Thousands of sun-starved Scots make their way over to the white-sand beaches and blue lagoons of the Caribbean or south east Asia but a secret spot much closer to home has been recently gaining attention for its crystal clear waters.
Bright turquoise waters are more commonly associated with the Bahamas or Bali but for those not wanting to fork out for an expensive long-haul flight a short hop up the Scottish coast may make you forget about foreign seas – with the Isle of Iona giving the Nassau a run for its money.
The island in the Inner Hebrides is only 1.5 miles wide with a population of just 170 permanent residents but attracts a some 130,000 visitors every year. Nevertheless, the island could be in for even more visitors after a TikTok account with nearly a million followers posted a video of the ‘paradise’ found on Iona.
The UKhiddengems page shared a video of someone paddle boarding over crystal clear waters along with vast white sand dunes all surrounded by luscious green hills. Although before hopeful visitors pack burn their plane tickets and get ready for a road trip, there is still one glaring downside.
For those gorgeous wide blue skies, you may have to wait a few more months. Unlike the Bahamas that is currently baking in a lovely 27 degrees with clear blue skies, a trip to the Isle in February is a much colder affair.
The Isle is currently a brisk six degrees and raining, with thick cloud forecast all week the sea will be much less inviting. The only way to reach Iona from Scotland’s mainland is via ferry from the Isle of Mull, which is served by three different ferry routes.
The best time to visit is considered to be early spring or early summer as you’ll experience fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere while still enjoying the beauty of the island before the peak tourist season hits.
Accommodation on the island is also surprisingly varied, with hotels, B&B’s and camping all available for prospective guests. Other than the stunning beaches, Iona is famous for its abbey, which dates back to the 6th Century making it one of the countries most important religious landmarks with the isle thought to be the is thought to be the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland.