The wonderful beaches of Iona

Iona has wonderful sandy beaches. And contrasting stony ones too. The sandy ones are excellent for swimming - if you like a Nordic challenge - and the pebbly ones provide a good hunting ground for collecting the famous Iona greenstone and many other beautifully coloured pebbles.

Iona 's place in history was secured when in 563 AD St. Columba arrived on its glorious white sandy beaches with 12 followers, built his first Celtic church and established a monastic community.

Port Ban on the west side is a particular favourite with hardy swimmers and the north end for the great views to the Treshnish islands and further.