Island hopping in Scotland is one of the most best ways to explore the country.
With over 900 islands scattered around its coastline, Scotland offers an unparalleled mix of easy-access island breaks and remote, wild adventure, all connected by ferries, causeways and short flights.
This guide covers 50+ of the best Scottish islands to visit, including how to reach each one, which islands work well together, and how to plan realistic island hopping routes, rom simple day trips to multi-island journeys across the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.
Whether you’re planning your first island escape or mapping out a longer route, this is my complete guide to island hopping around Scotland.
My guide to → the best Scottish Islands to visit
Island hopping in Scotland: routes from the Clyde to Shetland
Scotland’s islands fall into five main groups:
- The Inner Hebrides sit close to the west coast and include well-known islands like Skye and Mull.
- The Outer Hebrides lie further west, shaped by Atlantic weather and Gaelic culture.
- Orkney is rich in Neolithic history, just off the north coast.
- Further north still, Shetland feels distinctly Nordic, with dramatic coastlines, wildlife and a strong island identity.
- The Islands of the Clyde sit near central Scotland and are among the easiest to reach.
I’ve visited many of these islands multiple times and regularly travel Scotland by ferry. Island hopping one of my favourite ways to explore the country.
How island hopping works in Scotland
Island hopping in Scotland is made possible by a network of ferries operated primarily by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) alongside regional ferries, causeways, and short domestic flights.
Most island hopping routes follow one of three patterns:
- Hub-based hopping – staying on a larger island and visiting smaller islands as day trips (such as Islay and Jura)
- Linear routes – travelling island to island without backtracking (such as the Outer Hebrides)
- Circular routes – hopping between islands before returning to the mainland (such as the Small Isles)
How to use this guide for island hopping:
Each island includes ferry routes, crossing times, and whether it works as a day trip. You can use this guide to plan anything from a simple two-island hop to a longer multi-week island hopping route across Scotland.
Jump to: The Inner Hebrides and The Small Isles | The Outer Hebrides | Orkney | Shetland | The Islands of the Clyde
The Inner Hebrides
The Inner Hebrides range from famous, busy islands to small, quiet communities, and are one of the best regions in Scotland for island hopping, thanks to frequent ferries and short crossings.
From Mull to Skye, here is how to go island hopping in the Inner Hebrides.
Read more → Complete guide to ferry hopping in the Inner Hebrides
Getting to the Inner Hebrides and around the islands
- Caledonian MacBrayne runs frequent ferries from Oban, Mallaig and Kennacraig to islands including Mull and Islay.
- Flights with Loganair link Glasgow and Inverness with islands such as Islay and Tiree.
The Isle of Skye and Raasay
Skye is Scotland’s most visited island, offering dramatic scenery. With the natural wonders such as the Black Cuillin, the Fairy Pools, the majestic Quiraing, remote Neist Point Lighthouse and Kilt Rock, the Isle of Skye’s outdoor attractions are legendary.
Raasay is located off the Isle of Skye and offers quieter landscapes, walking routes and a distillery.
Read more, my guide to → planning your visit to the Isle of Skye
- How to get to Skye: By ferry: Mallaig–Armadale / bridge. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None. Day trip reachable? No – Skye is vast, with long distances and winding roads. It deserves at least a few days.
- How to get to Raasay: By ferry: Sconser–Raasay. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None. Day trip reachable? Yes from Skye.
- Stay on Skye: Sligachan Hotel, Edinbane Lodge, Bracken Hide Hotel.
- Stay on Raasay: Raasay House Hotel
Mull, Iona, Ulva and Gometra
Mull is a large island just a short ferry ride from Oban or from Ardnamurchan, perfect for an Island holiday in Scotland.
From climbing a Munro, staying in the pretty town of Tobermory, to one of Scotland’s best beaches, Mull is one of Scotland’s most popular islands.
Mull is an excellent base for island hopping, with easy ferry connections to Iona, Ulva and Gometra.
The Isle of Iona, located of the coast of Mull is your first stop on your tour of Scotland’s royal history. The birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, Iona Abbey is the burial place of 48 of Scotland’s kings.
