Things to do on Iona
Iona may be small, but there is plenty to discover. Walk across open machair to hidden beaches, explore centuries of history, take a boat trip to Staffa or simply find a quiet spot beside the sea and watch island life unfold around you. With much of Iona easily explored on foot, St Columba Hotel makes a comfortable base for discovering the island at your own pace.
Make the most of your time on the island
Some of the best ways to experience Iona begin right outside the hotel. Walking routes lead in every direction, taking you from the village and historic heart of the island to open machair, rocky coastline and quieter beaches. Island maps are available from reception, and our team is always happy to recommend favourite routes. Guided walks can also be arranged with Iona Trails, offering the chance to discover some of the island’s wilder and lesser-known corners with a local guide.
Island wALKS
Surrounded by clear Atlantic waters, Iona has beautiful unspoilt beaches scattered around its coastline. Spend a sunny afternoon on the sand, wander along the shore or, for those feeling a little braver, take a dip in the sea. Beach towels are available to borrow from reception during your stay. There are quieter coves and stretches of coastline to discover too, so it is well worth leaving time simply to wander.
EXPLORE IONA’S BEACHES
Discover centuries of history
Iona’s history can be felt throughout the island. Visit Iona Abbey, explore the neighbouring Reilig Odhráin, or spend some time at the Iona Heritage Centre, where you can discover more about the lives of the people who have called the island home over the centuries. Beyond these landmarks, ancient crosses, historic buildings and sacred places tell a story stretching back generations.
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims
People have journeyed to Iona for centuries, drawn by its connection with St Columba and its enduring spiritual significance. From the Abbey to St Columba’s Bay, the island’s sacred places can be explored as part of a pilgrimage or simply as places to pause, reflect and connect with Iona’s past. Whether your visit is rooted in faith, history or curiosity, taking time to discover these places offers another way to experience the island.
Take a boat trip to Staffa
Travel a little further and discover another of the Hebrides’ remarkable landscapes.
Boat trips from Iona visit the nearby island of Staffa, home to Fingal’s Cave - the dramatic sea cave that inspired Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture. During the summer months, the island is also home to nesting puffins.
Trips generally take around half a day and can be booked through reception or directly with local operators. For a more personal experience, traditional open-cutter trips with a skipper are also available.
Iona’s coastline, open landscapes and surrounding waters make it a wonderful place to spend time watching wildlife.
Birdlife changes with the seasons, while the waters around Iona offer their own opportunities for wildlife spotting. Sometimes the pleasure is simply slowing down enough to notice what is around you.
Pack your binoculars, take your time and keep an eye on both the shoreline and the skies.
LOOK OUT FOR ISLAND WILDLIFE
You don’t have to venture far from the hotel to discover another side of Iona.
Our extensive gardens have been certified organic by the Soil Association since 2008 and provide seasonal produce for our kitchen and Larder, as well as botanicals for our St Columba spirits. Our beehives also provide pure Iona honey each year.
Guests are welcome to explore the gardens during their stay, while our Quiet Garden offers a peaceful space to sit, pause and take in the surroundings.
EXPLORE OUR GARDENS
Discover island makers and shops
Leave a little room in your plans for exploring the village too. You’ll find local crafts, jewellery, knitwear and gifts created on Iona, alongside places to pick up something to remember your time on the island. Directly opposite the hotel, our St Columba Larder brings together our own St Columba spirits with a carefully chosen selection of Iona gifts, homeware, textiles, books and crafts, alongside coffee and takeaway treats.
Take Iona at your own pace
Of course, you don’t need to fill every day. Leave time for a coffee overlooking the Sound, a walk without a particular destination, an afternoon with a book or simply sitting by the shore for a while. Part of the pleasure of Iona is having the time and space to slow down and experience the island in your own way.
Whether you come for the walks, wildlife, history, beaches or simply the chance to spend a few days somewhere different, there is always more of Iona to discover. Our team knows the island well and will be happy to share recommendations, help arrange guided walks and boat trips, or point you in the right direction during your stay.