Have you heard of the Island of Iona in Scotland? Probably not, as this tiny island is certainly a hidden gem off the beaten track. But guess what? This tranquil island has a fascinating history that draws visitors here every year.
And you know what else? The mystical island has stunning white beaches, clear turquoise waters and a plethora of delightful wildlife!
Are you tempted? We have written this ultimate guide to the Island of Iona especially for first-time visitors just like yourself.
THE ISLAND OF IONA GUIDE FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT
- THE ISLAND OF IONA GUIDE FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT
- WHERE IS THE ISLAND OF IONA
- MAP OF IONA
- ISLE OF IONA FACTS
- HOW TO GET TO IONA
- GETTING AROUND IONA
- IONA WEATHER
- IONA HISTORY
- PLACES TO EAT ON IONA
- SHOPPING ON THE ISLAND OF IONA
- PLACES OF INTEREST ON IONA
- ACTIVITIES ON IONA
- ACCOMMODATION CHOICES ON IONA
- ISLAND OF IONA ULTIMATE GUIDE CONCLUSION
WHERE IS THE ISLAND OF IONA
Iona (pronounced eye own a), is part of the Inner Hebrides and is located off the Ross of Mull on Scotland’s western coast.
MAP OF IONA
ISLE OF IONA FACTS
- How big is the Island of Iona? The Island is roughly 3 miles long by 1.5 miles wide.
- What is Iona’s population? The estimated permanent population on Iona is around 170 residents.
- How many visitors go to Iona? There are an estimated 130,000 visitors to Iona each year.
- Can you stay on Iona? Yes but book early as options are limited.
- What is Iona famous for? Iona Abbey and the birthplace of Christianity to Scotland
- Can you take a day trip to Iona? Yes, but you will miss so many experiences and sights.
HOW TO GET TO IONA
VEHICLES ON IONA
Visitors are not permitted to take a vehicle onto the island due to an order dating back to 1978 which preserves Iona’s beauty.
Blue badge holders with restricted mobility, can try to apply for a permit, however these are only issued under certain conditions.
On an island this size, there isn’t the infrastructure to deal with increasing numbers of vehicles. In fact part of the charm of Iona, is the unique peaceful atmosphere, and ability to wander around freely on foot along the narrow roads.
FERRY TO IONA
Visitors arrive by ferry to Iona from Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull, which in turn is accessed from mainland Scotland.
Getting To Mull : The most direct ferry route is from Oban to Craignure, which takes 46 minutes. Two further routes are available, which are:
- Lochaline to Fishnish
- Kilchoan to Tobermory
While you can simply turn up, buy a ticket and board for the next available crossing on these routes, vehicle reservations are recommended for the Oban-Craignure route.
By Car To Oban :
- Glasgow-Oban approx. 2.5 hours
- Edinburgh-Oban approx. 3 hours
- Aberdeen-Oban approx. 4 hours
- Inverness-Oban approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
Driving Across Mull :
Follow the mainly single single track road from Craignure to Fionnphort (pronounced fin-a-fort). This is a stunning drive in itself, with plenty of superb mountain and loch scenery to stop and admire.
On entering Fionnphort, there is a large FREE public car park signposted on the left hand side. Nearer to the ferry pier is a row of pay and display car parking spaces, where to pay per hour.
Top Tip – If you don’t want to carry luggage, unload your bags and a passenger at the pier area. Then the driver can go and park in the free car park and walk back down. It’s only a couple of minutes stroll.
Ferry From Fionnphort To Iona :
CalMac operate the small ferry, which crosses the Sound of Iona in around 10 minutes. In summer, ferries run approx. every 30 minutes, and frequently until 4pm. This is a turn up and go service. Always check for current ferry times.
Useful Links:
- Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)
- Free Tourist Map of Mull & Iona – download online (PDF) before you go
GETTING AROUND IONA
Iona is easily explored on foot due to its small size. From the pier landing jetty, it is an easy 10 minute stroll to Iona Abbey, the main focus of many visitors.
