Immerse yourself in the magic of the Scottish landscape with our selection of the 16 most beautiful islands to visit in Scotland. From the Outer Hebrides to Shetland, Orkney and the Isles of Clyde, each island offers a unique experience, blending history, wilderness and local culture. Whether you're a keen walker, history buff or simply looking for some peace and quiet, these islands will amaze you with their rich culture and history, dating back to the clan wars, as well as their pristine natural beauty. Prepare to discover spectacular cliffs, white sandy beaches, medieval castles and who knows... maybe even a few wandering ghosts!
Good to know: If you'd like to opt for a personalized travel itinerary to visit Scotland's most beautiful islands, we recommend you request your free quote right here. A tailor-made, responsible trip, direct with the best local agencies, awaits you!
1. The Isle of Skye and its breathtaking scenery
In the Hebrides archipelago, the Isle of Skye stands out for its breathtaking landscapes, shaped by craggy relief. At the heart of the island lies the Cuillin mountain range, with its many peaks topping 900 meters, offering an ideal playground for hiking enthusiasts. To the north of Skye, the Trotternish Peninsula offers iconic views, such as that of the Old Man of Storr, an impressive rock standing like a menhir. As you travel around the island, you'll discover numerous lochs, fairy pools carved out by erosion, the remains of castles and perhaps even a few ghosts of the MacLeod family.
To book : Go here to book your 3-day guided tour of the Isle of Skye and the Highlands from Edinburgh.
Read more: What to do in Scotland 17 must-sees
2. The Isle of Arran, one of Scotland's most beautiful islands to visit
Often nicknamed "Little Scotland", the Isle of Arran boasts a diversity of landscapes and cultures : mountains, lakes, rivers, verdant forests, rocky coastlines, as well as numerous historical and cultural sites. Arran is a true gem among the islands of the Firth of Clyde. Situated on the geological fault line of the Highlands, its northern part is marked by an impressive mineral chaos, with relief peaking at 874 meters at Goat Fell. To the south, the landscape is dominated by vast wooded hills and endless valleys. With its castle, medieval ruins and Neolithic remains, Arran promises a holiday rich in discovery.
3. The Orkney Islands: a rich heritage
To visit the Orkney archipelago is to plunge into an immeasurable heritage and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Few places in the world can boast such a rich and dense heritage. Prehistoric sites abound, and some are even listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This land, wonderfully shaped by nature, was forged by Picts and Vikings, who erected priceless standing stones, cairns, forts, brochs and villages. Under Norwegian rule until the 15th century, the Nordic influence remains omnipresent, whether in place names, customs, festivals or the pride of the islanders.
Good to know: Coming here requires a detour and time, but you won't regret it. And if you're still not convinced, Orkney has two excellent distilleries, a superb brewery and some delightful traditional pubs.
To book: We recommend this guided tour, which will take you to some of the most fabulous places on Orkney's main island. You'll see spectacular cliffs, coastal landscapes, ancient Neolithic sites...
4. The Shetland archipelago and its Viking heritage
Even further north, the Shetland archipelago captivates with its isolation and unique character. A Viking colony until the 15th century, the Shetland Islands still retain a Scandinavian soul. Every winter, this connection is celebrated at the up Helly Aa festival or "Fire Festival", a celebration that takes place throughout Shetland and pays tribute to the archipelago's Viking heritage. It includes several parades and tours during the day, culminating in the evening with a torchlight procession and the burning of a Viking galley. It's a magnificent spectacle and a fine celebration of Shetland history. Wherever you are in the Shetlands, if you're lucky enough to be present at the Up Helly Aa festival, don't miss this event!
To book: we recommend this 6-day tour exploring Shetland and Nothernmost from Edinburgh.
Read more: Scotland, nature at its best
5. The Isle of Lewis, a rich historical heritage
Lewis is the largest region in the Outer Hebrides, covering 1,770 km². It's also the most densely populated, with three quarters of the total population and the main town, Stornoway. Its historical heritage is considerable, illustrated by the Callanish standing stones and Iron Age remains. The south of Lewis is gently rolling, rich in water and peat, with a rugged, jagged but beautiful coastline of beautiful cliffs, small coves and deserted islets. The north, on the other hand, is flatter and quieter, offering breathtaking scenery along its immense beaches and at the Butt of Lewis. Although Lewis and Harris are often thought of as two separate islands, they are actually one and the same.
To book : we recommend this 6-day guided tour from Edinburgh which takes in some of Scotland's finest scenery, including the wilds of Lewis and Harris, and the wonders of Skye.
6. The Isle of Harris: breathtaking natural beauty
Like Lewis, Harris is not really an independent island, as it is connected to its neighbor by land. Although it has fewer historical vestiges than Lewis, nature is even more breathtaking. To the north are the highest peaks in the Outer Hebrides, culminating at An Clisham, 799 meters above sea level. To the south, and particularly to the west, some of the region's most beautiful beaches stretch their white sands into turquoise waters, notably around Scarista. The A859 runs along this part of the coastline, offering a superb loop as it continues along the Golden Road to the east, between Leverburgh and Tarbert, the two main villages, as charming as they are picturesque.
7. Islay, queen of the Hebrides and one of the most beautiful islands to visit in Scotland
Welcome to Islay, one of the most beautiful islands to visit in Scotland and nicknamed the Queen of the Hebrides. Its charm lies in its terroir and gentle way of life. Small, white-walled villages like Port Charlotte, Port Ellen and Bowmore evoke the tranquility of the Breton islands. The name Islay is also synonymous with pleasure for whisky lovers. Most tourists come here for their love of the "water of life". Hiking enthusiasts, meanwhile, will head for the central hills or Finlaggan, where they can explore the ruins of the former home of the Lords of the Isles, who owned a vast territory in the west of the country and were among Britain's greatest lords.