My guide to → visting the Isle of Mull
- How to get to Mull: By ferry: Oban–Craignure or Kilchoan-Tobermory. Crossing time: 30–90 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None. Day trip reachable? Possible but long day.
- How to get to Iona: By ferry: Fionnphort–Iona. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: No. Flights: None. Day trip reachable? Yes from Mull.
- Stay: Bellachroy Hotel, Isle Of Mull Hotel and Spa on Mull. St Columba Hotel, or the Inn at Port nan Gael on Iona.
More islands off Mull to visit:
- Ulva – community-owned with walking routes and wildlife. Catch the local Ulva ferry to visit.
- Gometra – tiny and peaceful, access is via ferry from Ulva.
Coll and Tiree
Coll and Tiree sit side by side in the Inner Hebrides.
Coll is quiet, rugged and lightly populated, known for its dark skies, wildlife, and sandy bays – ideal for slow travel and escaping busy island hotspots.
Tiree, by contrast, is flat, fertile and famously sunny. It’s known for white-sand beaches, turquoise water, crofting landscapes and some of Scotland’s best conditions for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- How to get to Coll: By ferry: Oban–Coll. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None. Day trip reachable? No.
- How to get to Tiree: By ferry: Oban–Tiree. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Tiree Airport (Glasgow). Day trip reachable? No
- Island hopping between Coll and Tiree: By ferry: Coll to Tiree. Crossing time: 1 hour. Car ferry: Yes. This makes Coll and Tiree easy to combine as part of an Inner Hebrides island hopping route.
Islay and Jura
Wild beaches, world-famous whisky, and a slower pace of life, the Isle of Islay is one of Scotland’s most characterful islands. From peat-smoked whisky drams to sweeping Atlantic views, Islay is one of my favourite islands to visit in Scotland.
Across the Sound, Jura is home to 180 people, 5000 deer and one whisky distillery – and the impressive Paps of Jura. Islay and Jura are often visited together, making them a classic two-island hop in the Inner Hebrides.
My guide to → visiting the Isle of Islay
- How to get to Islay: By ferry: Kennacraig–Islay. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Islay Airport (Glasgow). Day trip reachable? No
- How to get to Jura: By ferry: Islay–Jura. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None. Day trip reachable? Yes from Islay.
- Stay: On Islay: Port Charlotte Hotel, Another Place, The Machrie. On Jura: Bothan Jura Retreat, The Jura Hotel.
Colonsay
Colonsay is a small island in the Inner Hebrides, known for its peaceful atmosphere, wildlife and dramatic coastal scenery.
Things to do on Colonsay include walking the island’s coastal paths, relaxing on the wide sands of Kiloran Bay, and visiting Colonsay House Gardens, one of the most impressive formal gardens on a Scottish island.
- How to get to Colonsay: By ferry: Oban–Colonsay. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? No.
- Stay: The Colonsay Hotel.
Gigha
Gigha is a small island just off the Kintyre peninsula, known for its mild climate and clear waters. Explore Achamore Gardens, famous for their rhododendrons and exotic plants, walking or cycle the island’s quiet lanes, visit the beaches with views to Jura and Islay or go sea kayaking.
- How to get to Gigha: By ferry: Tayinloan (Kintyre) – Gigha. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes
- Stay: There are lots of self catering options on Gigha including Isle of Gigha Farmhouse.
Lismore
Lismore sits in Loch Linnhe between the mainland and Mull. Things to do on Lismore include walking or cycling the length of the island, visiting Lismore Lighthouse for views towards Mull and Ben Nevis.
- How to get to Lismore: By ferry: Oban–Lismore. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes
- Stay: The Lismore Bunkhouse and Campsite
Kerrera
Kerrera lies just off the coast of Oban and has views over the Firth of Lorn. Visit the ruins of Gylen Castle perched above the cliffs, wildlife spot and visit the island’s quiet beaches.
- How to get to Kerrera: By ferry: Oban–Kerrera. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: No. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes
- Stay: There are a range of self catering options on Kerrera, including a bunkhouse and cabins.
