Areas

Canna is a small island, just four and a half miles long, but its varied geography offers distinct areas to explore.

Canna Harbour & The Village The heart of the island is its beautiful, sheltered harbour, which separates Canna from the island of Sanday. The ferry arrives here, and it is the location of the main settlement. Here you will find the pier, Café Canna, the St Columba’s Church, and Canna House, the former home of John Lorne Campbell and Margaret Fay Shaw. The gardens of Canna House are open to the public, and its remarkable archives are a key part of the island’s heritage. The harbour is a peaceful spot to watch the fishing boats and yachts that come and go.

Sanday Connected to Canna by a narrow road bridge, the tidal island of Sanday is an essential part of any visit. A short walk from the bridge leads to the island's three historic churches, including the now-deconsecrated St Edward’s Church, and provides stunning views back towards the cliffs of Canna. The sandy beach at the eastern end of Sanday is a quiet place for a walk, with another view of the harbour.

The West & The North Coast Most of Canna is walking country, and one track runs the length of the island. A walk westwards takes you into a wilder landscape of rolling green hills and increasing remoteness. The northern coastline is defined by dramatic basalt cliffs, which are best viewed from the sea but can also be appreciated from clifftop paths. It is on these cliffs and the tall sea stacks that you will find the island’s incredible seabird colonies. In late spring and summer, these cliffs are alive with thousands of nesting birds, including puffins.