As you probably know, when it comes to whisky here at Great Drams, we most certainly don’t discriminate. One look in my drinks cabinet will prove this, as I’ve countless whiskies, not just from across the UK, but from all over the globe as well. 

Some days I’m partial to a fruity Speyside expression, whereas others I’m in the mood for a spicy American rye. I do have to say, though, that for as long as I can remember I’ve been a massive Islay whisky fan. I don’t just enjoy the peaty, smoky notes we’ve come to expect from an Islay, I love the maritime influence imparted by the local terroir, the complexity of the whisky, and of course, I love Islay itself. 

Being as fortunate as I am to do what I do, I’ve found myself in Islay plenty of times over the years. Every time I visit, I’m literally awestruck. It’s an absolutely stunning whisky region in Scotland and is a must for any whisky fan. 

When staying in Islay, other than the weather, the main issue you’ll face is finding the right accommodation. Planning a whisky tour across Islay takes a lot of planning, but finding the right accommodation just got a whole lot easier. 

To help make your whisky tour of Islay unforgettable, here are a few recommendations of places to stay that get the Great Drams seal of approval. 

More About Islay

Before we take a look at where to stay on Islay, let’s first learn more about this gorgeous whisky region in Scotland. 

The Isle of Islay, pronounced ‘eye-lah’, is located on western Scotland, and is commonly referred to as Scotland’s ‘Whisky Coast’. The isle is home not only to some of the finest whisky distilleries in the world, but also some stunning coastline, amazing landscapes, relaxing sandy beaches, gorgeous views, fantastic wildlife, and some of the freshest, most delicious seafood you’ll ever taste! See? I told you I was a fan. 

Islay is currently home to 10 working distilleries (including Port Ellen), which are: 

• Caol Ila 
• Ardbeg 
• Bowmore 
• Ardnahoe 
• Port Ellen (Islay’s newest distillery, founded back in 1825, closed down in 1983, and reopened again in 2024)
• Bruichladdich 
• Bunnahabhain 
• Kilchoman 
• Lagavulin 
• Laphroaig 

There are also several other distilleries on Islay, set to become operational in the near future. 

Whisky produced on Islay is very distinct, as characteristically it is often peaty and smoky. That isn’t to say that all whisky produced on Islay meets these criteria because it doesn’t. Chances are however, that if you taste a peated single malt, it was produced on Islay. 

Where to Stay on Islay

With an estimated population of around 3,228, according to Google, this inner-Hebrides Isle is cut off from the mainland, which means if you plan on travelling by car, you’ll need to take the ferry. Then of course, it’s down to you to decide on where to stay. 

Where you stay will depend not only on things like budget and transport, but also on which distilleries you plan on visiting. To help make your stay that little bit easier, here are four suggestions that should prove very handy.