Islay Island Travel
Islay Island Overview
Islay is part of the Hebrides Islands and is known as the Queen of the Hebrides. Influenced by the Gulf Stream, Islay keeps the climate mild compared to mainland Scotland. Snow is rarely seen and frosts are light and short-lived making the island paradise for gardeners. The best time to visit the island is during from Easter to September.
Islay Island Main Attractions
The famous attraction of Islay is the diverse and rich wildlife. The island even has its own bird sanctuary. Islay is like a rest stop for a lot of migrating birds. There are also dolphins at a certain time of year. Seals are also very common sights. The diverse wildlife alone is enough to attract visitors.
It is also advised to take a tour around the many distilleries of Islay as their whiskeys have gained a great reputation all over the world. All of the distilleries offer guided tours, some are always open while some can only be toured by appointment.
Islay Island Activities
Islay caters to anyone’s dream of wanting to get away from it all. The island can easily be paradise for bird watchers, nature lovers, golfers, walkers, sailors and pretty much everyone in between. Beach and water activities will be nothing short of great due to Islay’s beautifully unspoiled beaches. Even just looking at the establishments and villages would be interesting due to the island’s unique architecture.
Islay Island Accommodation & Dining
Islay has offers numerous accommodations. There are B&B accommodations mainly owned and run by native islanders. There are also self-catering accommodations, hotels, apartments and cottages found in every stretch of the island. The locals running these businesses are very good people. They will tend to your needs. Finding an excellent restaurant in Islay is easy. Every restaurant in the isle is wonderfully rustic with some great menu choices including good soups and home baking. The unique thing about the restaurants is that you can find out that some of them are serving Indian food and other international cuisines.
Islay Island Shopping & Nightlife
Islay is a wonderful escape to find nightlife full of friendly atmosphere and lively bars. You are guaranteed great pubs, pleasant bar staff and great entertainment. Islay is also a great venue to indulge in shopping. The shops are extremely friendly and most are independent. There are a couple of COOP's around but they are essential as they are where a lot of people get their food.
Getting To & Around Islay Island
You can reach the island traveling either by air or water. Islay has two ferry ports, Port Ellen and Port Askaig. It leaves from Kennacraig, near Tarbert on the Mull of Kintyre. British Airways also runs two return flights per day between Glasgow international airport and Islay airport.
