Tucked away in the sprawling Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Colonsay is a picture-perfect haven primed for magical adventures on the coast, whether you long for sun-soaked beach days or breathtaking walks across the heather-brushed landscapes.
The island also has a rich social history that dates back to the Bronze Age and is the ancestral home of Clan Macfie and Clan MacNeill. Meanwhile, the fertile land and sea make it a perfect spot for some tasty local produce to take home to your cottage, or enjoy in one of their few but excellent eateries.
Here's our go-to guide to what to see and do on the Isle of Colonsay, so you can build the perfect itinerary for your stay.
About Colonsay
Nestled off the west coast of Scotland between the islands of Mull and Islay in the Inner Hebrides, the stunning Isle of Colonsay is just 8 miles long by 2 miles wide, with a very small population of around 130 residents, making it an oh-so-peaceful destination. The island is easy to reach via ferry or plane from Oban, with the smaller island of Oronsay linked to Colonsay via a tidal causeway, promising fascinating day trips and explorations.
Landscape
Crowned with numerous hills (known as MacPhies) and a relatively mild climate, Colonsay is a haven for wildlife and plants, from wild goats to heather-strewn hillocks. Ringed by a plethora of wide sandy beaches, you couldn’t ask for a better place to escape to if you’re seeking a tranquil, nature-filled getaway. The low-lying landscapes create a beautiful setting for gentle strolls and easy-going cycles, inviting you to soak up Scotland’s wild beauty with ease, while Carnan Eoin, the highest hill, makes for a lovely hike for those seeking sweeping views across Kiloran Bay.
Colonsay is home to two pretty freshwater lochs, alongside a collection of beaches you simply won’t want to leave. Think golden sands, clear blue waters, and dramatic cliffs, home to a variety of nesting sea birds. Geologists will love a visit to Colonsay as the island boasts some of the oldest rocks in Scotland, with a fascinating outcrop of metamorphic gneiss dating back 1,800 million years.
Wildlife
Colonsay is a haven for flora and fauna. Along its coastline, you’ll find plenty of seabirds, such as kittiwakes, cormorants, choughs and guillemots, particularly in spring and early summer. To the west of Colonsay House lies Beinn Bhreac, whose towering cliffs are a haven for birds, while the dunes and beach at Balanhard, found down a 2-mile rough track, is home to wild goats, birdlife, and possibly even a golden eagle.
The hills, clad in heather in late summer, are also perfect for creatures such as rabbits and, yes, more wild goats! In addition, Colonsay has a gorgeously fertile grassy plain close to the sea – known as a Machair – that’s blanketed in an array of wildflowers that are particularly lovely in spring and early summer.
Beaches on Colonsay
Colonsay boasts some dramatic coastlines, where you’ll spot stunning sea arches, unusual rock formations, and cliffs that are home to thousands of birds. It also has some gorgeous beaches to call its own, mainly pure white sand, which on a sunny day will fool you into thinking you’re in the Caribbean rather than Scotland.
Kiloran Bay
Kiloran Bay, facing the Atlantic, is one of the most iconic beaches on the Isle of Colonsay, with a huge swathe of beach and sea that’s great for swimming and watersports. Enjoy picnics on the sun-warmed sands, play in the waves (this is one of the few beaches on the island that offer good swell), or hike up to the summit of Carnan Eoin for spectacular views across the bay.
Balnahard Bay
If you’re after somewhere a little quieter, Balnahard Bay (also known as Traigh Ban) is a remote and, some say, even more beautiful beach, with tufted dunes framing the pristine sands. Facing east, it’s also more protected. It’s a lovely 45-minute walk from the road, or 20 minutes if you choose to go by bike.
Traigh an Tobair Fhuair Beach
A secluded arc of sand in the south-westerly reaches of Colonsay, this secluded cove is one of the most peaceful beaches on the island. Its remote location makes it perfect for wild wanders and pristine picnics framed by turquoise seas. It's very rarely busy, so pack a day bag and enjoy this sandy haven all to yourself!
