try.

The Isle of Islay

The Isle of Islay is rightly known as the Queen of the Hebrides. It is an island which has retained its Gaelic Culture and remains unspoilt. Its range of history can be seen from the remaining standing stones, Celtic crosses and ancient chapels throughout the island. Many artifacts from the past are displayed in the Museum of Islay life situated in Port Charlotte.

Explore the island’s ever changing beauty, from the wild west coast cliffs and long sandy beaches, to wooded lochs and sheltered bays. Islay is a paradise for naturalists and birdwatchers. Over 250 Species of birds have been recorded including the Golden Eagle,  Chough and, in winter, the largest flock of Barnacle in Britain.

Saligo Bay, Islay
Portnahaven, Islay

You can enjoy the simple pleasures of beach combing, walking fishing, or the more active pastimes of wind surfing, diving, cycling or golf on Islay’s 18 hole Machrie golf course. Don’t forget to visit one of the distilleries and taste the famous Islay malt whisky.