Isle of Iona beaches are some of Scotland’s most stunning! Yes, this tiny island can look serenely tropical on a bright blue cloudless day. Surrounding waters are clear and tinged with the colour aquamarine, making the white sand a perfect companion.
As visitor vehicles are not allowed on the island, you will arrive as a foot passenger via ferry from Mull. Whether you are an aspiring photographer, walker or simply love the feel of sand between your toes, here are 6 stunning beaches ready to be explored.
WHY IONA BEACHES ARE WORTH VISITING
On a clear sunny day, the beaches on this tiny island are truly magical. If however, you are unlucky with the weather as we were on our last trip, the beaches become slightly ethereal and mystical.
Discover hidden bays, crystal-clear water, soft white sand and foreshores teeming with nesting birds. Spot breeding seals, marine life and climb sand dunes whilst enjoying the varying landscape.
IONA BEACHES MAP
All beaches are accessible on foot, adding to their sense of mystery whatever the season, or indeed weather.
1. WHITE STRAND OF THE MONKS & NORTH END BEACHES
With clear water and stunning vistas of Mull, Staffa and Ulva, Iona’s north and eastern beaches are truly idyllic. In fact these very views were what inspired four Scottish painters, collectively known as “Scottish Colourists”, to enliven the art scene in Scotland.
The North and North East shores of Iona enjoy a series of sandy beaches with dunes and and hidden coves. White Strand of the Monks has panoramic views to Mull, Staffa and Ulva. Raiding Vikings massacred resident monks here, although today the beach is a serene and peaceful spot.
With fast tides, swimming is not recommended. However, the soft white sand makes a perfect picnic spot. The mostly black and white stones along the shore contrast with Sea Pinks seen during April and May, growing in the larger rocks.
HOW TO GET TO WHITE BEACH
Walk north along the island’s road passing Iona Abbey on your right, and at the road end, continue through the gate. Head across the grazing land diagonally to the right to reach the north-east shore and White Strand Of The Monks beach.
HOW TO GET TO STRAND OF THE SEAT BEACH
From White Beach, walk west across the headland and descend through the sand dunes. Swim in the sheltered bays and explore the richly coloured rocks. Views to the west include Coll, Tiree and the Treshnish Isles, with the peaks of Skye and Rum beyond.
2. ST. RONAN’S BAY
One of the most accessible of Iona’s beaches, is St Ronan’s Bay. Situated close to the pier, to the front of the island’s main settlement, though modest in size, it makes a great spot for paddling and picnicking.
At low tide, explore the many clear pools and rocky outcrops while admiring the views across the Sound of Iona to the Island of Mull. Or just take a pew and watch the ferry come and go, local fishermen working and tours to Staffa leaving.
HOW TO GET TO ST RONAN’S BAY
Finding this beach couldn’t be easier. As you approach the island on the ferry, the beach can be seen on the right hand side. With shops and amenities close at hand, this makes the perfect spot if you are visiting on a day trip.
3. MARTYR’S BAY
Martyrs’ Bay is another fabulous beach within easy access to the pier, making it ideal for families. The bay was named after 68 monks, who were massacred at Iona Abbey in 806 by plundering Vikings.
Today the gently sloping sandy beach offers easy anchorage for local boats, sheltered swimming and a popular picnic spot. Take your binoculars and watch the foreshore for sea-birds and other marine life, which is rife year-round.
The shoreline offers stunning views across the Sound of Iona to Mull. And on a clear day, you might be lucky to glimpse Ben More, the highest peak on Mull. Though don’t be surprised to see it shrouded in mist or cloud!
HOW TO GET TO MARTYRS’ BAY
As you get off the Fionnphort to Iona ferry, turn left walking past the café and continue along the road. The long stretch of sandy beach is on your left hand side, and also known by the name Port Nam Mairtear.
4. ST COLUMBA’S BAY
St Columba’s Bay, the most southern of Iona’s beaches, is believed to be the spot where St Columba landed on the island in 563AD. Together with his fellow monks he built his monastery and brought Christianity to Iona. The fairly long walk here, does feel somewhat of a pilgrimage. However, it also makes for a rather special picnic spot with incredible views.