The Strand
If you’re a keen swimmer but prefer balmier waters, The Strand at the southern tip of Colonsay is the beach for you. The shallow waters that hug the coastline here are warmed by the golden sands, creating a deliciously tempting spot for a wild swim, especially in the summer and autumn months. Spend the day lounging by the water, or use the pretty beach to cross onto Oronsay at low tide.
Things to do on Colonsay
A playground for outdoor enthusiasts, Colonsay is full to the brim with fun and fascinating things to see and do, from watersports to sightseeing.
Scalasaig
Scalasaig is the island’s capital, found on the east of Colonsay and where you’re likely to arrive aboard your Caledonian Macbride ferry from Oban (the journey takes about 2 hours 20 minutes). Alighting next to the pier, you’ll find a gallery and visitor centre in what used to be the waiting room. You’ll also find the island’s general store, post office, and the usual community amenities. Scalasaig is well worth exploring, with its pretty harbour framing the town and a quiet beach that looks over Loch Staosnaig to the south. Points of interest include Colonsay Brewery, various standing stones, and the Lord Colonsay Monument. This was erected to commemorate the sixth Lord of Colonsay, who chose not to make his tenants leave his land in the 19th century to make way for sheep farming, unlike many other landowners on neighbouring islands.
Cycling
Cycling enthusiasts will love exploring Colonsay as it’s made oh-so-easy by quiet roads that very rarely have much of an incline to tackle. In fact, you can pretty much circumnavigate the whole island by bike, making the ultimate way to explore the sights under your own pedal power. You can either bring your own bikes with you or you can hire them locally from Colonsay Bikes and Boards.
Watersports
Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to see the coastline of Colonsay from a different perspective, and is a great activity for all the family. The eastern reaches of Colonsay are particularly perfect, as the sheltered aspects of the coastline are ideal for explorations via watercraft. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can hire inflatable SUP kits and wetsuits from Colonsay Bikes and Boards.
Golf
Colonsay has its own 18-hole links golf course that has been entertaining visitors for over 200 years. The views here are what set the course apart, with two sandy beaches adding a touch of coastal charm to the setting. Underfoot, the ground is a mix of short grass and sandy soil - not to mention the odd rabbit hole and sheep scrape - inviting you to golf like a true local.
Colonsay House Gardens
This astonishing parkland of the 18th-century house boasts a 20-acre garden with hybrid rhododendrons (said to be one of the finest collections in Scotland), unusual floral species, and exotic trees and shrubs from around the world. It also has an excellent café that’s perfect for coffee and cake, a light lunch, or a spot of afternoon tea.
Stargazing
There are some fantastic stargazing spots on Colonsay due to the lack of light pollution. The best spots to visit are Kiloran Bay and the golf course, with the west side of the island facing north providing excellent vantage points. Why not pack a blanket, cushions, and a flask of hot chocolate for the ultimate stargazing experience?
Oronsay Priory
Nestled on the neighbouring island of Oronsay, this Augustinian priory, now in ruins, is well worth a hop over The Strand to visit. Wander the ruins and you’ll discover cloisters, medieval gravestones, and even the original consecrated altar and a stunning stone cross. Today, the island is managed by the RSPB, who look after the birdlife that call it home. You can walk across at low tide (it’s 2 miles each way to the priory), but you need to be very confident of the tides. It’s probably best to consult the folk at the post office in Scalasaig for the best times. There are no facilities for visitors on Oronsay, and there’s also no mobile reception.
Boat trips
What better way to explore the coast than by chartering your own boat? Coastal Connection offers various scenic tour packages, inviting you to explore the coastline of Colonsay and the surrounding islands, making it the perfect day out.
Ancient sites
Standing proudly on a hill above Scalasaig, Buaile Riabhach Stone Circle boasts a 7ft high standing stone and seven further stones, with the smallest being just 18 inches high. Excavated in 1881, little is known about the dig except that it is thought a sword was found, and more recent theories suggest it may actually be a cairn. Alternatively, the Scalasaig Standing Stones can be found down a track opposite the Colonsay Hotel and are considered to have been part of a stone circle at one point, although no evidence has proven this.
