Isle of Iona tourist information

A small island off the South West Coast of Mull, the Isle of Iona is sacred to Christians as the birthplace of the Church in Scotland. St Columba established a monastery on the island in 563AD and it has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.

This spiritual and historic island was also the final resting place of Scottish Kings until the 11th century. Macbeth is just one of the monarchs buried on the holy isle.

The restored 13th century Iona Abbey now stands on the site of St Columba's monastery. Historic Scotland maintain the Abbey, the nearby ruined medieval Augustinian nunnery, and there is a modern St Colomba interpretation visitor centre telling the history of this important religious community.

The island is also a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, with lovely white beaches and the attractive coastal village of Baile Mòr.