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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited the sunny Scottish island that feels more like a chic Caribbean beach holiday
Tiree is the Caribbean beach holiday destination you can reach without a passport SHORE BET! I visited the sunny Scottish island that feels more like a chic Caribbean beach holiday Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I HAD only been awake for an hour and I'd immersed myself in Scandinavia and the Caribbean, with a side helping of haggis. Such is the joyful confusion of taking a holiday on Scotland's sunshine island of Tiree. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 A beautiful thatched cottage on the island of Tiree - the 'sunniest place in Scotland' Credit: Alamy 4 There are plenty of waves to be enjoyed for surf fans Credit: Alamy 4 Visitors can see the island by cycling its scenic routes Credit: Alamy Dubbing somewhere the 'sunniest place in Scotland' sounds like faint praise — a bit like awarding a prize for the sandiest part of the Sahara or best-ever episode of Crossroads. But, thanks to the Gulf Stream, Tiree — with its population of barely 600 — really does have more hours of sunshine than anywhere on the UK mainland per year, despite its chilly-looking position in the Inner Hebrides islands. Checking into the Reef Inn after the three-hour ferry crossing from the pretty mainland town of Oban, I felt I'd been transported to a chic boutique bolthole in Helsinki or Stockholm. While so many hotels in the Scottish Highlands and Islands have maintained a traditional decor of wall-to-wall tartan and complimentary shortbread, the Reef Inn does things differently. Pale wood floors, sheepskin throws, a white four-poster bed and funky Scandi-retro furniture fitted in fabulously well with the views out over an unusual landscape. Unusual because Tiree doesn't have the soaring mountains, blind glens and deep forests you would expect from the Hebrides. This island is table-mat flat, giving the views from my window a gorgeously calming air, with the rolling grasslands and the odd cottage being the only distraction from the panoramically large blue skies, dotted with the smallest ice cream scoops of cloud. After a delicious breakfast of potato scones and vegetarian haggis, I drove to explore Tiree's main draw — its quite stupendous beaches. Turquoise waters There are dozens of coves, bays and yawning stretches of sand tucked into the folds of Tiree, but none are more beautiful than Balephetrish. Located on the western edge of this tiny, 12 mile by three mile island, I began strolling along an immense curve of sand the colour of vanilla and milk, and as soft as gossamer, all backed by Mohican tufts of marram grass. Discover the Scenic Arran Coastal Way It's a gorgeous day and yet, as the turquoise waters kiss the shoreline, I'm the only person here barring one man grappling manfully with his surfboard, perhaps in training for the Tiree Wave Classic event which is held every October. I don't even have to scrunch up my eyes to pretend that I'm in one of the quieter, more chic Caribbean islands, like Anguilla or Grand Turk, except there's no sun loungers and nobody trying to get me to buy overpriced cocktails. Tiree offers something far more disorientating than a shot of rum; this is an island that's home to some deeply strange structures known as 'brochs'. I'm seriously starting to wonder why I ever submitted to an eight-hour flight to Barbados Built sometime between the first century BC and the first century AD, it's believed that these circular stone structures were lived in by invaders from England, who ruled over the local population. The broch I clambered around, called Dun Mor Vaul, still has its lower circular stone walls intact. With just a few hardy sheep for company, the view from the summit here is enchanting; a soft, whispering breeze rustles the clusters of thrift sea pink flowers, while skylarks and oystercatchers sing their way out over the silver and tin coloured waves. 4 A cruise ship passes close by the island Credit: Alamy Back on Balephetrish Bay later that day, I sigh as the sand slips between my toes and the sun casts its beam upon my shoulders. I'm seriously starting to wonder why I ever submitted to an eight-hour flight to Barbados. Tiree is the Caribbean beach holiday destination you can reach without a passport. And it turns out that haggis, heat and the Hebrides make for a surprisingly seductive combination.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I visited the sunny Scottish island that feels more like a chic Caribbean beach holiday
