Scotland's 'special' island with beautiful white sandy beaches you need to visit
The scenic isle is famous for its one-of-a-kind beach airport.
Scotland is home to countless picturesque villages and towns that would make for a great staycation destination. However, nothing can compare to its islands.
In total, there are around 800 islands in Scotland. The majority of these are uninhabited, but there are also plenty of hidden gems that would make for a one-of-a-kind holiday.
One Scottish island that often flies under the radar is Barra. The southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides, Barra features a population of around just over 1,000.
Described as a "special place to visit" by VisitScotland, Barra's main claim to fame is its airport. It is believed to be the only destination around the world where scheduled flights use a beach as a runway.
The island's jaw-dropping beaches are its top draw. In addition to Traigh Mhor Beach, where visitors often gather to see planes depart, there are also less busy bays for those seeking some peace and quiet.
One of the top beaches on Barra is Eoligarry Beach, which is located in a remote spot along the northern coast of the island. Featuring glorious white sand and beautiful aquamarine water, it is a great spot for either a family hike or a peaceful solo trip.
Surprisingly, despite its small size, there are quite a few options around Barra when it comes to food. The island features a variety of restaurants and even a hotel with a pub.
Cafe Kisimul is one of the most popular food spots on Barra, serving up authentic Punjabi cuisine with a focus on local produce. Its menu includes a variety of curries, including a number of vegan and vegetarian options.
The restaurant has earned a rave reception from visitors to the island. On Google, it has an average rating of 4.7 out of five based on 388 reviews.
One Cafe Kisimul customer wrote: "Wonderful experience, the best curry I have had in a long time. Great service and lovely atmosphere.
"I would definitely recommend if you enjoy a curry. Great whisky selection too."
Elsewhere, the Fish Box Kitchen is a mobile catering unit specialising in locally caught fish and seafood that is cooked to order. Its food has been described as "amazing" and "incredible" in Google reviews.
Meanwhile, The Castlebay Hotel is situated in Barra's main settlement of Castlebay and benefits from gorgeous views out over the natural harbour. The hotel's restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while its cosy bar is renowned for its live music.
If you are keen to learn more about Barra and its interesting past, then the Barra Heritage Centre is definitely worth a visit. Created in 1995 to protect and promote the culture and history of Barra and neighbouring Vatersay, it is home to amazing artefacts, documents, photographs, and much more.
The heritage centre also features a tearoom, where visitors can enjoy a variety of local freshly baked goodies and both hot and cold drinks. There is even hot soup on offer, freshly made with hearty ingredients.
For those interested in a Barra getaway, the island can be reached by either air or sea. Visitors can choose to fly to its unique airport from Glasgow, or catch a ferry from Oban.
Further information about Barra and what visitors can get up to around the island can be found on the Isle of Barra website.
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