The story goes that if you take a pebble from the Claggain Bay Beach and take it home with you, you'll come back to Islay. I dare to say that you easily leave the pebble on the beach as you'll be back anyway. So far I've never heard from anyone that they didn't consider coming back for a second visit. And many folk keep coming back to this magical island. Claggain … [Read more...] about Claggain Bay
Islay Beaches
There are some amazing beaches on Islay which can be found all over the island, not only on the west coast. We have listed so far 22 of the most stunning Islay Beaches with detailed tips and photos. You can start your discovery with our Islay Beaches Guide
Port Charlotte Beach
Am I biased when I say that Port Charlotte Beach is the prettiest beach of all? Of course I am! You probably won't agree with me as there are so many other stunning beaches on Islay. Port Charlotte Beach is one of the smallest beaches on Islay but the beach is very special to me. It has so much fantastic memories, We've walked there almost every day of the six years I lived in … [Read more...] about Port Charlotte Beach
Portnahaven Beach
The terraced houses of the small village of Portnahaven are built around a beautiful bay. At the top of the bay is Portnahaven Beach, you can't really miss it. Portnahaven Beach is often used by the locals and their kids to relax and play. It's also used as a launching site for the fireworks at Guy Fawkes night. Another beach nearby is The currie Sands, more to the west, at … [Read more...] about Portnahaven Beach
Bowmore Beach
Bowmore Beach can be found in between the Bowmore Pier and Bowmore Distillery. It's a short but mostly sandy beach and can be wonderfully sheltered, depending on the direction of the wind. You can access the beach where the pier and harbour start. With low tide you can walk to the slipway at Bowmore Distillery, next to the famous Warehouse Number one. It's a lovey beach … [Read more...] about Bowmore Beach
Kilchiaran Bay
It was the year 560AD that St Columba set foot on Islay, at Kilchiaran Bay, prior to travelling to the Isle of Iona where he founded the famous monastery. Kilchiaran Bay is not a beach like many others on Islay as it is mostly shingle and rock but it is stunning nevertheless. By the way, you officially pronounce Kilchiaran as Kil-a-chee-ran but from what I understand it sounds … [Read more...] about Kilchiaran Bay