1. Isle of Skye

One of the few Scottish islands accessible by car from the mainland, the Isle of Skye is first on today’s list.

On the journey to Skye, you’ll likely pass the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a true symbol of Scotland, standing proudly on its own tidal island.

Skye boasts an impressive array of sights, including the prehistoric Storr landslip and the dramatic Quiraing—both offering breathtaking photo opportunities on this stunning Scottish isle.

2. Mull

One of the great gems of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Mull is a popular stop for island-hopping tours and cruises.

Showcasing many of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, visitors can expect dramatic peaks, vast stretches of untamed wilderness, and breathtaking views.

Starting from the colourful capital, Tobermory, island highlights include the ancient Duart Castle, historic home of Clan Maclean, as well as the nearby Isle of Iona and the wildlife-rich Treshnish Isles.

3. Iona

The small yet charming Isle of Iona is perfect for exploring on foot. Whether you’re walking along the scenic coastline or visiting the historic Iona Abbey, this island is a must-visit for any serious island-hopper.

As one of Scotland’s most significant religious sites, the well-preserved Iona Abbey has stood the test of time—surviving centuries of history, including daring Viking raids!

4. Arran

Nicknamed ‘Scotland in Miniature’, the Isle of Arran is nestled in the Firth of Clyde, offering a stunning snapshot of Scotland’s diverse landscapes.

On Arran, Scotland’s most iconic features are beautifully distilled into one island, with spectacular results.

Visitors can explore historic castles, rugged Highland scenery, and picturesque glens.

5. Barra

Connected to neighbouring Vatersay by a short causeway, Barra is one of the most celebrated islands in the Outer Hebrides.

Famous for its stunning beaches, Barra is a walker’s paradise, offering breathtaking coastal scenery.

Notable sights include the unique tidal runway at Cockleshell Beach and the iconic Kisimul Castle, known as the ‘Castle on the Sea’.

6. Lewis & Harris

The largest of the Outer Hebrides, Lewis and Harris are home to some of Scotland’s most treasured sights.

Must-visit locations include the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish and the historic Gearrannan Blackhouse Village.

With a coastline that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean, Luskentyre Beach is one of the UK’s finest sandy stretches.

Recently featured in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list, the Outer Hebrides is a top bucket-list destination, with Lewis and Harris providing the perfect base for exploration.

7. Staffa

A striking island of basalt columns, Staffa lies off the coast of Mull and can be reached via a short boat ride.

Notable past visitors include Queen Victoria and Robert Louis Stevenson, both captivated by its dramatic beauty.

Renowned for its natural acoustics, Fingal’s Cave is a must-see attraction on Staffa, accessible only by boat.

8. Glenfinnan Viaduct

A true symbol of Scotland, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

Best experienced on a nostalgic steam train journey aboard the world-famous Jacobite, this magnificent feat of engineering harks back to the golden age of steam travel that defined the Victorian era.

9. Eilean Donan Castle

Built on a small tidal island, Eilean Donan Castle is one of the world’s most famous castles, having appeared in numerous films and television shows over the years.

Located near the village of Dornie, the castle and island sit at the meeting point of Lochs Alsh, Long, and Duich, creating a truly breathtaking setting.

10. Loch Katrine

Located in the heart of the Trossachs, Loch Katrine is one of Scotland’s quintessential natural attractions.

A hugely popular tourist destination, many visitors choose to board the famous steamship, Sir Walter Scott, for a scenic journey across the loch.

From the perfect vantage point onboard, passengers can take in the stunning landscapes steeped in the legend of Rob Roy MacGregor.

11. Eriskay

Forever associated with the 1940s film ‘Whisky Galore!’, Eriskay and its pristine white sandy beaches lie within the Outer Hebrides archipelago.

The film, based on the true events of a whisky-laden ship striking rocks to the north of the island, has inspired many to make the journey to Eriskay.

As well as rescuing the crew, the islanders were reportedly able to salvage some of the precious cargo, with the tales of the ship now etched into local folklore.

12. Sumburgh Head

A popular walking spot, Sumburgh Head, home to an iconic lighthouse and RSPB nature reserve, offers walkers stunning views.

The towering cliffs here are often teeming with birdlife during the warmer months.