The Small Isles
The Small Isles sit off the west coast between Skye and Ardnamurchan and include Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna.
Each island has a distinct character: Rum is mountainous and wild, Eigg is creative and community-owned, Muck is small and friendly, and Canna is peaceful and wildlife-rich.
The ferry between the Small Isles runs Mallaig – Canna – Rum – Muck – Eigg so you can go island hopping around the Small Isles with careful planning.
The Small Isles sit off the west coast between Skye and Ardnamurchan and are perfect for slow, circular island hopping, with a single ferry route linking all four islands.
Canna
Canna is a peaceful island known for its wildlife and sense of calm. Linked by causeway to neighbouring Sanday, things to do on Canna include spotting puffins, guillemots and other seabirds along the cliffs, exploring the ruins and gardens of Canna House.
- How to get to Canna: By ferry: Mallaig–Canna. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? No
- Stay: There is a range of places to stay on Canna including cabins and a guesthouse.
Rum
Rum is the largest of the Small Isles and one of the wildest islands in Scotland. Dominated by the dramatic Rum Cuillin, the island is home to red deer, golden eagles and seabirds. Kinloch Castle, an unusual Edwardian mansion with a fascinating history.
- How to get to Rum: By ferry: Mallaig–Rum or Canna to Rum. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable: No
- Stay: There is a range of places to stay on Rum including bothies and bunkhouses.
Muck
Muck is the smallest of the Small Isles and is home to a tiny community. Things to do on Muck include walking the island’s coastal paths, visiting the sandy beaches, and spotting wildlife such as seals, otters and seabirds.
- How to get to Muck: By ferry: Mallaig–Muck or Rum to Muck. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? No
- Stay: There is a range of places to stay on Muck including bothies and bunkhouses.
Eigg
Eigg is one of the most distinctive islands in the Inner Hebrides, known for its dramatic volcanic landscape. Community-owned since 1997, things to do on Eigg include climbing An Sgùrr, the island’s iconic pitchstone ridge, Laig Bay, and visiting local craft studios.
- How to get to Eigg: By ferry: Mallaig–Eigg or Muck to Eigg. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? No
- Stay: There is a range of places to stay on Eigg including bothies and bunkhouses.
The Outer Hebrides (Western Isles)
The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, stretch in a long chain off Scotland’s wild Atlantic coast, made up of more than 100 islands, around 15 of them inhabited.
The Outer Hebrides are ideal for long-distance island hopping, travelling north to south by ferries and causeway.
My guide to → visiting the Outer Hebrides
Getting to The Outer Hebrides and around the islands
Ferries to the Outer Hebrides are run by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) who operates ferry routes from Ullapool to Stornoway (Lewis), Uig (Skye) to Tarbert (Harris) and Lochmaddy (North Uist), and Oban to Castlebay (Barra).
CalMac also operate the inter-island ferries.
Alternatively, scheduled flights connect mainland Scotland with Stornoway (Lewis), Benbecula and Barra, the latter boasting the unforgettable beach runway at Traigh Mhor that works around the tides.
Here’s how to ferry hop around the Outer Hebrides:
Lewis
Lewis is the most northern of the Outer Hebrides and is part of the Lewis and Harris landmass. The island is home to the main town of Stornoway, the Calanais Standing Stones & Visitor Centre, Gearrannan Black House Village, and Dun Carloway Broch.
- How to get to Lewis: By ferry Ullapool–Stornoway. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Stornoway Airport from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness.
- Day trip reachable? Not from mainland Scotland, but yes, from Harris.
- Stay: Lews Castle, Royal Hotel, Cabarfeidh Hotel.
Harris
Travelling south, Harris is famed for mountainous scenery and world-class beaches and the Isle of Harris Distillery.
Harris’s hills divide these two islands and include the mighty Clisham, a Corbett at 799 m (2,621 ft), is a paradise for walkers giving views across the whole Outer Hebrides.
Harris is home to beautiful beaches, from Hushinish Beach hop your way to Luskentyre and Seilebost, then to Horgabost, Borve, and Scarista Beach – all with beautiful white sands and turquoise seas.
