About Port Charlotte and Islay
A beautiful conservation village of white-washed cottages hugging the shore on the Hebridean island of Islay.
The conservation village of Port Charlotte: small sandy beaches, an iconic lighthouse, expansive views over the loch, museums giving an insight in to Islay, a village shop, a choice of places for a bite to eat and a couple of pubs for a 'wee dram' and regular live music. There's no need to drive - all this is within walking distance of our holiday apartments.
Port Charlotte highlights include:
To do: Spend time on the village's beaches and walk along the Loch Indaal Way coastal path past the Rubh' an Duin lighthouse to Bruichladdich (6.6km round trip).
Eating out: Port Charlotte Hotel - great food, award winning whisky bar, regular live music.
Eating out: Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen - fresh seafood with a view.
Eating out: Port Mor Community Café - breakfast, lunch and dinner overlooking Loch Indaal.
Museums: learn more about the island's wildlife and geology at the Islay Natural History Museum. Discover the extensive collection of historic artefacts and photos that bring the rich history of Islay to life at Museum of Islay Life.
Distillery: Bruichladdich is the nearest to Port Charlotte, source of world famous malt whiskies including Classic Laddie, Port Charlotte and Octomore. The coastal path passes the distillery's barley growing fields. Whisky tasting, distillery tours and shop.
After just one visit to Islay, you'll want to keep coming back for more. Thriving malt whisky distilleries, miles of stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, fascinating historical sites, toe-tapping live music and delicious fresh seafood.
Beaches and island walks
Islay's beaches are a major attraction offering stunning natural beauty over 130 miles of coastline. From the exposed beaches of the west coast to the more sheltered waters of Loch Indaal there is something for everyone.
The island is also a paradise for walkers with walks to suit all levels amid beautiful scenery with plenty of opportunities to catch sight of Islay's extensive bird and wildlife.
Distilleries
Each of Islay's whisky distilleries has a unique personality, with tours, shops and eateries. Try a new one, or re-visit your favourites!
What better way to sing Islay's praises than by sharing our guests' highlights...
Islay highlights
Walk the gentle coastal path to Bruichladdich, passing the lighthouse. Take a distillery tour and spend time in the excellent distillery shop. Walk home or jump on the bus. Perfect afternoon out!
Kilchoman Distillery tour, lunch in the cafe (fabulous Cullen Skink soup!), visit 8ft high Kilchoman Cross, then walk along expanses of sandy beaches at Machir or Saligo. Or take in Sanaigmore beach with a coffee at the interesting Outback Gallery.
Distillery Tours at Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Ardnahoe (coffee & cake in cafe with stunning views) followed by a stop at Finlaggan - ancient seat of the Lordship of the Isles and the pottery at Persabus.
RSPB guided walk at Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve, bird watching from the hides followed by exploration of beautiful, often deserted beaches at Ardnave or Killinallan.
Cycle tour from Port Charlotte to Portnahaven (seal spotting), returning on the quiet west coast Rhinns road past Lossit Bay and back over the top before rolling back down to the village. 25km round trip.
A wander around Port Ellen, three distilleries to visit - Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavullin and the fascinating 8th Century High Cross of Kildalton.
The Oa peninsula - RSPB Nature Reserve, guided Ranger walks, cliffs and sea stacks and the American Monument to lives lost at sea. Sunday Lunch at The Machrie.
Bowmore - iconic distillery, leisure centre and swimming pool, gift shops, Peatzeria's pizzas, fresh seafood at Jean's fish van.
Tourist information
- Islay information from Visit Scotland
- Local Visit Scotland information centre (Bowmore)
- Islay online guide
- Explore Islay and Jura
Travel information
- Ferries - Caledonian MacBrayne website
- Scheduled flights - LoganAir
- Islay airport
- Islay Car Hire
- Islay bus service
- Islay Taxis
Fuel: petrol and diesel are available from the Spar shop on Main Street, Port Charlotte, also: Bridgend, Port Ellen, Bowmore and Port Askaig.
Festivals
- The Islay Festival
- Islay Jazz Festival
- Cantelina Festival Chamber Music festival
- Islay Book Festival
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