I HAD only been awake for an hour and I'd immersed myself in Scandinavia and the Caribbean, with a side helping of haggis. Such is the joyful confusion of taking a holiday on Scotland's sunshine island of Tiree. Advertisement 4 A beautiful thatched cottage on the island of Tiree - the 'sunniest place in Scotland' Credit: Alamy 4 There are plenty of waves to be enjoyed for surf fans Credit: Alamy 4 Visitors can see the island by cycling its scenic routes Credit: Alamy Dubbing somewhere the 'sunniest place in Scotland' sounds like faint praise — a bit like awarding a prize for the sandiest part of the Sahara or best-ever episode of Crossroads. But, thanks to the Gulf Stream, Tiree — with its population of barely 600 — really does have more hours of sunshine than anywhere on the UK mainland per year, despite its chilly-looking position in the Inner Checking into the Reef Inn after the three-hour ferry crossing from the pretty mainland town of Oban, I felt I'd been transported to a chic boutique bolthole in Helsinki or Stockholm. While so many hotels in the Scottish Highlands and Islands have maintained a traditional decor of wall-to-wall tartan and complimentary shortbread, the Reef Inn does things differently. Advertisement READ MORE TRAVEL REVIEWS Pale wood floors, sheepskin throws, a white four-poster bed and funky Scandi-retro furniture fitted in fabulously well with the views out over an unusual landscape. Unusual because Tiree doesn't have the soaring mountains, blind glens and deep forests you would expect from the Hebrides. This island is table-mat flat, giving the views from my window a gorgeously calming air, with the rolling grasslands and the odd cottage being the only distraction from the panoramically large blue skies, dotted with the smallest ice cream scoops of cloud. After a delicious breakfast of potato scones and vegetarian haggis, I drove to explore Tiree's main draw — its quite stupendous beaches. Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays Competition Turquoise waters There are dozens of coves, bays and yawning stretches of sand tucked into the folds of Tiree, but none are more beautiful than Balephetrish. Located on the western edge of this tiny, 12 mile by three mile island, I began strolling along an immense curve of sand the colour of vanilla and milk, and as soft as gossamer, all backed by Mohican tufts of marram grass. Discover the Scenic Arran Coastal Way It's a gorgeous day and yet, as the turquoise waters kiss the shoreline, I'm the only person here barring one man grappling manfully with his surfboard, perhaps in training for the Tiree Wave Classic event which is held every October. I don't even have to scrunch up my eyes to pretend that I'm in one of the quieter, more chic Caribbean islands, like Anguilla or Grand Turk, except there's no sun loungers and nobody trying to get me to buy overpriced cocktails. Advertisement Tiree offers something far more disorientating than a shot of rum; this is an island that's home to some deeply strange structures known as 'brochs'. I'm seriously starting to wonder why I ever submitted to an eight-hour flight to Barbados Built sometime between the first century BC and the first century AD, it's believed that these circular stone structures were lived in by invaders from England, who ruled over the local population. The broch I clambered around, called Dun Mor Vaul, still has its lower circular stone walls intact. With just a few hardy sheep for company, the view from the summit here is enchanting; a soft, whispering breeze rustles the clusters of thrift sea pink flowers, while skylarks and oystercatchers sing their way out over the silver and tin coloured waves. Advertisement 4 A cruise ship passes close by the island Credit: Alamy Back on Balephetrish Bay later that day, I sigh as the sand slips between my toes and the sun casts its beam upon my shoulders. I'm seriously starting to wonder why I ever submitted to an eight-hour flight to Barbados. Tiree is the Caribbean beach holiday destination you can reach without a passport. Advertisement And it turns out that haggis, heat and the Hebrides make for a surprisingly seductive combination. GO: TIREE GETTING THERE: Caledonian Sleeper runs trains six nights a week (not Saturday) from Euston to Fort William, from £270pp return based on two sharing a cabin. From there, you can take trains to the ferry port in Oban, where CalMac operates vessels to Tiree (£29.65 for a foot passenger return). See and . STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the Reef Inn from £165, including breakfast. See . MORE INFO:
Metro
05-05-2025
- Metro
The UK's ‘Hawaii of the North' that gets 240 hours of sunshine in May