- How to get to Harris: By ferry – Ullapool–Stornoway or Uig–Tarbert. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights via Stornaway airport from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness.
- Day trip reachable? Not from mainland Scotland, but yes, from Lewis.
- Stay: Hotel Hebrides
Great Bernera
Great Bernera is linked to Lewis by bridge and combines beaches and archaeology with easy access. Visit Bosta Beach with its Iron Age house.
- How to get to Great Bernera: By ferry: None (bridge). Crossing time: N/A. Car ferry: N/A. Flights: Via Stornoway Airport.
- Day trip reachable? Yes
- Stay at: Atlantic View Cottage.
Scalpay (Harris)
Scalpay is a quiet island linked to Harris by bridge, offering peaceful scenery, links to links to Bonnie Prince Charles and the iconic Scalpay lighthouse.
- How to get to Scalpay: By ferry: None (bridge). Crossing time: N/A. Car ferry: N/A. Flights: Via Stornoway Airport.
- Day trip reachable? Yes
- Stay: Two Harbours Guest House
Berneray
Berneray is known for spectacular beaches and dunes, and is home to many crofting families.
- How to get to Berneray: By ferry: Leverburgh–Berneray. Crossing time: 30–90 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Via Benbecula Airport.
- Day trip reachable? Yes
- Stay: Kelleys Pod
North Uist
North Uist is characterised by lochs, beaches, and birdlife. Visit Balranald RSPB Reserve, the Pobhull Finn stone circle, and walk across to the tidal island of Vallay.
North Uists most famous tale is actually much more recent – Hercules the Bear, a famous grizzly bear filming an advert on the island went on the run for three weeks across the Outer Hebrides, eventually being captured on North Uist – and a statue now stands in Langlass Woodland in his honour.
- How to get to North Uist: By ferry: Uig – Lochmaddy. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Via Benbecula Airport.
- Day trip reachable? Yes from Benbecula.
- Stay: Langass Lodge, Lochmaddy Hotel, Temple View Hotel
Benbecula
A beautiful island, Benbecula also acts as a transport hub with an airport. The island has connections to Bonnie Prince Charlie, he hid here as he made his escape from the Battle of Culloden. You can also go horse riding on Benbecula’s huge beaches.
- How to get to Benbecula: By ferry: None (causeways from North Uist). Crossing time: N/A. Car ferry: N/A. Flights: Benbecula Airport (Glasgow, Inverness).
- Day trip reachable? Yes from North and South Uist.
- Stay: Atlantic Sunset Pod
South Uist
South Uist features long beaches, mountains, and Gaelic culture. Climb Hecla, Beinn Mhor, Beinn Corradale and Ben Kenneth, Howmore with its collection of thatched cottages including Howmore Hostel.
- How to get to South Uist: By ferry: Mallaig – Lochboisdale. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Causeway from Benbecula. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Via Benbecula Airport.
- Day trip reachable? Yes from Benbecula and North Uist
- Stay: Hoilisgeir Self Catering Pod, Dallymach pod, Polochar Inn
Eriskay
Eriskay is a small island at the southern end of the Outer Hebrides, known for its white-sand beaches and famous Eriskay ponies.
- How to get to Eriskay: Connected by causeway to South Uist and by Ferry to Barra. Crossing time: 40 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Via Benbecula Airport, then drive south through South Uist.
- Day trip reachable? Yes, easily from South Uist and Benbecula.
- Stay: An Taigh Mòr
Barra
The Isle of Barra might be most famous for its airport on the beach (the baggage reclaim is also a bus stop) but this beautiful island ‘Barradise’ has lots to offer for the visitor – not least an incredible castle which gives the main town Castlebay its name.
- How to get to Barra: By ferry: Oban–Castlebay. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Barra Airport (Glasgow).
- Day trip reachable: Yes from Eriskay/The Uists.
- Stay: Castlebay Hotel, Isle of Barra Beach Hotel.
Vatersay
Vatersay is the southernmost inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides, known for its wide sandy beaches, machair landscapes and rich birdlife.
