Why you should visit Islay in winter

A true winter wonderland

If you are looking for a peaceful place of sanctuary at the end of the year – perhaps to get away from all the Christmas and New Year madness – then consider a winter break in Islay. As an island off the west coast of Scotland, we have everything you need to hunker down for a while and find somewhere to cosy in. Food? We can take care of that for you, with our wide-ranging pizza menus, all of which can be taken away and eaten by the sea, in a garden or even under the duvet (we won’t judge). So why else should you visit Islay in winter?

The wild side of Islay

In winter, Islay is seen in its rawest form. Gone are the leafy trees and green grass and in their place is a starkness which has a beauty all to itself. There’s nothing quite like a winter walk on Islay to help you feel invigorated again. Winter is when you can truly embrace the untamed nature of the island, where everything is laid bare. 

Escape the crowds

The winter time is great to visit if you like avoiding crowds. The streets are less crowded, and it’s a lot easier to get about the island. You can usually just walk into a restaurant and be seated at this time of year without needing to book a table – and do come along to try Peatzeria’s wide selection of pizzas and drinks. It’s also a great time to get a tour of the island’s whisky distilleries, as the tour groups are smaller meaning you get a more personal experience. Spend more time with the experts and get a fuller understanding of what goes into making these world-renowned drinks. Iconic distilleries like Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Bowmore sometimes offer winter-specific tours, so do keep an eye on their websites. 

A lack of crowds in winter can also make visiting our historic buildings feel more atmospheric. In winter mist, you can imagine how the ruins of Dunyvaig Castle would have looked at its peak as residents would wake up and peer out onto Lagavulin Bay. 

Different season, different wildlife

If you are used to visiting Islay in summer, a winter visit will introduce many new varieties of wildlife. For example, Islay is home at this time of year to the world’s largest wintering Greenland White-fronted Goose population. There is also a flock up to 40,000 Barnacle Geese. And of course, you might spot wildlife harder to see in summer, like deer, otters and hare. 

And that’s not all you might glimpse in the skies at this time of year. Stars are bright and beautiful. In the darker months, the chances of seeing the northern lights increase. These shimmering fields of light dance their way across the skies in a multitude of colours. If you are lucky enough to catch a display, then it’s a memory that will stick with you for a lifetime. 

Islay in winter

So book your holiday to Islay in winter and escape the Christmas crowds with a serene and relaxing break. Cosy up in front of a fire with a delicious takeaway pizza, followed by a dram of your favourite whisky. Hope to see you soon!