For a quick fix of vitamin D, you might be tempted to jet off to a sunny European city or a remote tropical coast. But we've got a sun-soaked paradise right here in the UK. The Isle of Tiree, in Scotland, has some of the highest levels of sunshine recorded anywhere in the British Isles, plus white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Often nicknamed the 'Hawaii of the North', in May alone it averages over 240 hours of sunlight — nearly 50 hours more than the London average of 193. Tiree, the most westerly island in the Inner Hebrides, benefits from the influence of the Gulf Stream, a warm Atlantic current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico (if we can still call it that, Mr Trump). This means that in summer, the weather is usually warm and pleasant. Only 650 people live on the island, but around 30,000 people visit each year to enjoy its stunning scenery and balmy climate. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Tiree even made The Sunday Times' list of best places to live in Scotland in 2025. Reviewers said the island has a 'close-knit creative community' and 'some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets every day of the year'. Though remote and relatively small, there's still plenty to enjoy on the Isle of Tiree. Belephuil Bay, a mile-long stretch of sand, is one of the island's 'most beautiful beaches'. A hidden gem with just 15 reviews on Tripadvisor, those lucky enough to have seen it say the views are truly spectacular. Another impressive spot is Balevullin Beach, which has 'dazzling white sand', according to tourists. Visit Scotland describes Tiree as a 'mecca for windsurfers', especially in October when the island hosts the Tiree Wave Classic, the longest-standing windsurfing event in the UK calendar. Beyond windsurf, Tiree is known as a premier watersports destination. Local businesses such as Wild Diamond Tiree offer a range of equipment to hire, including paddleboards, surfboards and kayaks. Coaching is available for all levels, including beginners. If food is more your thing, world-class seafood abounds. It is an island, after all. The Tiree Crab Company, a family-run business, sells locally caught lobster and crab, with a selection of fresh sandwiches made daily. There are many different ways to reach the island, and each is an adventure in itself. The island has an airport with several flights landing each day from Glasgow and Oban, a resort town on the Scottish west coast. Flights are available with Hebridean Air Service, with prices starting from £60 one-way in May. Tickets from Glasgow are about the same and both services take just under one hour. Alternatively, there are regular ferries. Passengers can travel from Oban to Tiree on the CallMac Ferry. The crossing time takes around four hours, and booking in advance is advised. Tiree is one of the sunniest places in the UK. With the influence of the Gulf Stream, winter temperatures are generally higher than on the mainland, while summer evenings are warm. If you're hoping to soak up long hours of sunshine, visit Tiree between May and August. More Trending These months see the most sunshine and the least rain; May is generally regarded as the best. Visit Scotland notes that 'midges are almost non-existent' there in summer. However if you're willing to wrap up (and really, there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes), winter is also a great time to visit — especially for surfers. The surf season usually lasts from October to March, with January being an 'exceptional' time to surf. The island is windier than usual in winter, though, so if you want to avoid strong gusts, avoid December and January. You don't associate azure waters, golden sands, and subtropical microclimates with the UK. Nor do you think of tuning into French radio or spotting dolphins frolicking off the coast. But for the 140,000 residents on the Isle of Wight, a unique diamond-shaped island 12 miles off the coast of Portsmouth, this is reality. It's also the tiny patch of paradise I've called home for the last four years. In 2024, the island was named the sunniest place in the UK, receiving more sun than Italy during winter. But it's summer when this 147sqm stretch of land comes to life. Alongside rugged coastal paths, chalky cliff tops and shimmering bays, there's also a thriving creative community dedicated to putting this special place on the map. Read our full report here. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Deep in the Cotswolds, I found the hotel of every history lover's dreams MORE: The lesser-known Greek 'floating village' with return flights for just £100 MORE: Every Gen Zer is travelling Thailand, so I flew 8,000 miles in the opposite direction
