Less than a mile off the south-western coast of Mull lies the beautiful island of Iona, one of the smallest on the Caledonian MacBrayne network. Famed as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, Iona is a must visit for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.
Iona is a small island that can be explored entirely by foot or bike, so visitors are not usually allowed to take cars over. If you choose to drive through Mull, there is a free car park at Fionnphort for you to leave your car.
When driving in Mull, be aware that the road is mostly single track; there are passing places to pull in and let local traffic overtake you. Locals are a lot more familiar with the winding roads of Mull, so we recommend that you always let them pass to keep the traffic flowing.
Once you step off the ferry to Iona, you will instantly feel the uniquely calm and otherworldly atmosphere of the island – it’s like nowhere else on earth. If you’re keen to take in the stunning landscapes of Iona as soon as you reach the island, take the short walk from the port to the Iona Craft Shop to hire a bike for a few hours. From there, you can cycle the length of the island, from the tranquil shores of the White Strand of the Monk in the north, to the more rugged Bay at the Back of the Ocean in the south, next to the Iona Golf Course.
If you enjoy hillwalking, don’t miss Dun I, Iona’s highest peak. The views from the summit are breathtaking; on a clear day, you can see everything from Ben More in Mull, to the paps of Jura, and even across to Ireland.
Iona is one of the oldest Christian centres of worship in Western Europe, dating back to St. Columba’s arrival in 563 AD. With such religious significance, a visit to the Iona Abbey cannot be missed. Just a ten-minute walk from the port, make sure you take the route through the ruins of the Iona Nunnery. Years ago, this was the home of an Augustinian convent of nuns, however the ruins that remain are both fascinating and beautiful.
As you near Iona Abbey, you will pass St Oran’s Chapel and Reilig Odhráin, the cemetery which is the resting place of many ancient Scottish kings. Once at the abbey, spend time taking in the breathtaking architecture while you listen to the audio guide from Historic Environment Scotland. It’s included in your admission price!
For such a small island, Iona has many wonderful places to eat. If you’re looking for some lunch, The Rookery Cafe does lovely sandwiches, soups, and homebaking. If it’s dry, take the opportunity to sit outside in their gorgeous garden; located in a hidden glen of shady trees, it has its own special magical feel to it. Alternatively, Ailidh’s Pizza is a brilliant spot for Neapolitan style pizza to take away – perfect for a scenic dinner at the beach!
Or if you’re looking to sit in, both Argyll Hotel and St. Columba Hotel do fantastic food all using the wonderful local ingredients from Scotland’s west coast. You can’t go wrong!
Catch the ferry from Oban to Craignure, then the bus to Fionnphort, from where you take a short ferry over to the Isle of Iona as a foot passenger. All in all, the journey takes around two hours and forty-five minutes. For more information visit our timetable page.
If you are looking for a truly unforgettable experience #StartYourStory and discover the Isle of Iona for yourself!
Listen to our Raasay and Iona episode of Scottish Island Adventures to discover more about this Hebridean gem.
You could get around Iona in a day and just be constantly blown away by how beautiful the place is.
Ailidh Lennon
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