Why holiday on the Isle of Tiree?
Broch at Vaul
The tiny and beautifully remote Isle of Tiree is one of the most western islands of the Inner Hebrides. But you may be thinking, why a holiday on the Isle of Tiree?
Let's start with Location. The Isle of Tiree is located in the Gulf Stream. Because of this one simple fact, we have a very different climate from mainland Scotland and, in fact, the rest of the UK. Much warmer winters and more bearable summers topped off with beautiful white-sand beaches - miles and miles of them. Tiree is a relatively small Scottish Isle, only 12 miles long and three miles wide. Relatively flat from the sea, this tiny isle looks as if it's below sea level, leading to Tiree sometimes being referred to as "the land beneath the waves". Even with Tiree's limited landmass, it remains one of the most beautiful Scottish Isle to visit. If you're a walker or cyclist or just don't like hills, then this is the place for you.
If you are planning your next holiday, the Isle of Tiree could be one of the best destinations for you. Located three hours by ferry from the Scottish mainland, this tiny island has a lot to offer despite its size. While many may think of Tiree as a mainly agricultural island, Tiree has a lot to offer visitors. The isle of Tiree has the highest levels of sunshine found in the British Isles. In May alone, Tiree has more than 220 hours of sunlight. Its white sand beaches extend around most of the island's forty-six-mile shoreline. The island is known for its strong winds between December and January, but those turn into a soft breeze in the summer months, which allow for the perfect warm but pleasant exploration weather. And the beautifully calming breeze keeps the midges away.
When you choose to visit Tiree, you will be pleasantly surprised by the sheer volume of things to do on this small and remote Scottish island. From simply chilling at the beach to water sports, culture and heritage sites discovering Tiree is a full-fledged adventure for those looking for something new this year. The people of the Isle of Tiree are fantastic and welcoming. For the perfect relaxation location, Tiree is ideal if you are looking for a calm and pleasant holiday.
Beaches and Surfing
For lovers of the beach, there are very few places in the world that offer miles of clean fine wind sands like the ones found on Tiree. The Atlantic ocean defines so much of life and holidays on Tiree. When you discover Tiree, you'll find surfing and windsurfing. Tiree is home to international up and coming young big waver surfers Ben Larg. Ben and his parents run an excellent surf school, Blackhouse Watersports, located on Balevullin Beach. Or, if you'd like to learn to windsurf, head over to Wild Diamond, located on Loch Bhasapol.
Fancy watching pro surfers or windsurfers? The Scottish Surfing Federation visits Tiree for a round of the Junior championships. Or watch wave jumping at its best; the Tiree Wave Classic is the longest-running international windsurf competition that takes place in the autumn. The 6-day event has some of the best competitors in the world visit Tiree. The Tiree Wave Classic is considered one of the UK's premier windsurfing competitions, so definitely worth a watch if you are here.
Body-boarding is also among the most popular activities on the island. The sea can be pretty idyllic for swimmers. If you're planning a holiday with your family and have kids, they are also guaranteed to enjoy the beaches. The white sand is perfect for aspiring sandcastles builders. Discover Tiree and discover wildlife and nature all around you. Exploring Tiree's coastline wildlife will keep you occupied for hours as you stroll along the beaches.
Year-round holidays
Tiree's weather allows for holidays all year round; this is one of the aspects of the island that makes it unique in Scotland and why it has been known as the Hawaii of the North. For Windsurfers, the perfect time to visit the island is usually after autumn, with the strongest winds being in December and January. Want to see some spectacular wave jumping? October is the time to visit and watch the Tiree Wave Classic.
For those who want to discover an enjoyable and relaxing holiday in the sun, the spring and summer periods in Tiree are the perfect combination of beautiful scenery and weather. Are you thinking about a holiday with friends, family, or solo then Discover Tiree. You'll be able to find a variety of things to do and, in the process, discover more than you thought possible on a tiny Hebridean Isle.
Visiting Heritage Centres
There are several archaeological sites to visit on the Isle of Tiree. Tiree's long history and architecture will help you travel back in time on this Inner Hebridean isle. By taking the time to discover Tiree, you will also explore the past through artefacts, relics, stories, maps, and traditions passed down through the generations.
Among the must-visit spots you'll find:
Dùn Mòr Bhalla – Vaul Broch
The Dùn Mòr Bhalla, Vaul Broch, is one of the best examples of a broch on Tiree, and to this day, it remains the only one on the island to be fully excavated. This particular broch dates back to 60 CE, and it's believed that it was built as an emergency refuge. Evidence suggests that it was inhabited for around 200-300 years.
Much of the original structure is no longer standing. Originally the broch would have had an inner staircase leading to the galleries and two outer walls. This part of the structure is no longer standing. The original walls would have been lowered later, and the building converted into a farmhouse. The broch is believed to have remained in use until the arrival of the Vikings.
MacCallum's Cairn
The Cairn in Kilkenneth is a small stone monument honouring the Reverend Donald MacCallum, a champion of the crofters and cottars. This monument and many others on Tiree are set in breathtaking landscapes. They will inspire you to explore and discover more of this Tiny Isle.
Kirkapol Chapels
The old Kirkapol Chapel is a collection of buildings of differing sizes, the largest of which dates back to the 14th century. The more minor dating back to the 13th century. Both structures were dedicated to Saint Columba. The larger chapel has its own graveyard where many older burial stones are still visible.
Kenavara
A holiday on Tiree would not be complete without a walk up Kenavara to take in the spectacular views over the island. Kenavara's Ocean facing cliffs are a seabird colony and breeding ground. However, if you want to see the stunning seabirds, it's worth booking a Seafari with Tiree Sea Tours.
If you are walking up Kenavara, keep an eye out for the early monastery of St. Patrick's. It can be seen on the side of Kenavara. The well near the early monastery was believed to have healing powers.
Conclusion
Tiree can be exhilarating and relaxing, as well as everything in-between. Whether you're spending days at the beach, surfing and wild swimming or visiting Puffins on a Tiree Sea Tour, there really is something for everyone.
If you're looking for slow travel, there is enough hiking for many holidays and plenty of places to wild camp under the stars or canvas.
Are you looking for a unique holiday off the beaten track? Are you searching for a destination you can experience the best Scotland has to offer? Visit and Discover Tiree; it will excite and relax in equal measure. The Isle of Tiree is a must this year.
On an Isle of Tiree holiday, there is something for everyone.