For overnight guests, most accommodations provide free pick-up if notified in advance, which is especially handy if you have luggage.
For visitors needing assistance, the island has one taxi run by Joyce and Lindsay, who will transport you anywhere you require. They can take you on a tour of the island and even offer transfers from Craignure ferry terminal.
Another fun way to get around Iona is by bike which can be rented from Iona Craft Shop. Prices start from £20 for up to 12 hours hire, and are a great way to reach the beaches.
IONA WEATHER
The best time to visit Iona is from April to November. However, climatic conditions are influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. While prevailing winds either warm or cool air from the Atlantic, it also brings plenty of rain.
Fingers crossed your visit will coincide with blue sunny skies. However, there is something quite ethereal about the mist and rain here!
IONA HISTORY
To understand why Iona is a place of pilgrimage you have to explore the island’s history. Though inhabited for many years, it’s place in history was set in stone by the arrival of an Irish monk.
Exiled from Ireland, Colum Cille, together with 12 brethren, set sail to bring Christianity to Scotland. Arriving at St Columba Bay in 563AD, he established a community and set up the island’s first monastery.
It is here that the famous Book of Kells was transcribed. After facing a series of Viking raids starting in the 9th-century, the book was taken to Ireland for safekeeping.
PLACES TO EAT ON IONA
The only two hotels on the island, St Columba Hotel and Argyll Hotel, both have restaurants serving food throughout the day. Reservations are recommended and each restaurant has its own charm and style.
Changing menus reflect the high quality local ingredients and seasonal fish catches, but taste and freshness are guaranteed. We ate breakfast and dinner at St Columba Hotel and were extremely impressed!
SHOPPING ON THE ISLAND OF IONA
For groceries and general food items, the Spar is just up the hill from the pier. If you are looking for artisan foods then definitely check out St Columba Larder. Located directly across from St Columba Hotel, you can purchase top quality foods which make very yummy picnic items. Choose from preserves, ales, gins, whiskies, vegetables, cheeses, biscuits, oatcakes, meats etc.
Plus, you can grab takeaway refreshments such as divine hot chocolate made with real Belgian chocolate!
Looking for souvenirs and the like? Iona has a great selection of artisan goods which make perfect gifts. Whether you are looking for pottery, paintings, stationary, Scottish knitwear, jewellery, coasters, tea towels, Scottish gin or whisky, you won’t be disappointed.
Some local shops include:
- Spar – main village store selling groceries, alcohol, books, toiletries and more.
- Iona Post Office – cards, stamps etc
- Iona Craft Shop – full of beautiful goods including Scottish woolens.
- Iona Pottery – stunning paintings and prints.
- Iona Pebbles Arts And Crafts – Isle of Iona Lambs Wool in beautiful colours, jewellery and gifts.
- Oran Creative Crafts – a craftworkers co-operative.
- Iona Community Shop – excellent books, literature and gifts located in a shop in Iona Abbey.
PLACES OF INTEREST ON IONA
With a beauty all its own, Iona has something to offer every visitor. Tear yourself away from the timeless distant 360 degree views and discover some of the most popular things to do on Iona.
- Restored Iona Abbey
- St Oran’s Chapel
- Reilig Odhram – believed to be the burial place of 48 Scottish kings
- Augustinian Nunnery – founded at the same time as the Benedictine Abbey
ACTIVITIES ON IONA
For its size, there are a surprising number of things to do on Iona. Whether you are looking for peace and solitude, invigorating walks or history and culture, there’s something for everyone.
IONA’S BEACHES
If you are a beach lover, prepare to be wowed by the number and variety of Iona’s beaches. Hidden coves, rocky outcrops and endless coastline results in some stunning stretches of white sandy beaches. Each one is unique, offers dramatic views and solitude. Here are some of the best, but check out our post to see which Iona beach could be your favourite!
