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There are many beautiful
beaches on Iona and very often you can have one all to yourself.
Must Visit Beaches:
[1] Camas Cuil an t-Saimh
: The Bay at the Back of the Ocean : West
of the island.
A huge white sandy beach just
beyond the Machair. From here you can see the Spouting Cave. Also great
place for pebble collectors and spotting seals. For the very best
secluded beach go to Port Ban at north end. Fantastic place to swim,
relax, have a picnic.
This beach is usually very
quiet - particularly at Port Ban.
The Bay at the Back of the
Ocean, Iona
[2]
Traigh Bhan : White Strand
of the Monk : North of the island.
Wonderful white sandy beach
with fascinating rocks. Great spot for an early morning swim. When the
tide is coming in clamber onto the rocks to the north of the beach -
they seem to sing as the water runs up and down the crevices.
This beach is usually very
quiet.
White Strand of the Monk
[3] St. Columba's Bay :
South of the
island
A pebbled beach so not the
best spot for sunbathing. However, the pebbles on the beach are amazing
and you have a good chance of seeing seals - so a must visit beach while
you are on Iona.
Because so many people make
the pilgrimage to St. Columba's Bay it is often quite busy (on Iona busy
means more than eight people)
Click here for directions :
St. Columba’s Bay
St. Columba's Bay
Stone circles at St Columba's
Bay
[4] Traigh an t-Suidhe :
Strand of the
Seat : North of the island.
Great white sandy beach -
perfect for swimming, sunbathing and picnics.
This beach is usually very
quiet.
Strand of the Seat
[5] Port nam Mairtir :
Martyr's Bay : East of the island.
There are a few sandy spots
just south of the ferry which are worth a visit if you are short of time
- such as amusing the kids while you wait for the ferry.
These spots can be busy at
times as they are used by day-trippers.
Martyr's Bay
[6] Tràigh
Mhòr : East of the island.
An interesting beach to walk
to but can sometimes be a little bit smelly and have washed up and
dumped rubbish.
This beach is usually very
quiet.
Tips:
Before you go, buy sandwiches
and a small bottle of wine (or Irn Bru) from Martyrs Bay Cafe or the
Spar shop and have a picnic.
Keep an eye out for seals and
dolphins.
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