- How to get to Vatersay: By ferry: None (causeway). Crossing time: N/A. Car ferry: N/A. Flights: Via Barra Airport.
- Day trip reachable? Yes from Barra
The Orkney Islands
Orkney sits just off Scotland’s north coast and is known for outstanding archaeology and dramatic seascapes.
From the simply incredible Heart of Neolithic Orkney to tales of invading Vikings and World War 2 battles and St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. Why not explore Orkney’s history which stretches back 5000 years?
With frequent inter-island ferries and short crossings, Orkney is one of the easiest places in Scotland for island hopping, whether you’re visiting one outer isle or several.
Getting to Orkney and around the islands
Orkney is well connected by ferry and air.
Ferries include NorthLink Ferries, with services from Scrabster to Stromness and Aberdeen to Kirkwall, and Pentland Ferries running from Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope.
Air travel is operated by Loganair, offering scheduled flights to Kirkwall from Scottish mainland airports such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen; they also run inter-island flights including the world’s shortest scheduled route between Westray and Papa Westray.
Here is how to ferry hop around Orkney.
Mainland (Orkney)
Orkney Mainland is the transport and cultural hub of the Orkney Islands, home to the capital Kirkwall, UNESCO Neolithic World Heritage Sites including Skara Brae, museums, shops, restaurants, and accommodation, alongside 18,000 permanent residents.
- How to get to Orkney Mainland: By ferry: Scrabster–Stromness or Gills Bay–St Margaret’s Hope. Crossing time: 1.5 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights are available to Kirkwall Airport from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness. Car hire is available on the island.
- Day trip reachable? Yes, from Scrabster to Stromness but it is a tight day if you want to explore Mainland.
- Stay: Merkister Hotel, Harray or The Sands Hotel in Kirkwall.
Read more, my guide to → planning your visit to Orkney Mainland
Hoy
Hoy is Orkney’s most rugged island, known for wild scenery and the Old Man of Hoy sea stack, it is a great day trip from Mainland.
- How to get to Hoy: By ferry: Stromness or Houton–Hoy. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes from Stromness.
- Stay: Stromabank Hotel, Hoy.
Shapinsay
Shapinsay is a fertile island close to Kirkwall, popular for coastal walks, Balfour Castle, and hiring an e-bike from the island’s Development Trust to cycle around the island.
- How to get to Shapinsay: By Ferry: Kirkwall–Shapinsay. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes from Kirkwall.
- Stay: Greenatang.
Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre
Rousay is rich in archaeological sites and walking routes, often called the “Egypt of the North” with more than 150 sites to visit including Midhowe Broch and Knowe of Yarso. You can also ferry hop to nearby Egilsay & Wyre.
- How to get to Rousay: By ferry: Tingwall–Rousay. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes from Tingwall on Mainland.
- Stay: The Taversoe
Westray
Westray is a larger outer island with sea cliffs, beaches, wildlife, Westray Heritage Centre where you can view the Westray Wife, also known as the Orkney Venus, the first Neolithic carving of a human form found in Scotland.
- How to get to Westray: By ferry: Kirkwall–Westray. Crossing time: 1.5 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Yes, Westray Airport from Kirkwall.
- Day trip reachable? Yes, from Kirkwall.
- Stay: The Reid Hall
Papa Westray
Papa Westray is a small island best known for the Knap of Howar prehistoric houses – which are older than Skara Brae.
- How to get to Papa Westray: By ferry: Westray–Papa Westray. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: No. Flights: Yes, to Papa Westray Airport from Kirkwall – which is the shortest commercial flight in the world at 53 seconds.
- Day trip reachable? Yes by the 53 minute flight!
- Stay: The Papa Westray Hostel
Sanday
Sanday is a large, low-lying island with wide beaches, wildlife, and Norse history, including the Elsness & Quoyness Chambered Cairn.
- How to get to Sanday: By ferry: Kirkwall–Sanday. Crossing time: 1.5 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Yes, Sanday Airport from Kirkwall.
- Day trip reachable? Yes, from Kirkwall.
