If you ask visitors for a single word reason for their visit to Islay, there’s a very good chance their words will be whisky or wildlife. Islay is known for its nine whisky distilleries, and for being home to a real myriad of creatures, including more than a 100 different species of birds. The dramatic, peaty landscape plays its part with both, and is spectacular to boot, featuring ancient, shadowy lochs, stoney mountains, haunting abandoned ruins, and a coastline that alternates between soft, sandy sweeps and black rocks. Islay is also the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and it’s got an airport as well as a ferry port, so it’s one of the easiest Scottish islands to visit. When it comes to the best places to stay on Islay, we have discoverd a wide range for all tastes and budgets. There are a few B&Bs, a pub-with-rooms next to a sandy beach, a couple of grand country house conversions, and a spa and golfing hotel with views to die for!

If you're here for the dram, you’ll want to visit the distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg, as well as Islay’s less famous whisky houses. If you’re interested in seeing the wildlife, head to Loch Gruinart which is home to more than 20,000 geese. Off the coastline there’s a good chance of seeing minke whales, pilot whales, killer whales and dolphins. The island's history can be seen all over, from prehistoric ruins like Dun Nosebridge, to Norse standing stone burial markers, and a rather beautiful monument, remembering the American troops who died off the coast here during WWI, after two ships were wrecked. Islay is also great for golfers, cyclists and photographers.

As with many of the Scottish islands, the best places to stay in Islay are extremely busy during the peak summer months. If you're planning to visit in July or August, do your research and book well ahead.