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.

The Best Places to Stay on Islay

For Ocean Views

• The Port Charlotte Hotel is idyllically positioned, right on the sandy sweep of beach overlooking Loch Indaal. We think the best of the hotel’s ten rooms are those with water views, which is pretty much all of them! The decor is cosy and rustic, with exposed stone walls, tartan rugs and dark wood antiques. Downstairs are the bar and restaurant, which has a welcoming atmosphere and a menu highlighting the best of Islay’s produce.

For an Islay Escape

• Kilmeny Country House is an elegantly decorated B&B, converted from a Scottish country house set in acres of beautiful farmland, with just five rooms. Expect to be welcomed with a home made afternoon tea, and there’s a complimentary dram of whisky before bed. There’s no restaurant, but they do offer breakfast.

For Families

• Surrounded by peat fields and cattle pastures, the Machrie Hotel has made the most of its spectacular natural setting, with epic expanses of glass all over the hotel, including in the 47 rooms and suites. The decor is a pleasing blend of traditional Highland features against a minimal, Scandinavian canvas — all designed to make the most of the light and the views. The Machrie also boasts its own famous 18-hole golf course, as well as having a cinema, spa and gym. If you’re travelling as a family you might want to consider one of the hotel’s four private lodges. As well as plenty of space, the hotel offers babysitting, and there’s an excellent kids’ menu.

Best B&Bs

• Glenegedale House is a four room B&B with views that feature the sea, as well as the mountains. It is close to Islay Airport, but it still feels peaceful, and relatively remote. Each of the four rooms is individually decorated with tweed touches and hand-printed Timorous Beastie wall covering. The cosy lounge offers afternoon teas, and platters in the evening, though there’s no restaurant.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Islay Airport operates daily flights to and from Glasgow Airport, Oban Airport, and Colonsay Airport, but it’s most likely Glasgow Airport that you’ll fly via. The flight from there to Islay is 45 minutes. If you’re flying from London the flight time will be about an hour and 20 minutes. If you’re planning to travel by train or road, you can travel via Edinburgh or Glasgow, then on to the Kennacraig Ferry Terminal, from where there’s a two hour ferry crossing to Islay.
• The easiest way to get around Islay is by car, and if you want to hire one we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Scotland’s unpredictable weather is well known, and Islay is subject to all the usual recommendations about packing wet weather gear whatever the season. However the Gulf Stream acts as a climate regulator, keeping Islay milder and sunnier than mainland Scotland. However you can expect plenty of wind, though, with gales common, but snow and frost are relatively rare. April, May and June are the driest months, and January and October are the wettest. Spring and summer are the most popular times for visiting Islay, the days are long and light, with plenty of exploring hours and sunshine. If you do fancy visiting during the cooler seasons, you’ll be in-line to enjoy plenty of fireside whisky, great accommodation rates, and, potentially, dramatic weather. The Feds Ile Whisky Festival is held in May.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands or in Dumfries and Galloway
• Consider the best places to stay on Arran or Troon
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.