18 Amazing Things To Do On The Isle of Iona
My trip to the Isle of Iona is one of the most memorable trips in Scotland. The Isle of Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides, off the Isle of Mull on the west coast of Scotland.
The island is only 3 miles from north to south and 1 ½ miles from east to west.
On the Isle of Iona, there are plenty of walking routes and you can spend a whole day on this island. The Isle of Iona is steeped in history as it is the cradle of Scottish Christianity. People have been visiting Iona for centuries.
This post lists a walking route which will take you from the ferry slip and then towards the north of the island. Then the route follows anticlockwise around the coast.
Enjoy the Ferry Ride to Iona
From Fionnphort on Mull, you can enjoy the ten-minute ferry to Iona. To get to Iona you can visit as part of Staffa day tours or you can make your own way by using the CalMac ferry service.
There are no cars permitted on the Inner Hebrides Island of Iona. Thus, you can leave your car or camper at the car park near Fionnphort Ferry slip.
Also, there are toilets, a beach and a pub. Additionally, if you are hungry, you can get a snack at the harbour café.
Iona Heritage Centre
Heritage is what Iona is all about. The island is steeped in history, spirituality and the reality of where St Columba set foot in Scotland.
Amazingly, the community recognised the importance of saving their history.
Inside the Iona Heritage Centre, there is a small room which has all the things Iona packed inside it. Also, there are plenty of interesting facts and displays.
There is a display with gemstones which are all very well done and presented.
The displays explain the fishing and crofting community. As well as churches, artists, craftworkers and memorable events.
Also, you can view old photographs and search the family trees for your ancestors, many of whom emigrated to the New World.
Additionally, there is a tourist shop with a good selection of Scottish books.
Moreover, you can enjoy tea or coffee and some light snacks at the Rookery Café. Also, you can spend some quiet time in the historic Telford Church.
Ronan’s Bay
Ronan’s Bay is the small bay which is just north of the pier at the main settlement in Iona. You can enjoy the views across the sound of Iona towards Mull.
Also, Mull’s highest peak, Ben More can be spotted. Additionally, St Ronan’s is close to shops and convenience stores.
It is a great place to sit and watch the boats come and go.
Aosdana Gallery
Aosdana Gallery sells artwork and Scottish designer traditional jewellery. The artwork was inspired by the landscape of Iona and the rich Celtic culture that is rooted within Iona.
The products range from earrings to necklaces and bracelets. This is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir.
St Oran’s Chapel
St Oran’s Chapel is free to enter, and it is a ten-minute walk from the port. The chapel stands in a beautiful position and is located next to a graveyard.
The captivating building is small with great historical significance. Interestingly, it is the oldest building on the island.
The chapel was built in the 12th century. There are ancient tombstones inside that are worth visiting. Also, the chapel has historic links to Scottish Kings and Macbeth.
Additionally, it is well worth looking at the gravestones in St Oran’s cemetery. The graveyard is named after one of St Columba’s followers.
There is quite a lot of history here as many kings are buried here. It is said that 51 kings are buried here, 48 of whom were Scottish.
Also, there are nice views of the chapel and the ocean. More recently, in the 1990s, the former labour leader, John Smith was buried in the graveyard.
Iona Abbey and Nunnery
The abbey was founded in AD563 when St Columba arrived on the island. The abbey is constructed with red, grey and white metamorphic gneiss rock only found on the Isle of Iona.
In the late 19th century, it was restored again. Iona Abbey is an excellent visit if you are a cathedral buff and an ancient Christian historian.
The abbey is well known in Scotland as it became an influence as a centre for the spread of Christianity. Hence why Iona is known as the symbolic centre of Scottish Christianity, and why the abbey is still to this day a centre for pilgrimage.
This is a very special place, and it is excellent value for money. The guides are so informative and there is plenty to see.
Also, the audio guides are well laid out and it is worth the time to listen to it. Additionally, the views across the Iona Sound, the Isle of Mull and the village of Baile are brilliant.
If you have time, you can soak in the unique spiritual environment and visit the nearby sandy beaches.
Iona Gallery and Pottery
The Iona Gallery features contemporary and early 20th-century paintings of Iona. Also, the gallery sells pottery which is handmade, and the inspiration comes from the landscape of Iona.
Dun I Hike
Dun I is the highest point on the Isle of Iona. The peak only stands at one hundred metres high.
On a clear sunny day, you will have views across the Atlantic Ocean. Also, if you are lucky you can see the Isle of Mull, Tiree, Staffa, Ulva and Islay.
For the first 1, 000 feet it is quite steep. Yet, once you get to the top you will get amazing views over the charming Iona. Overall, the hike to the top only takes fifteen to twenty minutes to get to the top.
White Beach
White Beach is also known as the White Sands of Monks. It is a northern beach on the Isle of Iona which looks over Eilean Annraidh (Storm Island).
Like all beaches on Iona the water is crystal clear, and the sands on the beach are extremely clean and soft. At night, in the winter you can watch the Aurora Borealis in this lovely place.
Traigh an t-Suidhe
Calva is a stunning bay where the sea is so colourful, clean and clear.
