If you’ve been sitting wondering what the best Scottish islands to visit in 2026 would be, we have good news for you – we’re answering that question for you today.
There are so many islands here in Scotland, just waiting to be explored. We have included some of them here, but wherever you’re looking to visit, make sure to check our website to see if your preferred location features them. But before you do, take a read of this article and see if a specific island stands out to you.
Best Scottish island to visit without a car
Without a doubt, the best island to visit without a car has to be the Isle of Skye. Although the biggest island belonging to the Inner Hebrides, Skye is 50 miles long, and getting round the island is easier than you may think… even without a car.
The capital of Skye is Portree, where you’ll find everything in close proximity – no need to have a car to get about here. Spend a day browsing the wares on offer in the shops and make sure to stop off for some refreshments in the many cafes and restaurants along the way.
And if you’re a keen walker? There are a plethora of attractions on the Isle of Skye, including The Old Man of Storr (a basalt rock that rises to an impressive 55 metres) on the Trotternish Ridge.
One thing Skye is not short of is wildlife, so you would do well to keep an eye out on your travels. From red deer and pine martens on land to dolphins, Minke whales, otters and seals in the water – planning a boat trip when you visit Skye is most definitely a good shout!
And on the topic of wildlife, remember we mentioned there were lots of Scottish islands earlier on? One you may not have heard of before is the Isle of Canna, which is where you may be able to spot a puffin or two. With their distinctive colourful bills, we have high hopes!
Scottish Island Holidays
If you’ve already conquered Skye, or are looking for more Scottish islands to spend time on, why not consider Arran? This island has lots to see and do, from scenic spots by the coast to breathtaking landscapes and fabulous beaches. Of note is a UNESCO Global Geopark, which emphasises the rich history associated with Arran – ideal if you have a penchant for archaeology. We have a tour dedicated to this island, Arran, Scotland in Miniature, which pays homage to the combination of Highland and Lowland landscapes you’ll experience.
Isle of Islay
Before we go on to talk more about Islay, we need to get something very important out of the way – namely, how to pronounce this Scottish island! If you’ve read our blog 16 Strange Scottish Place Names, you’ll know some places/words are not spoken as they look, and Islay is one of them. The pronunciation is, in fact, ‘eye-lah’. Now that’s out of the way, Islay can be found in Western Scotland, the furthest south of the Hebrides and offers the traveller many places to explore.
Towns include Port Ellen, the second largest on the island, the village of Portnahaven (ideal if you’re looking to see some grey seals) and Bowmore, the ‘capital’ of Islay, which hosts the whisky distillery of the same name and is also the place to go if you’re looking to indulge in a spot of shopping. Talking about whisky distilleries, Islay has 10 on the island, which is rather impressive if you ask us!
Islay is rich in history, and a trip to the Museum of Islay Life is a great choice – you may even be able to see flint tools from the Mesolithic era!
Isle of Mull
When you think of the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, you would be forgiven for also thinking about the White-tailed Sea Eagles that call this island their home. Of course, there is so much wildlife to see on the island, including puffins, the iconic Highland Coo (Glengorm Castle is a ‘coo hotspot’), and even basking sharks.
This island is also home to the port of Tobermory, the ‘hub’ of the island and the location of the colourful harbour buildings, which also served as the setting for the children’s television show Balamory.
It’s also worth mentioning Aros Park, a woodland that will help you to get out and about in nature and really blow all those cobwebs away!
Isle of Iona
From one island in the Inner Hebrides to another, it’s now the turn of the Isle of Iona. As with Mull, this island is within easy reach of Oban, but don’t let the small size of Iona fool you. It may be under 4 miles in length and less than 2 miles in width, but this island has plenty to keep you busy.
Places of historical interest on Iona include Iona Abbey, which dates back to 563 thanks to St Columba, and St Columba’s Bay, which is perfect for walkers. Some beautiful beaches on Iona could rival any beach found further afield if you ask us! Then we turn our attention to Baile Mòr, which in Scottish Gaelic means ‘Big Town’ – it is indeed the largest village on Iona. However, in reality, it is also really the only village (!), so we’re not sure whether that’s a title it’s fairly earned or simply by default.
Both Mull and Iona are fabulous for wild swimming too – not for the fainthearted, but most definitely for those adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers amongst us! In addition, both islands also feature on our Mull Iona and Staffa Small Group Tour (more on our small group tours later), where you’ll get to explore the Islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa, the latter being an island that came into being millions of years ago following volcanic activity.
Escorted tours of the Outer Hebrides
We next move to the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands off the Scottish mainland on the northwest coast. Did you know that they are called the ‘Outer’ Hebrides as they are a greater distance from the mainland than the Inner Hebrides?
Islands that make up the Outer Hebrides include Lewis and Harris (often the most well-known of te islands too), along with North and South Uist and Barra. Please note this is not a complete list.
If you’re after an authentic Scottish experience where Gaelic is concerned, the Outer Hebrides are a good place to start. Many of the inhabitants speak this language in everyday conversation.
With lots to see and do, we’ve listed just some of them below (along with where you can find them). On Lewis, you’ll be able to visit the Calanais Standing Stones, a Neolithic stone circle that has stood for thousands of years. Then there is St Clement’s Church, built for Clan MacLeod on Harris; Kisimul Castle on Barra; Lews Castle on Lewis; and Dun Carloway Broch on Lewis.
There’s also lots of wildlife to look out for in the Outer Hebrides. Puffins, red deer and seals are just some of the inhabitants that call this part of Scotland their home. For Escorted Tours of the Outer Hebrides, Scottish Tours has everything you’ll need.
Tours of Orkney and Shetland
Jarlshof, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Sumburgh Head, the little Italian Chapel… if any of these are on your bucket list, then you need to get yourself to Orkney and Shetland!
Both Orkney and Shetland are groups of islands in their own right, and although they share undeniable similarities, such as a rich history, each offers something unique to visitors. Orkney offers a gorgeous green landscape with an impressive number of native plants, whereas Shetland provides a more traditional ‘seascape’ complete with rocky landscapes.
Orkney has many archaeological artefacts that help transport you back in time, including links to the Neolithic era. You may even be able to see the Northern Lights if you happen to visit Orkney at the right time. Shetland is a haven for nature lovers, with beaches, wildlife, and walks galore. Shetland also hosts the annual Up Helly Aa fire festival – so spectacular that we’ve devoted an entire blog to it, which you can read by clicking here.
If you’re thinking about visiting, we strongly recommend our Highlights of Orkney and Shetland tour, which combines the best of both island groups in a comprehensive 6-day itinerary.
Visit Scotland’s Islands with Scottish Tours.
Whittling down which Scottish islands to visit is no easy task. At Scottish Tours, we have one of the widest choices available.
Whether you want to explore the delights of Arran or venture to the Northern Isles, we have just the tour for you.
Browse available tours and book online today.
| TOUR TIP: Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides Six Day Tour from Edinburgh |