An ancient stone well said to have been used by a visiting saint in the 6th century, St Columba’s Well was believed to have healing properties (for many years, a silver cup was kept there to drink the waters from). Situated above Kiloran Bay, it’s a bit tricky to find but well worth it for the incredible views.
Walking
Colonsay is blessed with 22 hills, all of which are at least 300ft, which are known locally as the MacPhies. Keen walkers can attempt to climb as many as possible. The Colonsay walking challenge is to climb them all in one connected route, which is around 32km in length. The current completion record is 3 hours, 56 minutes and 44 seconds, which is frankly astonishing as there’s no real set path. If you’re not quite up to doing the whole lot in one go, it’s well worth taking on a few at a time or just taking a day to see how many you can do - the incredible views are the perfect motivator!
If you’d like to get the insider knowledge from a local to make the most of your walk, get yourself booked onto a walk with Guided Walks from the Wee Croft, where you can choose from clifftop ambles and points of archaeological interest to hilly climbs and beachy strolls.
Events and festivals
For book lovers, the annual Colonsay Book Festival is a two-day event that takes place on the last weekend of April and has welcomed many famous authors such as Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Colonsay Festival of Spring is a vibrant celebration of the natural world. You’ll find plenty going on, including wildlife walks, foraging courses, and wildflower pressing.
Held in the middle of September every year, Ceol Cholasa is an oh-so-popular traditional music festival, celebrating Colonsay’s fantastic musical heritage with a huge number of bands, singers and musicians. And a little later in the season, the annual Autumn Food and Drink Festival raises a glass to celebrate all the delicious food and drink that Colonsay and Scotland produce. There are fab cookery classes and demonstrations, as well as preserving sessions, chocolate making, foraging walks and craft workshops.
Places to eat
A small island that packs quite the culinary punch, Colonsay is home to some seriously tempting places to eat and drink.
The Colonsay Pantry
This fantastic family-run restaurant-come-café is a firm favourite with locals and has been running since 1988. Overlooking the Isle of Jura and just a couple of hundred yards from the pier, it prides itself on its fresh seafood (they have their own seafood nights, serving platters brimming with the freshest fare). The Pantry also sells freshly baked bread, cakes, and biscuits, as well as Colonsay Wildflower honey – a must to take back to your holiday home.
Colonsay Gin
This gin distillery is located at Kilchattan overlooking Loch Fada, and produces lots of tasty beverages such as its signature gin, bramble gin liqueur, Japanese-style rum, honey-spiced rum and raspberry vodka. Colonsay Gin is also open for tours. Lasting about an hour, you get to meet ‘Jinty’, the copper gin still, and learn all about the gin-making process. At the end of the tour, you get to sample all of the gins before picking up a bottle or two to take home with you. You’ll need to book prior to your visit.
Colonsay Smokery
Producing delicious hot and cold-smoked salmon and gravadlax caught from the Atlantic, Colonsay Smokery is a must-visit for some truly local, tasty produce, and they’re also happy to give you a tour if they’re not too busy. Using traditional methods to fillet, cure, and smoke Atlantic Salmon completely by hand, it’s the perfect meal to grace your table at your holiday cottage – and maybe take some back home with you!
The Colonsay Restaurant and Bar
With open fires, comfy sofas, and a warm, cosy feel, the Colonsay Restaurant and Bar is a lovely spot to go for a special meal out. Specialising in local seafood, meat, and locally grown veggies, expect excellent food cooked simply to bring out the quality of the ingredients.
Sunday sessions at the Village Hall
A firm tradition for the islanders, Sunday Sessions is a pop-up restaurant and bar in the village hall, serving delicious Sunday lunches as well as an excellent quiz night. Check out their social media for upcoming events.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our stunning holiday cottages on Colonsay and start planning your Inner Hebridean adventure today.
