Bay at the back of the ocean on the Isle of Iona.
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Scottish islands & island hopping

Experience the best of Scotland's islands. From legendary islands to lesser-known gems and even the most northerly places in the British isles, island hopping in Scotland is an experience to treasure.

Where will a Scottish island holiday take you?

Check out this list of lovely Scottish island destinations.

Isle of Arran

Arran is an island on the west coast of Scotland. It's family-friendly and has great scenery, beaches and lots of things to do.

Isle of Islay

The island of Islay sits off the west coast of Scotland. It's known for it's many whisky distilleries.

Isle of Mull

This large Inner Hebridean island is full of many incredible possibilities, whether you are going for a day trip or staying a fortnight.

Orkney

Dramatic sea cliffs, mysterious standing stones and flourishing birdlife. Your Orkney story awaits.

Outer Hebrides

The Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique Hebridean way of life.

Shetland

Head 60 degrees north for a short break or longer holidays in Shetland and find your perfect Scottish escape.

Isle of Jura

Follow in the footsteps of George Orwell and find whisky, magnificent mountains and splendid tranquillity on this island off Scotland's west coast.

Lewis & Harris

Discover Lewis and Harris, with holiday ideas, accommodation, travel information, maps and things to see and do.

Isle of Skye

Skye is a truly magical place. The largest of the Inner Hebrides, it's home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes.

Uist

Get away from it all on Uist, a group of six idyllic islands home to quiet beaches, incredible wildlife, and rich island culture.

See all of Scotland's islands

Island itineraries

These itineraries will help you plan an island hopping break in Scotland.

4Days

Bus

Skye and Fort William by public transport

Follow a 4-day itinerary and see the Isle of Skye, Fort William, Oban and more using public transport.

7Days

Car

An island hopping holiday on the west coast

Discover what it means to island hop across the western islands of Scotland.

6Days

Cycling

Hebridean Way Cycling Route

Follow this 185-mile cycle route, which crosses 10 islands in the blissful Outer Hebrides.

Trip inspiration

Kiloran Bay, Colonsay — Kiloran Bay on Colonsay

Scottish Island Adventures podcast

Join hosts Coinneach MacLeod and Nati Galloway as they explore the magical islands off the west coast of Scotland. Get the latest scoop from island businesses and communities where they’ll uncover tales of unique island stories, historical landmarks, wildlife, local food and drink and outdoor activities, plus special guests back in the studio. Keep your eyes peeled on CalMac’s website for more upcoming island adventures including Tiree, Gigha, Colonsay and many more.

How can I go island hopping in Scotland?

Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry Departing Ardrossan
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Whether you fancy travelling between Scotland's islands by ferry or plane you'll find plenty of ways to tick your dream islands off your must-visit list on a Scottish islands holiday.

Island hopping by ferry

Regular ferry connections run from the mainland to the islands on the west and north coasts of Scotland, and also between the islands themselves.

Find out more about travelling by ferry

In the west of Scotland

Caledonian MacBrayne, often known as CalMac, is the largest operator of ferry services in the west of Scotland, serving the west coast Scottish island groups of:

The Outer Hebrides
The Inner Hebrides
The Firth of Clyde
The Small Isle

See the full list of destinations on CalMac's website

The Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

In addition to the CalMac routes, there are a few smaller ferry services to some destinations. These are usually run by council-appointed operators, and allow access to some of the best Scottish islands to visit.

If you're visiting our major cities, there are some operators which offer Scottish island tours from Glasgow, or island tours from Edinburgh with additional coach travel added in.

In the north of Scotland

If you're looking to visit the islands north of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland are connected to the mainland and each other by NorthLink Ferries. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council, while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations.

An aerial view of the coastline on West Mainland
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Scottish island hopping by plane

In some instances it's possible to go by plane. Some islands have a local airport where chartered flights are operated from mainland Scotland and beyond.

In addition, there are inter-island flights in:

Outer Hebrides - flights connect Benbecula with Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
Orkney - flights connect Kirkwall with North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray, and Eday, Stronsay, Sanday and Westray.
Shetland - from Shetland Mainland, flights go to Fair Isle and Foula.

Things to do on Scotland's islands

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Ideas for your island trip

Check out these great ideas for things to do on Scotland's islands.

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