- Stay: Braeswick B&B
Stronsay
Stronsay combines farmland, cliff walks, including the Vat of Kirbister, a natural rock arch. Nicknamed the island of bays, Stronsay has some beautiful beaches.
- How to get to Stronsay: By ferry: Kirkwall–Stronsay. Crossing time: 1.5 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Stronsay Airport from Kirkwall.
- Day trip reachable? Yes, but tight day.
- Stay: The Stronsay Hotel
Eday
Eday is a long, narrow island with distinctive red sandstone landscapes and prehistoric remains including The Stone of Setterm one of the largest standing stones in Orkney, and Vinquoy Chambered Cairn.
- How to get to Eday: Ferry: Kirkwall–Eday. Crossing time: 30–90 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: Eday Airport (Kirkwall).
- Day trip reachable? Yes
- Stay: Eday Community Hostel.
North Ronaldsay
North Ronaldsay is Orkney’s most northerly island, famous for seaweed-eating sheep and migrating birds.
- How to get to North Ronaldsay: Ferry: Kirkwall–North Ronaldsay. Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: North Ronaldsay Airport (Kirkwall).
- Day trip reachable? No
- Stay: Murray Arms Hotel
Flotta
Flotta lies in Scapa Flow and has strong naval history links, with accommodation and limited facilities.
- How to get to Flotta: Ferry: Houton–Flotta. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes
The Shetland Islands
Made up of more than 100 islands (around 15 inhabited), Shetland lies far north of mainland Scotland and offers dramatic coastlines, Norse heritage, and distinctive island culture and events such as Up Helly A.
Travelling to Shetland might take longer, but once you arrive, island hopping around Shetland is surprisingly straightforward, using a mix of ferries and short flights.
Getting to Shetland and around the islands
The main way to reach Shetland by sea is with NorthLink Ferries, which operate year-round sailings from Aberdeen to Lerwick, typically taking about 12½–14½ hours.
Shetland is also served by Loganair, with regular flights into Sumburgh Airport, from Scottish mainland hubs including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness (and seasonal links such as Bergen).
For exploring the archipelago itself, air services operated by AirTask Group fly from Tingwall Airport to remote isles like Fair Isle, Foula and Papa Stour.
Once in Shetland, Shetland Islands Council Ferries (SIC Ferries) and partners run services connecting the mainland with outlying islands such as Bressay, Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Whalsay, Skerries, Papa Stour, Foula and Fair Isle, many allowing foot passengers and vehicles.
You can view the route map here.
Here is how to ferry hop around Shetland.
Mainland (Shetland)
Shetland Mainland is the archipelago’s centre, home to Lerwick, museums, shops, restaurants, and accommodation. Visit Bain’s Beach, The Lodberrie and Shetland Museum in Lerwick and visit Jarlshof, a 5,000-year-old site, St Ninian’s Isle tombolo, and visit Mousa Broch,
- How to get to Sheltland Mainland: By ferry: Aberdeen–Lerwick. Crossing time: overnight. Car ferry: Yes. Flights to Sumburgh Airport from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness.
- Day trip reachable? No
- Stay: Scalloway Hotel, The Lerwick Hotel, Busta House Hotel, St Magnus Bay Hotel.
Whalsay
Whalsay has a strong fishing heritage. Visit Whalsay Heritage Centre, the Hanseatic Booth museum, and the Neolithic houses of Yoxie and the Beenie Hoose.
- How to get to Whalsay: By ferry: Laxo, Mainland – Whalsay. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes
- Stay: Auld Manse Whalsay
Bressay
Bressay lies just across from Lerwick and offers coastal walks and wildlife. Walk to Bressay Lighthouse, visit Bressay Heritage Centre, and go behind the scenes of a traditional Shetland croft at Garth’s Farm.
- How to get to Bressay: By ferry: Lerwick–Bressay. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes from Shetland Mainland.
- Stay: Maryfield House Hotel, Midgarth House Apartments.
Yell
Yell is a large island known for its landscapes and wildlife. Visit the Old Haa Museum, wildlife watch at RSPB’s Lumbister, the Yell Sound islands and the island of Hascosay, and visit the beaches at Sands of Breckon and West Sandwick.