- North End Beach (White Beach)
- Bay at the Back of the Ocean
- St Ronan’s Bay
- Port Ban
GOLF
For golf enthusiasts there is an informal 18 hole course to the west of the island, offering uniqueness, westerly winds and fabulous coastal views.
The natural course is basically machair or common grazing ground and you will be accompanied by cows and sheep together with their droppings! Don’t worry they are very efficient at keeping the machair manicured.
Pick up a course map from the village Post Office and play a round for free. If you need to borrow clubs, ask at the Argyll Hotel where donations towards Iona Defibrillators are welcome.
IONA WALKS AND HIKES
The beauty of Iona is that it is small enough to be explored on foot. While signage isn’t great, it is easy to grab a trail guide from most accommodation providers. Or you could check out our post detailing walks that cover the north and south of the island.
So lace up your walking shoes and walk up the highest hill, tramp across machair to blissful white beaches or follow the path of pilgrims to Iona Abbey.
If you prefer a guided walk by a local, contact David Alloway of Iona Trails. Prices start from £25 per person for half day walks (min charge £50). With stories about the island, landscape and flora, it can make for an interactive experience.
BOAT TRIPS
Why not explore Iona’s stunning coastline on a cruise? Alternative Boat Hire offer trips around narrow inlets, sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. There are several boat trip operators leaving from Iona Pier.
If the island of Staffa is on your bucket-list, Staffa Trips will whisk you there on a 3-hour tour. Depending on the time of year, there is an opportunity to see nesting puffins! During the trip, you will also see the famous Fingal’s Cave with its basalt columns.
Some operators follow regular timetables, while others will tailor a trip to suit your individual needs. As Iona weather is changeable at best, all trips are weather dependent.
SPOTTING WILDLIFE AND NATURE
With crystal clear waters and a rich marine ecosystem, marine life is abundant on this rugged windswept island. The landscape, wilderness and sheer beauty of Iona has been inspiration for many painters and poets.
Wildlife spotting opportunities can be had right at the pier jetty or around the whole island, so bring your binoculars.
This is an unspoiled habitat were bird life is prolific and many different species of wild flowers provide a riot of colour.
Some things to look out for are listed below:
- Birds – Corncrake, puffins, oystercatcher, skylark, tern, gannet, goldfinch, great northern diver and peregrine falcon.
- Flowers – Iona has 4 orchids. The heath spotted orchid, northern marsh orchid, purple orchid and rare frog orchid.
- Wildlife – Bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, basking sharks, seals, otters and porpoises. Minke Whales can be seen from late June, between Iona and Staffa. Sightings of Orca and Pilot Whales may be seen as they migrate past.
The beauty of seeing marine life is that it is indeed a privilege and on their terms.
ACCOMMODATION CHOICES ON IONA
It is essential to book accommodation well ahead of your trip, especially during spring and summer. Most providers close for the winter apart from Iona Hostel and there are few visitors to the island.
Aside from St Columba Hotel and Argyll Hotel, other lodging options include camping, some B&B’s, Iona Pods and self-catering cottages.
Check out some of the best accommodation options in this post.
ISLAND OF IONA ULTIMATE GUIDE CONCLUSION
We hope you found this Iona Guide helpful. Iona may be rugged, tiny and windswept, but it is well worth spending a couple of nights or more here.
It’s a great place to visit if you want to slow down, unwind and relax. For detailed blog posts on Iona, check out all our articles for inspiration and start planning your trip.
Read More About Iona
- 10 Unmissable Things To Do On Iona, Scotland
- 6 Stunning Iona Beaches In Scotland Accessible On Foot
- Superb Iona Walks : Exploring Scotland’s Island Gem
- Best Iona Accommodation For A Relaxing Scottish Island Experience
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit the Island of Iona. If you have any questions about planning your trip, or have your own tips to share please leave these in the comments below.
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