Mull and Iona

Mull is a big, quiet island of moor, mountain and sea lochs, best known for wildlife. Beyond it, at the far end of a long single-track road, is the small island of Iona, where St Columba founded a monastery in 563.

Last checked 11 November 2026. Timetables, prices and opening dates change: check the operator before you travel.

Getting there

• Oban to Craignure (CalMac) is the main route, a crossing of about 45 to 50 minutes with several sailings a day. Vehicle space in summer often sells out in advance; book as soon as you know your dates. Foot passengers rarely have a problem.
• Lochaline to Fishnish is a short crossing (about 15 minutes) from the Morvern peninsula, useful if you are coming from Fort William via the Corran Ferry.
• Kilchoan to Tobermory links Mull with the Ardnamurchan peninsula.
• Fionnphort to Iona is a 10-minute passenger ferry. Visitors cannot take cars to Iona; leave yours in the car park at Fionnphort.

Mull

• Tobermory, in the north, has a harbour of brightly painted houses, a small distillery and an aquarium. It is about 35 minutes from Craignure.
• Duart Castle, seat of the Clan Maclean, stands on a headland you see from the ferry. Seasonal, usually spring to autumn.
• Calgary Bay, a white beach on the north-west coast.
• Wildlife: Mull is one of the best places in Britain to see white-tailed eagles and golden eagles, and otters along the shore. Several local operators run wildlife tours.
• Ben More, 966 metres, is the island's only Munro and a long, steady climb.

Iona

The drive from Craignure to Fionnphort is about 35 miles, mostly single-track, and takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. From Fionnphort the ferry crosses the Sound of Iona in about 10 minutes.

• Iona Abbey (Historic Environment Scotland) is a restored medieval abbey on the site of Columba's monastery and home to the ecumenical Iona Community. The museum holds early medieval carved stones. Allow at least two hours on the island; more if you want to walk to the beaches at the north end or the Bay at the Back of the Ocean.
• The ruined nunnery and the graveyard of the Reilig Odhrain, where early Scottish kings are said to be buried, are close to the pier.

Staffa and the Treshnish Isles

Staffa is an uninhabited island of hexagonal basalt columns, famous for Fingal's Cave. Boat trips run in season from Fionnphort, Iona, Ulva Ferry and Oban. Some trips also land on Lunga in the Treshnish Isles, where puffins nest close to the path from about May to early August. Trips depend on the sea state and are often cancelled in poor weather; book ahead and have a backup day.

A day trip from Oban?

Many tours offer Mull, Iona and sometimes Staffa as a day trip from Oban. It works, but it is long: two ferries each way plus two long single-track drives. If you can, stay at least one night on Mull.

How long to allow

• Day trip: Oban, Craignure, Iona and back.
• Two nights: one day for Iona and Staffa, one for Tobermory and wildlife.
• Three or more: add Ulva, Ben More or a full wildlife tour.