Iona is the hidden gem you need to visit in Scotland
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
From deserted beaches with spectacular white sand to romantic lochs and towering mountains, the rugged beauty of Scotland's Hebrides makes for an unforgettable getaway. It's no wonder they're a top UK holiday destination.
These islands prove that you don't need to travel far to have an amazing holiday as we have a wealth of scenic landscapes and intriguing traditions to explore right here in the UK.
One place that stands out is the Isle of Iona. This tiny island off the coast of the Inner Hebridean Isle of Mull is only three miles long and has a population of around 170 permanent residents, meaning you'll be certain to find peace and tranquillity here.
In fact, Iona was recently named the UK’s best hidden gem topping a list of 20 lesser-known beauty spots around the country, and as soon as you arrive you'll understand why.
Despite its small size, the Isle of Iona has a long and important history. It's most famous for its religious connections and is known as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland. It is said that the island was settled in 563 AD by an Irish missionary, St Colomba, who first brought Christianity to Scotland.
You can still see many important religious monuments on picturesque Iona today. The Benedictine Abbey has been restored several times and is still an important place of pilgrimage. You can also visit St Oran's Chapel, whose mysterious burial ground is said to be the resting place of around 50 Scottish kings.
Like most of the Hebridean islands, there are jaw-dropping natural landscapes to be found here. You'll find several wonderful beaches, where the water lapping the white sand is a dazzling turquoise.
EXPLORE IONA ON AN ISLAND HOPPING CRUISE
One of the most stunning stretches is the interestingly named Bay at the Back of the Ocean. Here, you'll enjoy wide panoramic views across the Atlantic Sea, bordered by wildflowers and multi-coloured pebbles. This is also the spot to watch glorious sunsets on the Isle of Iona.
The island is a great place to hop to by ferry for a day trip from nearby Mull. To get to Iona, you'll first need to sail to Mull on one of three different ferry routes from the mainland. A ferry departs for Iona from Mull's Fionnphort every half hour or so in summer, and the crossing only takes about 10 minutes. Or you can easily explore the island on Country Living's island hopping cruise around the Hebrides next spring.
Cars are not allowed on Iona, so you'll spend your time exploring the isle by foot, but this only adds to the utter tranquillity of the island. Once you've arrived, you can spend a few hours ambling along the white sandy beaches, shopping for gifts in local craft shops, or wandering around the many important religious monuments.
Watching the bobbing boats of St Ronan’s Bay, stocking up on whisky and walks to spot wildlife are other wonderful things to do on Iona.
You can visit the Isle of Iona on Country Living's 11-day island hopping cruise of the Hebrides, where you'll also visit the tiny Isle of Eigg, uninhabited Hirta and brightly coloured Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.
You Might Also Like
