Want to go to the Caribbean this summer but lack the budget? Turns out, there’s an island much closer to home that offers similar views without the long-haul flight
If you’re on the hunt for an idyllic spot to visit this summer without breaking the bank on flights, travel expert Chris Lawlor suggests a hidden gem right off the coast of the UK he claims rivals much more exotic locations. “Did you know that in Scotland you can visit a tiny island that looks like the Caribbean with a white sandy beach and turquoise waters?” he began in a TikTok video, showcasing the stunning destination.
The entire island is “explorable on foot”, according to Chris, who ventured inland during his visit, as he detailed other activities life on the island benefits from. First, he visited a nearby “sacred abbey” offering coastal “tranquillity,” and highlighted the “many other treasures” discovered along his walk. What’s more, it’s only a 10-minute boat ride from the Isle of Mull.
In his clip, Chris recommended “soaking in the views” at Ailidh – a quaint coastal pizza takeaway that also serves local seafood and sweet treats.
“Remember to respect this wee island called Iona,” he concluded.
“I’ve spent so much time in Scotland over the years, but completely missed this gem,” one TikTok user confessed in response. “Thanks for sharing.”
Another person reminisced: “Visited here with family when I was about 11 I never forget this place because of how clear the water was looking over the side of the boat and seeing hundreds of little jellyfish fish.”
A third gushed: “One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.”
Whilst a fourth shared their experience of the island, adding: “I was lucky enough to visit Iona during my time in Scotland. I stumbled upon an art store and bought a beautiful glass dish. Even on a cold, cloudy day it’s beautiful.”
The island’s official tourism website states online: “Iona, with its beauty and white sand beaches, has a time and place for everyone. From Dunbhuirg, the Iron Age fort, to the Marble Quarry, worked even in the 20th Century; from St Columba’s Bay in the south, to the White Strand of the Monks in the north, many places have their stories to tell.”
It further highlights that Iona’s wealth of activities include golf, fishing, shopping and dining out experiences and of course, its walks.
“The joy of Iona is that everything on the island is happily reached on foot,” Welcome to Iona continues.
“And though relatively small, the island has a wide variety of places to enjoy from the beautiful beaches that surround Iona to the high point of Dun I which affords dramatic views of the surrounding islands.”
When it comes to dining, there are two hotel restaurants that offer meals throughout the day, and there is the Iona Heritage Centre Garden Café that offers light snacks and soups from late morning until late afternoon.
“Each location has its own unique ambiance and style, and of course during the summer months they all be very busy,” the website adds. “Hence, reservations are recommended – and are often essential for large parties.”