PARADISE

Throughout the summer, the pearly white beaches and sparkling clear waters of Tiree really come into their own as a tropical paradise. The warm summer sun beats down on this little Scottish island and it’s easy to mistake Tiree for the Caribbean. Your days can be spent lounging out on soft sand, to the sound of the gentle lap of the Atlantic Ocean on the shore, marram grass gently rustling, and the birds telling of their joy. Or you may be one of the many who come here to jump in the perfectly-arching waves with body and surfboards, catching long rides to shore before paddling out to repeat. It’s a playground, an adventure of the most epic proportions, with something to keep the whole family entertained.

The length of our coastline, 46 miles, coupled with the small population, means that you will never have to fight for a spot to lay down your towel. Tiree is the ideal place for a UK Summer break. With no crowds it’s quiet and secluded, and yet there’s always plenty to do. What we need most, when we go on holiday, is an oasis of calm that will give us the space to recuperate and relax – and our little island is the perfect place to get that fix. You will leave feeling rejuvenated, rested and with plenty of stories to tell when you get back to the mainland.

“Tiree’s edges are indeed made up of numerous secluded crescent-shaped bays, each with fine, white sand, as picture-postcard perfect as the next, and near deserted” – Paul Rees, The Guardian

The summer weather that Tiree experiences is some of the best you can find on the British Isles. Bathed in the warmth of the Gulf Stream, and with more sunshine than the majority of the UK, T-shirt and bikini days can easily be expected. The golden sunlight that beats down on our little island is unlike any you could find elsewhere, and is as refreshing as an icy cup of water on a burning hot day. Just being outside, and among the magical atmosphere that graces the island in summer, is good for the soul.

“…it has the advantage of being inhospitable to the summer-long curse of most of Scotland’s islands and Highlands: midges” - Paul Rees, The Guardian

As the days grow longer, the island comes to life. If you’re after warm summer lunchtime picnics on the beach, and cool evenings watching the amber hue of the sunset over the Atlantic ocean, then this is the place for you.

THINGS TO DO

On any given day of the week, you will be able to find something to do on Tiree. Surf season is year long here and the beaches will see some fantastic waves through summer. When the wind blows, the wind and kite surfers make their way to one of the 23 or so pristine beaches.

If you’re new to water sports, surf schools are the best way to ease into one of these, for kids and adults alike. Alternatively, there is the option to hire a board if you have given the sport a go before. There’s plenty of room on the ferry too to bring your own kit.

When the wind isn’t up and there are no waves in sight, it’s the perfect time to explore the coastline with a SUP board or a kayak. The water is so clear you can see the fish, crabs and lobsters mill about among the seaweed.

These activities are fun for everyone, whether you are a total beginner, an adult, or here with a young family. Why not start the day with a surf lesson, have a game of beach volleyball, and then enjoy a peaceful beach BBQ to finish things off?

Away from the beach you could hire a bike and take a ride around the island. With little elevation - there are not many hills on Tiree - cycling is a fun and active way to explore all the island has to offer.

For less experienced riders, roads are smooth and quiet compared to the mainland and you have right of way. Through the summer months the weather is ideal for a long day out. There are bike hire shops, with hire options tailored to any trip and any length of stay. And even electric bikes for those who need a bit of extra help.

As there is only one road to speak of, a huge proportion of Tiree is only accessible by foot. This is a hikers paradise. Discover a new cove or a new beach or climb up one of the three hills. Ben Hynish, the tallest of the three, is 141 meters high, with views to die for. In the far west of Hynish, somewhat off the beaten track is Happy Valley, a stunning valley with a beautiful secluded beach at its far end. Visit the Hynish Centre along the way and learn all about Tiree’s lighthouses.

Further east hikers can explore the island’s rich history with Vaul Broch (Dùn Mòr Bhalla), one of the best examples of a Broch on Tiree. Take a slight detour and visit the Ringing Stone on the way.

The Isle of Tiree is famous for its wildlife, and it would be a shame to visit without being treated to the full island experience – that is why we can also highly recommend island hopping. There are a range of tours you can experience, which will show you the very best of Tiree sealife and the Inner Hebrides.

Situated on the Hebridean Whale Trail, dolphins, whales, seals, basking sharks and even the occasional Orcas are regular visitors to our shores, and can be spotted by boat much easier (and closer) than on land, and trips out to the Treshnish Isles promise a vast array of birdlife, including puffins and sea eagles.

 If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, another way to immerse yourself in the animal life on Tiree is to join a pony trek across one of the island’s beautiful beaches. If you, or your family, are pony mad then this is a great way to spend a summer’s afternoon. Our beaches are an unspoiled gem nestled within the Inner Hebrides, and there is a vast array of ways in which to experience and enjoy them.

WHAT’S ON

During the summer, the Isle of Tiree hosts a whole range of events that you can attend, watch, or even join in with.

Through July, you could stop by for the Tiree Music Festival. First hosted in 2010, it has gone on to be a huge success every year. Think folk tunes, ceilidhs, parties, camping, and glorious beaches with hazy sunrises to wake up to every morning. TMF is a one of a kind festival, held in one of the most beautiful parts of the world – and, being family friendly, everyone, of every age, can join in with the festivities.

You can experience a little taste of coastal life with the Tiree Annual Regatta. It provides a large range of shore line attractions and races to keep visitors entertained. A little slice of Scottish Island culture, you will be able to enjoy being immersed in the community, and the celebration of sailing, all from the beach.

Through the summer Tiree offers the opportunity for your dream holiday, from a sunny and secluded well deserved rest to an adventurous event of epic proportions. Whatever you are looking for, this island has something that will make you smile. One day you can enjoy the quiet of an empty beach, the picturesque seascape and a good coffee in a café, the next you could be hunting for surf.

It is the UK’s solution to a dream summer destination, with a warm sea breeze, sports and activities to keep both adults and the kids entertained.