- How to get to Yell: By ferry: Toft (Mainland) – Yell. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes from Shetland Mainland.
- Stay: Seaview B&B
Unst
Unst is Britain’s northernmost inhabited island, with Viking heritage (including 60 longhouses uncovered by archeologists at Underhoull, Belmont and Hamar), wildlife, and visitor facilities.
- How to get to Unst: By ferry: Yell–Unst. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Possible but long day if you have a base on Yell.
- Stay: The Uyeasound Old Pier Cottage
Fetlar
Fetlar is a quiet island prized for birdlife and archaeology. Visit Fetlar Interpretive Centre and RSPB Mires of Funzie Reserve.
- How to get to Fetlar: By ferry: Yell – Fetlar. Crossing time: 30–90 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Possible but long day if you have a base on Yell.
- Stay: Fetlar Lodge and The Peerie House
Fair Isle
Fair Isle is internationally famous for birdwatching and knitwear. Visit the Fair Isle Bird Observatory and buy genuine Fair Isle knitting.
- How to get to Fair Isle: Ferry: Grutness (Mainland) – Fair Isle (seasonal). Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: No. Flights: Fair Isle Airport (Tingwall).
- Day trip reachable? No, Fair Isle is very remote.
- Stay: The Bird Observatory.
Foula
Foula is extremely remote with towering cliffs, great for bird watching, diving and walking.
- How to get to Foula: By ferry: Walls (Mainland) – Foula (seasonal). Crossing time: Over 2 hours. Car ferry: No. Flights: Foula Airport (Tingwall).
- Day trip reachable? Yes, by private tour.
- Stay: Burns Self-Catering
The islands of the Clyde
The Islands of the Clyde sit off Scotland’s west coast, close to Glasgow, and are ideal for first-time island hopping, with short crossings and frequent ferries from the mainland.
The group includes Arran, often described as “Scotland in miniature”, Bute with its Victorian seaside heritage, Great Cumbrae and the town of Millport and smaller Little Cumbrae.
The Isle of Arran
With rugged highland mountains, windswept beaches and ruined castles, and, of course, its own whisky, the Isle of Arran truly is ‘Scotland in Miniature’. Despite the whole island being only 55 miles around, there is a lot to fit in!
My guide to → visiting the Isle of Arran
- How to get to Arran: By ferry: Ardrossan–Brodick. Crossing time: 30–90 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable: Possible but very full day
- Stay: Lamlash Bay Hotel, The Corrie Hotel, Kinloch Hotel
The Isle of Bute
The Isle of Bute is one of Scotland’s easiest islands to reach. Centred around the Victorian resort of Rothesay, Bute has a relaxed, traditional holiday feel.
Visit Mount Stuart, a spectacular Gothic Revival mansion, walk or cycle the quiet coastal roads, explore sandy bays and beaches, and wander Rothesay’s promenade, castle and cafés.
- How to get to the Isle of Bute: By ferry: Wemyss Bay–Rothesay. Crossing time: 30–90 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes
- Stay: The Glenburn Hotel, Kingarth Hotel
Great Cumbrae
Great Cumbrae is a small, lively island just off Largs, best known for the seaside town of Millport. Easy to explore and very visitor-friendly, it’s popular for day trips and short breaks.
Things to do on Great Cumbrae include cycling the circular coastal road, walking to the Crocodile Rock, visiting the Garrison House and enjoying beaches, cafés and classic seaside scenery.
- How to get to Great Cumbrae: By ferry: Largs–Cumbrae Slip. Crossing time: Up to 30 minutes. Car ferry: Yes. Flights: None.
- Day trip reachable? Yes
- Stay: Millport Pier Hotel
Whether you’re planning a simple day trip or a longer multi-island route, these 50+ islands show just how varied, accessible and rewarding island hopping in Scotland can be.
Kate – Love from Scotland x
I’m Kate, the Scotland-based travel writer behind Love from Scotland. I share first-hand destination guides and accommodation recommendations across Scotland. Let me help you plan your best ever trip!