Which area of Shetland is best to stay in?

That absolutely depends on what you are looking for and whether or not you have a car. Shetland Visitor contains listings of most of the accommodation available in Shetland, and you have the option to search by area and accommodation type.

If you would like to be centrally-based and close to local amenities, bars and restaurants, then Lerwick is the best choice for you – or the village of Scalloway six miles to the west. Although the capital of Shetland, Lerwick is just a small town of about 7,500 people, and most places are within walking distance.

In Lerwick, there are cafes, restaurants, local shops, two supermarkets, a cinema, a leisure centre and a bus station. Most of Shetland’s hotels are in Lerwick.

Similarly, Scalloway has local shops, a cafe and restaurant, a museum and good transport links to the town.

Many of the self-catering properties are in the country, and these are available across the length and breadth of the islands, allowing you to be as close to or as far from civilisation as you wish.

For those who want to really get-away-from-it-all, accommodation is available on the remote outer islands of Fair Isle and Foula, where you can be sure to feel that you have escaped the rat-race. These need careful planning, and getting into both isles is dependent on good weather.

For those seeking a middle ground; the solitude of the countryside with the option to travel widely around the isles, you’ll need to ensure that you have a car and stick to the Central Mainland – this will act as a good springboard to visit every corner of the isles without lots of additional commuting.

The South Mainland is known for its gently rolling hills, wide bays and sweeping, sandy beaches. From here, you are well-placed to explore the archaeological sites of Jarlshof, Old Scatness, Mousa and the impressive beach at St Ninian’s Isle. The airport is in the South Mainland, and you’re never more than a half-hour drive from Lerwick.

The West Mainland offers a quiet retreat, with fewer visitors and fewer ‘manned attractions’ to visit; you can melt into the landscape and enjoy the isles uninterrupted and at your own pace. The westside is said, by locals, to be the sunniest part of Shetland and enjoys some of the best sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.

The North Mainland is a dramatic, volcanic landscape. Brae is the main town in the north, with plenty of local amenities (shops, restaurants, cafes) for anyone who is based there. A few miles from Brae is the picturesque Busta House Hotel, one of Shetland’s best hotels, full of history and charm and serving fantastic meals and bar suppers.

Many people, especially those who are perhaps returning to Shetland for a longer stay, will base themselves in Unst, Yell or Fetlar. The North Isles are a fantastic place to really spend time, slow down and just soak in the wildlife, walking and atmosphere.

For Unst and Fetlar, journey times from Lerwick are about two hours, so if you are based here, it’s best to stick to the islands and explore them deeply. Unst is the island of choice for Shetlanders who are having staycations within the isles, and you’ll see many local families with their children and caravans in Unst throughout the summer holidays.