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These sister islands make a fantastic two in one trip. Islay has been shaped by the creation of whisky, while Jura is an altogether wilder proposition…
Nature & wildlife
Food & drink
Culture
Whisky
Separated by a small slither of ocean, the sister isles of Islay and Jura are forever connected by their proximity, but completely different in terms of atmosphere and infrastructure. Islay’s fortunes have been shaped by the whisky distilleries that scatter its landscape, pulling in visitors from far and wide to taste the famous elixir in its natural habitat.
As such, Islay is a well-developed island with many options in terms of accommodation, restaurants and a whole calendar of events. In direct contrast, Jura is more rugged – sparsely populated and full of raw, untouched wildlife. The islands exist in perfect balance, a natural yin and yang, perfect for the adventurous traveller that wants to experience it all.
Islay and Jura: not just beautiful islands, but names that resonate with whisky lovers worldwide. The twin islands have been luring pilgrims to their whisky-laden shores for decades. The islands boasts ten fully operational whisky distilleries between them, including some of the biggest names that even the casual enthusiast will recognise. What makes them so special? In part it is the smoky aroma and flavour imparted by the peat which is burned to dry the barley. Many distilleries run tours and tastings, making the islands the ultimate destination for the whisky lover.
Visitors who want to experience a hint of the wilderness will find every opportunity on Jura and Islay. Dominated by three peaks known as 'The paps of Jura', the landscape of Jura is rugged and dramatic. Though sparse in terms of human residents, the variety of wildlife includes a great number of red deer and protected bird species. Was this what inspired George Orwell to write his seminal novel, 1984, in a cottage on Jura? Both islands are steeped in history, but their landscape of rugged cliffs, unspoiled beaches and turquoise seas fires the imagination of any traveler ready to embrace adventure.
Islay and Jura play host to a whole range of fantastic festivals. Islay's biggest and most popular is certainly Fèis Ìle – the Islay Festival. Ten days of music, dances, events and a few (ok, a lot of) whisky tastings mark this special time in the island’s calendar. Meanwhile, The Jura Music Festival is a weekend filled with music and dance of every genre. Add in the Cantilena Festival (a festival of chamber music), Islay Jazz festival and, for athletes, the grueling but exhilarating Islay half marathon and Jura Fell Race all keep these islands abuzz throughout the year.
