Known as the “Queen of the Hebrides,” the Isle of Islay was named among “The Best Places to Go in the UK in 2026” by Condé Nast Traveler. Celebrated as “Hebridean escape for whisky connoisseurs,” it’s widely regarded as the best for tasting smoky, peaty whisky in Scotland. But it also boasts postcard-perfect beaches, abundant wildlife, and intriguing ancient sites.
The southernmost island in the Inner Hebrides, Islay has so much to offer that it’s more than worthy as a vacation destination in its own right, rather than a place to be squeezed into a busy itinerary.
The Whisky
Islay is particularly renowned for its whisky distilleries, with 12 on this small island. Bowmore was its very first, opened way back in 1779, but it’s also home to famous brands like Ardbeg. One of my personal favorites, its whiskies have smoky, spicy flavors, often with a touch of sweetness. Laggan Bay Distillery is its newest, while Portintruan is set to be yet another exciting addition in 2026. If you’re an enthusiast of the drink, be sure to bring an empty duffel bag so you can pick up a bottle or two to take back home.
Not only can visitors enjoy touring and tasting, but also a whisky-focused stay. Local Rachel MacNeill, who established the highly regarded Islay Whisky Academy, just so happens to be a long-time friend of this writer. It offers a variety of educational whisky experiences, like the Residential Diploma, which includes accommodation, lectures, workshops, tastings, dinners, and distillery tours.
The Wildlife
Wildlife lovers are sure to be impressed by Islay too. The abundance of animals here includes red deer, seals, dolphins, basking sharks, and otters, along with over 200 bird species, most notably golden eagles, peregrines, and puffins. Wildlife boat tours are a great way to get a close-up look at the island’s marine creatures. There are also guided safari excursions on land for spotting the deer and other land-based animals.
The Beaches
The island is home to many spectacular white sandy beaches, often tucked into secluded coves while lapped by brilliant turquoise water. Singing Sands may be small, but it’s not to be missed. Located behind the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse, when you walk across the beach with shoes on, it sounds as if it’s singing. Strand Beach, or Laggan Bay, is ideal for long strolls as one of Scotland’s longest, stretching for over five miles.
Ancient Sites
Like many islands in Scotland, there are also ancient sites to discover on Islay. The highlight is the 8th-century Kildalton Cross & Church, which includes one of the finest Celtic high crosses in Western Europe. The ruins of the dramatic 12th-century Dunyvaig Castle can be found near Lagavulin distillery, while the Finlaggan Lord of the Isles center features ruins on islands in a loch. Learn more about the island’s history at the Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte.