A must-visit for any budding wildlife watchers, Sumburgh Head is one of Shetland’s most popular points of interest.

If you’re lucky during your visit, you might even spot dolphins and whales breaking through the surface of the water below.

13. Ring of Brodgar

An integral part of the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, the iconic Ring of Brodgar dates back thousands of years.

Still shrouded in mystery, the carefully placed stones are believed to have played an important role in religious ceremonies.

14. Treshnish Isles

Taking to the water, the beautiful and significant Treshnish Isles, located close to Mull, are a wildlife haven during the summer months.

A birdwatcher’s paradise, this collection of small islands provides the ideal protective setting for a wide variety of birds to nest and rest ahead of their long migratory journeys, often crossing hundreds of miles of open water.

In addition to puffins, razorbills, and fulmars, visitors can also spot Atlantic grey seals, with dolphins and basking sharks commonly seen in the more open waters surrounding nearby Mull.

15. Moray Firth

One of the best areas in the UK to witness bottlenose dolphins, the wildlife of the Moray Firth, stretching down to Inverness, is best experienced on a wildlife cruise, where you can also spot porpoises, minke whales, and ospreys patrolling the skies above.

16. Islay

Once the home of the Lord of the Isles, who ruled the Hebrides centuries ago, the remote island of Islay is a cultural treasure trove.

17. Colonsay

A popular optional excursion after exploring nearby Islay and Jura, venturing to Colonsay allows visitors to tick off a trio of incredible Inner Hebridean destinations.

One of the UK’s most remote islands, Colonsay House is a real treat for visitors, offering a garden to explore, featuring some of the rarest and most unusual plants and trees found in Scotland.

18. Dunrobin Castle

The most northerly of Scotland’s great homes, Dunrobin Castle is also the largest in the Northern Highlands, with 189 rooms.

Used as a naval hospital during the First World War, the castle overlooks the Moray Firth.

We recommend exploring the beautiful castle interior before spending time in the stunning gardens.

19. Glasgow

Celebrating its 850th birthday with a number of events, consider visiting Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, in 2025.

Notable events include a series of free music performances throughout May called ‘The Clyde Chorus’ and a pop-up exhibition at the People’s Palace, exploring the social history of the city through artefacts and photography.

Dotted around the city, must-see landmarks include Glasgow Botanic Gardens, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the iconic Finnieston Crane.

20. Duncansby Head

A close neighbour to John O’Groats, experiencing Duncansby Head and the dramatic seastacks is a must for any traveller.

While in the area, discover the local white-painted lighthouse and gaze out at the magnificent rock formations that rise dramatically from the sea.

This stretch of coastline is truly spectacular. Towering cliffs plunge steeply, with the jagged seastacks standing just off the shoreline.

21. Culross

Culross in Fife starred as the village of Cranesmuir in season one of the global hit television series ‘Outlander’. During a visit, filming locations are everywhere you look – and the filmmakers hardly had to change a thing!

In a remarkable display of historic conservation led by the National Trust for Scotland, this late medieval town remains largely unchanged since the 17th century.

22. Sango Bay

One of the UK’s most northerly beaches, Sango Bay is famous for its golden sand, rocky outcrops, and stunning viewpoints.

Following the wooden path, visitors are greeted with breathtaking coastal views.

23. The Hermitage

A memorable stretch of forest in ‘Big Tree Country’ Perthshire, the Hermitage offers woodland walks paired with amazing viewpoints at Ossian’s Hall, where you can admire the thunderous Black Linn Falls.

24. Anstruther

A must-stop for foodies and fans of coastal walks, the postcard-perfect village of Anstruther is home to world-famous fish and chips.

Easily accessible from either direction, join the Fife Coastal Path for memorable trails offering views over the Firth of Forth, the North Sea, and the nearby Isle of May.

Tucked away along the coastal stretch between Anstruther and Crail, the Caves of Caiplie offer a fantastic photo opportunity.

25. St Abbs

Heading south for our final entry in today’s list, St Abbs in the Scottish Borders offers coastal walks for all levels, stunning cliff views, and a historic harbour to explore.

A filming location in the Marvel franchise, St Abbs sits on the Berwickshire Coast, just over an hour from Edinburgh.