Areas

Islay’s geography lends itself to being explored in three distinct regions, each with its own unique cluster of distilleries and attractions.

The South Coast: The Peat Powerhouses This short stretch of coastline is home to three distilleries, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, each producing intensely smoky and peaty single malts. A walking and cycling path connects the three. It’s a journey worth making, and a good way into the flavours that made Islay famous.

Bowmore & The Rhinns The village of Bowmore is the island’s charming capital, with its main street running down to the sea and its unique Round Church reputedly built with no corners for the devil to hide in. The centrally located Bowmore Distillery dominates the waterfront. West of here lies the Rhinns of Islay, a large peninsula with a character all its own. It is home to the beautifully preserved conservation village of Port Charlotte, with its excellent museum, and the picturesque fishing harbour of Portnahaven, where seals can often be seen basking on the rocks in the bay.

Port Askaig & The North-East The north-eastern part of the island is another gateway, with the ferry port of Port Askaig providing a vital link to the mainland and the neighbouring island of Jura. This area is home to the Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, and Ardnahoe distilleries, each with stunning views across the Sound of Islay. This part of the island is also where you’ll find its most significant historical site, Finlaggan. A short walk out to the islands on Loch Finlaggan brings you to the ruins of the council chambers and chapel of the Lords of the Isles.