This Little-Known Island In Scotland With Sandy Beaches Offers An Uncrowded Escape

Island vacations are incredibly popular, and many travelers dream of escaping to a deserted island with sparkling waves and soft sandy beaches. When you picture the perfect island getaway, Scotland might not be the first country that comes to mind, but if you're looking for a relaxing European destination, the Isle of Colonsay awaits your exploration. Scotland is often called the most beautiful country in the world, according to travelers, and the picturesque island is no exception. 

Although it's only about 20 miles off of mainland Scotland's western coast, Colonsay is one of the best kept secrets in the United Kingdom. The island is part of an archipelago known as the Inner Hebrides. Its nearest neighbor is the island of Oronsay. The island of Mull is located to the north, and the islands of Jura and Islay are to the south. To the west, the Atlantic Ocean stretches on until it reaches the shores of North America. During your visit, you'll be able to enjoy peace and quiet, great hiking, and unforgettable scenery. Sandy beaches offer a perfect respite, with Kiloran Bay, Balnahard Bay, and The Strand being the most popular on the island.

The Isle of Colonsay is only about 10 miles long and 2 miles wide, but there are so many ways to relax and enjoy the natural beauty during your stay. Quiet roads that remain unaffected by busy traffic are ideal for long bike rides around the entire island. You can bring your own bike on the ferry, or rent one for around $27 per day. 

Hiking is another popular pastime, and the perfect way to enjoy all of the breathtaking views. Whether you fancy a long walk on the sandy beaches or you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, you'll find plenty of options around the island. For an easy hike, stroll through the Kiloran woodlands. For something more strenuous, consider attempting to climb the craggy hills known as the MacPhies. Visitors are permitted to wander the islands freely, as long as they follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

If you're feeling extra adventurous, consider trying out paddleboarding in the Atlantic. The water can be quite cool, so you may want to rent a wetsuit along with your stand-up paddleboard. For something more relaxing, consider booking a boat tour. Cave tours, stargazing, and wildlife watching provide even more ways to enjoy Colonsay's natural beauty.

After adventure-filled days, you can enjoy a delicious meal with local ingredients at The Colonsay Restaurant and Bar or The Colonsay House Gardens Café. Cooking your own meal and enjoying a cozy night in your private cottage is another wonderful option. Purchase provisions at The Pantry or The Island Shop. A distillery tour is a highlight of any trip to Scotland, so be sure to book a private gin tasting at Wild Thyme Spirits.

In order to enjoy a scenic and relaxing island getaway on the Isle of Colonsay, you'll need to plan your transportation and accommodations. To reach the island, you'll travel to the Scottish Highlands until you reach the town of Oban on Scotland's western shore. Oban can be reached from Glasgow and the gorgeous city of Edinburgh by train, bus, or car in about three hours or less (a bit longer if you're taking public transportation from Edinburgh). Once you reach Oban, you'll need to arrange transportation to the island either by ferry or by plane.

Ferries are the most affordable way to travel to the Isle of Colonsay. There are ferry departures everyday during peak tourist season, which stretches from March through mid-October. In the off-season, the ferry only runs a few days a week, typically skipping Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a car ferry, so you can bring your vehicle with you to the island. Tickets for pedestrian passengers cost about $20 round trip. If you're traveling with a vehicle, expect to spend around $175 round trip depending on type of vehicle. You could also opt to fly on a small plane operated by Hebridean Air Services.

Despite its small size, Colonsay has plenty of amazing places to stay. If you're in search of peace, quiet, and plenty of privacy, consider booking a private cottage. There are more than 40 private vacation cottages to choose from that can sleep anywhere from one to fourteen people. Prices for private rentals start at about $400 per week. Colonsay Hotel is a lovely place to stay with nine guestrooms, a cozy bar, wood burning fireplaces, and beautiful views.