To book: Go here to book your guided tour of the Caol Ila whisky distillery on Islay including a guided tasting of three whiskies and a cocktail.
Read more: Top 10 most beautiful castles in Europe
8. Jura Island, tranquility and beauty
Jura is the ideal island for those seeking tranquillity and unspoilt natural beauty. You won't be the first to make this choice: George Orwell stayed here several timesbetween 1946 and 1950 to write his masterpiece "1984" and find rest here at the end of his life. To the south, the Paps of Jura, three mountains culminating at 785 metres, attract keen hikers with their distinctive silhouettes. To the north, the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the third largest maelstrom in the world, can be seen after a long walk from the road, tides permitting. All around, cliffs and small coves offer hidden treasures to discover.
9. The Isle of Mull, one of Scotland's most beautiful islands to visit
With its plunging cliffs, crashing waves and thick forests, Mull epitomizes the magic of the Scottish islands. After the ferry crossing, you'll discover small, white-walled farmhouses scattered across the moor, and gray mountains rising to the sky. Tobermory, Mull's main village, is an excellent base from which to explore the whole island. Its charming little multicolored harbor exudes charm, and the accommodation on offer is of a high standard. There are also some good pubs and restaurants, as well as the very famous Tobermory Distillery.
What to book : Discover the natural wonders of the Isle of Mull and Iona by booking this guided tour.
10. Iona, a small, magical and mysterious island
A small, magical and mysterious island, Iona is one of the most beautiful islands to visit in Scotland, but also a sacred place at the end of the world. Saint Columba settled here in 563 to found his mission. Iona was once home to one of the most important libraries in Christendom, which was plundered by the Vikings and then by the reformers in the 16th century. Literary, religious and artistic works, such as Virgil's manuscripts, were destroyed, lost or hidden. Some believe that Iona's treasures lie in the well of an island where penitent monks used to go. The island is ideal for walks and hikes, through sites steeped in legend and history. It is accessible from the Isle of Mull.
Read more: Top 10 most beautiful road trip destinations
11. Barra, dream beaches and crystal-clear waters
The small island of Barra lies at the southernmost tip of the Outer Hebrides. Like its neighbors, it boasts dreamy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Castlebay, the main village, is home to a small medieval castle, Kisimul Castle, which is the only true medieval castle still visible in the Outer Hebrides. Vatersay, the tiny neighboring island, is accessible by road. Barra has a number of cafés offering good food and drink. Barra Airport is one of the 10 most spectacular airports in the world, with a unique feature: the runway is right on the beach, right in the sand.
12. The stunning Isle of Eigg, one of Scotland's most beautiful islands to visit
This is one of the most beautiful islands to visit in Scotland. Eigg is remarkable for its captivating history, rich flora and fauna, and community management. Since 1997, this 8 x 5 km territory has been owned by the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, which manages community life, including renewable energy electricity and heritage maintenance. Eigg has a number of craft stores and a tearoom, as well as various accommodation options for tourists, ranging from camping to B&Bs and rentals. Visitors come to Eigg for its scenic beauty and tranquil surroundings. Exploration by kayak, bike or on foot is the best way to discover all the facets of this island.
13. The peaceful island of North Uist
Peaceful and serene,North Uist boasts a gentle, sandy coastline to the west, where many birds nest in the Balranald RSPB reserve around Hougharry. To the east, the coast is rougher and more indented, especially near Loch Euphoirt. Don't miss the Pobull Fhinn Stone Circle, a collection of standing stones accessible at the end of the Langais road, signposted on the A867. To the north, make a detour to the small island of Berneray, accessible by road. Its bay is a favorite haunt of seals, who bask in the watchful eye of the white thatched cottages, while to the west, its beach is one of the most magnificent in the Hebrides.
Good to know: North Uist is accessed via Lochmaddy, once a herring fishing port.
14. South Uist and its wide variety of landscapes
South Uist is the second largest island in the Outer Hebrides. It boasts a great diversity of landscapes: to the west, immense, almost uninterrupted beaches bordered by small hamlets and flower-filled meadows; to the east, a rocky, winding landscape dotted with vast lochs and high hills. The B890 runs along the Loch Druidibeg nature reserve, where wild ponies can be seen all the way to Loch Sgioport. The area around Loch Eynort and south of Lochboisdale, the main village of South Uist, are also charming. At the southern tip, the island of Eriskay, accessible by road, is another gem. It was here, in fact, that Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in Scotland in 1745, marking the beginning of the Jacobite uprising!
15. The Isle of Bute, for lovers of white-sand beaches
A medium-sized island compared with its neighbors, Bute covers 122 km². Like Arran, the island straddles the geological fault separating the Highlands from the Lowlands. This is reflected in its higher relief to the north, although this does not exceed 278 meters (Windy Hill). Rothesay, the main town, is a Victorian seaside resort built around its medieval castle, a former stronghold of the Stuart dynasty. Interesting sites include the ruins of chapels such as St. Mary's Chapel and St. Blane's Church. The bays of Ettrick, Kilchattan and Scalpsie will delight lovers of white sandy beaches.
Enjoy this article? Immerse yourself even further in Scotland's unique and mysterious atmosphere by discovering our articles "What to do, what to visit in the Highlands? The 15 most beautiful places" and "What to do and see in Inverness? The 11 must-sees".
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