Top Things to do in Islay
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What to do and see in Islay, Scotland: The Best Nature & Parks
The Isle of Islay spans 240 square miles, with an impressive 130 miles of coastline. The island is famous for its malt whiskies, and there are eight distilleries on the island. To be sure, many people visit the Isle to tour distilleries and "appreciate" whisky, but the wildlife and scenery are also a big draw. Bird-watching is particularly popular through the year. Just don't try to squeeze it in after a distillery tour or two. Looking through binoculars has been known to make some people woozy, especially after whisky.
Restaurants in Islay
1. Machir Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By 294mariay - Chester, United Kingdom
Beautiful beach - we were lucky enough to have a calm and sunny day and spent hours wandering around the rock pools and along the sand. Easy to access and decent parking with a bin. No toilets. Not suitable for swimming with appropriate warning signs to remind you .. however there are rock pools and shallower sections where you can at least get your feet wet. Don’t leave Islay without seeing this.
2. Beinn Bheigeir
3. Three Distilleries Pathway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By 0Pete_23 - Dartford, United Kingdom
Port Ellen to the Ardbeg Distillery a distance of about 6 miles in total there and back. Great views as you walk along the tarmac pathway mostly safely separated from the main road. The added bonus three distilleries on the way, or six if you stop on the way back as well……….
4. Islay Outdoors
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Islay Outdoor offers bespoke guided tours on the Island of Islay. We offer wildlife walks, seashore foraging, fishing trips, beachcombing, bird watching and guided hill running. You can also have the opportunity of trying some wllderness camping. Your guide is a Green Badge with the Scottish Tourists Guide Association and can offer whole day activities.
Reviewed By eilsfinblah
After flagging our ‘hope to sees’, Donald crafted a tour for us, also taking into account our ages and mixed abilities. Convivial company and we spotted Otters (with a Heron and Raven having a squabble over some food) and sea eagles. We have been coming to Islay regularly over the years and with Donald discovered some new lovely walks.
5. RSPB Loch Gruinart Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Loch Gruinart is a working farm as well as a nature reserve.There's always plenty to see at Loch Gruinart. In autumn, thousands of white-fronted and barnacle geese arrive from Greenland. When they leave in spring, wading birds take centre-stage, with the courtship displays of snipe, lapwings, redshanks and curlews. Watch it all take place from our viewing centre and hides, or on one of our trails. During the summer months we offer guided walks, when we'll listen out for the corncrakes in the evening, or take a stroll through one of our trails searching out treecreepers, willow warblers, roe deer and speckled wood butterflies in the Woodland Trail, or on the higher Moorland Trail look out for hen harriers, golden eagles, red deer and marsh fritillary butterflies.
Reviewed By 294mariay - Chester, United Kingdom
Just a beautiful area to visit. Goes without saying if you have a passing interest in birds this is where they are all hanging out .. the hides were not open due to COVID restrictions but didn’t matter.. there is a very clear one way system in place. The place is crazy noisy with bird life which was exciting. Short and easy walk through some lovely woodland. Watch for midges.
6. Islay House Community Gardens
7. Singing Sands
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
