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.
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.
STUNNING IONA BEACHES, SCOTLAND
MAP OF IONA, SCOTLAND
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 ferry from Mull, turn left walking past the cafe and continuing 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 Get To Port Ban Beach
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.
HOW TO GET TO IONA
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides, a 10-minute ferry ride off the southwest coast of Mull on the western coast of Scotland. The ferry runs regularly from Fionnphort on Mull, crossing the Sound of Iona to reach the main settlement on Iona.
Check CalMac’s website for current details and prices.
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.
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