A large rocky outcrop divides the bay into two beaches, each having large piles of coloured pebbles. Head to the right hand beach and search for white and green Iona marble by the shoreline. If you are lucky you may find some highly treasured rare teardrop shaped pebbles. Small in size and translucent green, they make perfect jewels and are called “St Columba’s Tears”.
HOW TO GET TO ST COLUMBA’S BAY
From the ferry, turn left along following the shore road which eventually curves right up a hill. Pass through a gate and cross over the golf course. Before reaching the Bay at the back of the Ocean, walk south keeping the ocean on your right.
Follow a steep and rocky path leads uphill and you will pass a Loch on your right hand side as you walk south to reach St Columba’s Bay.
5. BAY AT THE BACK OF THE OCEAN
One of the best Iona beaches to watch the sunset, is west-facing Bay at the Back of the Ocean, or Camas Cuil an t-Saimh. With a wide arc of sand stretching out before you and wild flowering grassland (machair), this wonderful beach is a great place to while away a few hours.
Watch out for nesting birds along the shoreline, collect multi-coloured pebbles and admire the stunning views across the Western Atlantic Ocean.
HOW TO GET TO BAY AT THE BACK OF THE OCEAN
Follow the route to St Columba’s Bay and you will reach this beach first after crossing the golf course.
6. PORT BAN
Some locals swear that Port Ban is the prettiest Iona beach, plus it offers safe swimming as there are no strong tides.
Sheltered by cliffs on either side, this slightly sloping sandy beach is a blissful sun trap. Also known as “White Port”, the beach is covered in shells, particularly tiny delicate pink white cowrie shells.
With an enviable sheltered position, glorious clear water and warmed soft sand, you would be hard pushed to find a more amazing beach.
HOW TO REACH PORT BAN BEAC
Easily reached from the Bay at the Back of the Ocean. Continue north up the Machair before passing through a gate. You will pass a couple of small hidden coves, and Port Ban beach is a little further on, down a sandy track.
OTHER THINGS TO DO ON A DAY TRIP TO IONA
We have a separate article detailing the best things to do on the island. From exploring on foot, to learning about culture and history, and shopping for locally-made artisan gifts and produce.
A PERFECT DAY TRIP TO IONA, SCOTLAND
Here is a typical itinerary to follow if you are here for just the day. On arrival, head north out of the village.
- Hike up Dun I, Iona’s highest point.
- At Iona’s northernmost tip are White Beach and Strand of the Seat Beach.
- Take a tour of Iona Abbey (book ahead), or view from the outside.
- Buy gifts in the Community Shop.
- Have something to eat at Columba Larder or St Columba Hotel.
- View MacLean’s Cross and explore the ruins of Iona Nunnery.
HOW TO GET TO IONA
Due to a “Prohibition of Vehicles” Order, you are not permitted to take your vehicle onto the island.
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides, and can be reached via a 10-minute ferry ride from Fionnphort, off the southwest coast of Mull on the western coast of Scotland. The Fionnphort to Iona ferry crosses the Sound of Iona roughly every 30 minutes from 8.30am-6pm during the summer.
A same day return ticket is £4.10 per adult. Check CalMac’s website for current details and prices.
You can park your vehicle either along the street by the ferry (chargeable) or in a free carpark off the main street.
HOW TO GET TO FIONNPHORT
Follow the A849 to Fionnphort, just over an hour’s drive from Craignure, on the Isle of Mull. It is a narrow winding scenic route, so allow plenty of time for your journey.
ACCOMMODATION IN FIONNPHORT
There are several bed and breakfast properties along the tiny main street.
- Fidden Farm Campsite
ACCOMMODATION ON IONA
- There are 2 hotels on the island, namely St Columba Hotel and Argyll Hotel.
- There are a number of B&Bs including Ardoran House and Martyrs Bay Rooms.
- A great Iona self catering option is Iona Pods.
SUMMARY OF IONA BEACHES IN SCOTLAND
It is amazing that this tiny island has so many glorious white sand beaches dotted around its coastline. Offering stunning vistas, sublime clear water and tucked away positions, you really could be anywhere in the world.
MORE POSTS ON IONA
- Superb Iona Walks : Exploring Scotland’s Island Gem
- Unmissable Things to do on Iona
- Guide to the island of Iona, Scotland
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