A Quiet And Underrated Scottish Town With Rich History Is Known Locally As 'The Village'

Scotland is a magical land of spectacular views, stunning castles, friendly faces, and fascinating history that can be particularly budget friendly in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. If you decide to plan a trip, you might prioritize the more popular places to visit, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St. Andrews. But there's a tranquil little island, just 1.5 miles wide and 3 miles long, off the coast of Mull that you won't want to miss: the Isle of Iona.

Although Iona has fewer than 200 full-time residents, it attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. There's but one tiny settlement on the whole island, jokingly referred to by the locals as "The Village," named Baile Mòr, which ironically means "Big Town" in Scottish Gaelic. It sits on the east side of the island, just across the Sound of Iona from the town of Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull, and is a great jumping-off point for exploring Iona. The only way to visit the island is by foot ferry from Fionnphort, as visitor vehicles are not permitted (though some exceptions are made for visitors with mobility issues if you apply for a permit). The island is very walkable, but a taxi service and a bike service are available for those who prefer it. In fact, two of the most popular attractions — St. Oran's Chapel and the Abbey Museum — are less than a 10-minute walk from the Iona Village Hall in Baile Mòr.

One of the most extraordinary things about Iona is that, despite its size, it has the reputation of being the birthplace of Christianity for this part of the world. It all started with an Irish prince named Columba who became a priest and a missionary. In 563, Columba and 12 of his followers arrived on the Isle of Iona and started a monastery. For the next three and a half decades, this monastery became the headquarters for their ministry, which became what is now known as Celtic Christianity. The monastery endured multiple Viking raids, and the 13th-century abbey that stands there today was built on the site of the original 6th-century building.

Visitors from all over the world come to visit the beautiful Iona Abbey. Pilgrims who wish to participate in the 1,450-year-long tradition of worship in this spot can visit during one of the daily morning or evening services. Be sure to visit their website for updates as hours of operation tend to fluctuate with the seasons and the weather.

From there, take the short walk down the medieval Sràid nam Marbh ("Street of the Dead") to nearby Reilig Odhrain, also known as St. Oran's Chapel. This ancient burial ground is said to be the final resting place of at least seven Scottish kings, including Macbeth (who was in fact a real person).

Thanks to the craftsmen who worked at the monastery, Iona has an artistic history dating back to the 7th century. In addition to the island's four large stone crosses and the Abbey Museum's collection of carved stones and illuminated manuscripts, you can also find several shops and art galleries in Baile Mòr. Visit Aosdàna for handmade Celtic silver and stone jewelry, or the adorable Iona Craft Shop, near the ferry port, for vibrant textiles made from local fleece. St. Columba Larder has a variety of artisanal Scottish foods and preserves, and even locally-made gin and whisky!

Given the small size and pedestrian-friendly roads, Iona is also a fabulous place to explore. You can discover stunning white-sand beaches, interesting wildlife, and sweeping ocean views, but be sure to pack your clothes carefully and be prepared, as the weather can be unpredictable. And once you've worked up an appetite, you have plenty of great restaurants to choose from, including at the two hotels on the island: St Columba Hotel and The Argyll Hotel. They're both located in Baile Mòr and they each source all of their ingredients from the island and surrounding sea.