Make sure to take your time to walk onto this stunning sandy beach that has fabulous views. You can easily spend hours on this beach.
Port Ban Beach
Port Ban Beach is a definite must see on Iona, it is the definition of a small paradise. The water is multi-hued and the sand is pale, thus, the beach looks like somewhere you would see in the Bahamas.
The beach is about half an hour from the ferry and twenty minutes from the Iona Abbey. Port Ban Beach is one of the best beaches in the Inner Hebrides.
Machair (Iona Golf Course)
The Machair is an 18-hole golf course which is also known as the bay at the back of the ocean.
Also, the free golf course is one of the most unusual golf courses. There are wonderful grassland full of flowers and there are sheep and cows grazing there.
Machair is only half an hour from the ferry slip. Additionally, it is so peaceful and beautiful and is a perfect place to watch the sunset.
St Columba’s Bay
A visit to St Columba’s Bay is a trip back into the initial steps and journey of St Columba. Christianity and modern-day Scotland as we know it.
It is believed by historians that St Columba’s Bay is where St Columba and his monks landed in AD563. St Columbas Bay is one of the best beaches on the islands of Scotland.
To get to the beach you must follow a well-marked hiking path. Hiking boots are recommended as it is not an easy walk, stones are slippery, and you might need to climb over some mud.
Marble Quarry
Marble Quarry is an atmospheric and fairly hidden part of Iona, and it is a little more difficult to find.
The quarry is not far from Columba Bay, going east for no more than 700 metres. You will pass a signpost and old industrial machines that have been preserved.
Relics of the quarry can be found there. The very distinctive stone can be found in much of the jewellery sold on the island. Until 1918 it was the source of the whitest ecclesiastical marble apart from Carrara.
Hermit’s Cell
Hermit’s Cell is an ancient, now abandoned, ruin of a stone cell built by a devout hermit. It is well worth the trek over the hill to find.
There is a circle of stones where you can close your eyes and imagine what life used to be like. Also, the large rock formations are very Jurassic.
Traigh Mor
Traigh Mor is another sandy bay on the east coast of the island. Just south of the bay is the smaller Sand Eel Bay.
Martyr’s Bay
Martyrs Bay is a small bay which is located just south of the ferry slip. It is a perfect place to wait for your ferry.
Isle of Staffa
The Isle of Staffa is an amazing island. Staffa trips have boats that run from Fionnphort to the Isle of Staffa.
If you are lucky you may get to see whales swimming in the water and dolphins jumping in the sea.
Also, if you visit between the months of May and August you have a chance to see the puffins on the cliff at Staffa.
Fingal’s Cave
Fingal’s Cave is a massive basalt cave located on the Isle of Staffa. The rock structure is a stunning and enchanting geological wonder. Also, it is a wonderful photo opportunity.
The walk from where the boat from Staffa Tours drops you off is not very long. There is a rail to hold onto and a non-slip surface. Also, you can walk up above the cave onto the island.
Fingal’s Cave is the most dramatic cave in Scotland.
Iona Pods
The Iona Pods in unique accommodation which is near the ferry slip on the Isle of Iona. In Scotland, you may encounter some wild weather. Yet, these pods are isolated and will be cosy inside.
There is a bar and restaurant nearby, it is a great place to admire the sunset or to run down to the coasts.
Other Accommodation on Iona: Ardoran House, St Columba Hotel, Traditional Holiday Croft House
What activities can you do in Iona?
On the Isle of Iona, the main activity is hillwalking. There are no roads on the island so make sure you pack a good comfortable pair of shoes.
Also, you can cycle around the island. There are a few attractions on the island which show the Christianity history.
In addition, there are plenty of beaches with crisp clear waters. Also, you can go on a boat tour to Staffa, Mull or around the island.
Is Iona worth visiting?
The Isle of Iona is one of the smaller islands in the Inner Hebrides. Yet, the island is worth visiting for a day trip.
Iona has been a popular traveller’s destination for centuries.
Once you arrive in Iona, the north of the island is the most popular. For quieter destinations make sure to head to the southern and western part of the island.
How long do you need to see Iona?
The Isle of Iona is only 3 miles long by one and a half miles wide. Therefore, you only need a day to walk around the whole island.
What is Iona famous for?
Iona is famous as it is the place where St Columba’s first set foot in Scotland. In AD563, St Columba and his 12 monks arrived at St Columba’s Beach from Ireland.
Iona is described as the holy isle and is the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. The monastery they founded was one of the most important and influential in the British Isles.
Also, Iona is famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Scotland. Here, the sand is pristine.
Also, the waters are crystal clear. Since Iona is so remote, you may only find one person at the beach at a time.
Final Note
The Isle of Iona is a stunning small island on the west coast of Mull. It is one of the more difficult islands to reach, as you have to drive through Mull first, and ride on at least two ferries.
However, the tranquil, isolated atmosphere makes the journey worth it. I hope this guide has inspired you to add the Isle of Iona to your Scotland bucket list.
There are many other islands to discover in the Inner Hebrides. These are the Isle of Skye, Small Isles, Isle of Bute and Isle of Cumbrae. Also, Orkney and Shetland are located in the north of Scotland and are very popular to explore.