A stone tower on a grassy cliff overlooking a coastal sea.

Islay Island Vacations from $1,899

Book a Hotel + Flight or Car together to unlock savings

Your Islay Island Vacation

History, cuisine, art and more … There's so much to discover with a Islay Island vacation package. And with the ability to customize your city break, you know it'll be one to remember. When the time comes to go out and explore, be sure to include Bowmore Distillery and Islay Ales on the itinerary for your trip to Islay Island. Expedia will help you escape your daily routine. Tailor your vacation to Islay Island to suit your style of travel, whatever that may look like.

The Latest Islay Island Vacation Packages

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
  • Dec 29 - Jan 2

    Islay House + Flight

    Islay Island
    3 nights
    3.0 star property
    9.0/10 - Wonderful (154 reviews)
    Roundtrip • Phoenix (PHX) - Islay Island (ILY)
    PHX - GLA • 1 stop GLA - PHX • 2 stops
    $1,932
    $1,899
    per traveler
    found 1 day ago
    Islay House
  • Dec 29 - Jan 2

    Port Charlotte Holidays + Flight

    Islay Island
    3 nights
    4.0 star property
    10/10 - Exceptional (10 reviews)
    "Fantastic, well-equipped apartment in a beautiful location. Perfect for a group holiday."
    Reviewed August 23, 2026
    Roundtrip • Phoenix (PHX) - Islay Island (ILY)
    PHX - GLA • 1 stop GLA - PHX • 2 stops
    $2,323
    $2,280
    per traveler
    found 1 day ago
    Port Charlotte Holidays
  • Dec 29 - Jan 2

    Port Charlotte Hotel + Flight

    Islay Island
    3 nights
    4.0 star property
    9.6/10 - Exceptional (71 reviews)
    Roundtrip • Phoenix (PHX) - Islay Island (ILY)
    PHX - GLA • 1 stop GLA - PHX • 2 stops
    $2,216
    $2,188
    per traveler
    found 1 day ago
    Port Charlotte Hotel

Where to stay in Islay Island

Islay Island offers a charming escape with its beachside location and idyllic villages. Perfect for romance and culture, this Scotland getaway awaits you with friendly people and stunning scenery. Explore the delightful landscapes of Islay Argyll for a relaxing and luxurious experience.

Port Ellen

Discover Port Ellen, a welcoming destination perfectly suited for travelers seeking a blend of culture, adventure, and romance. With its stunning nearby attractions like the serene White Hart Beach, the historic Kildalton Chapel, and the picturesque Ardmore Islands, Port Ellen offers an enriching experience for every visitor. Located on Islay Island, this charming village provides convenient access to ferries, making it easy to explore the surrounding beauty. Choosing Port Ellen for your stay ensures a memorable and fulfilling vacation in Scotland.

Bowmore

Experience the charm of Bowmore, an excellent hub for culture enthusiasts and foodies seeking a taste of Islay Island's rich heritage. Here, you can explore the intriguing Museum of Islay Life, wander the historic village, and connect with nature at the Islay Natural History Centre. With visitor numbers peaking in March to April and July, Bowmore offers a vibrant atmosphere year-round. This picturesque village is easily accessible, making it a smart choice for your stay on Islay.

Ballygrant

If you're a traveler eager to immerse yourself in culture and nature, look no further than Ballygrant on Islay Island. This charming village offers a delightful blend of experiences, from exploring the scenic beauty of Traigh nam Feannag beach to appreciating local art at the Outback Art Gallery and learning about the area's history at the nearby museum. Ballygrant is easily accessible and serves as a smart choice for your stay, ensuring you make the most of Islay's unique offerings.

Port Charlotte

Immerse yourself in Port Charlotte, a charming village on Islay Island, where families, cultural enthusiasts, and adventure seekers can easily access the captivating Museum of Islay Life and the Islay Natural History Centre. With its inviting beach at Port Mor, this destination offers a perfect blend of entertainment and romance, appealing to travelers year-round, especially during September and the holiday season. Port Charlotte’s convenient location makes it a smart choice for your stay, ensuring a memorable experience in Scotland.

Portnahaven

Looking for the perfect spot? Portnahaven on Islay Island is ideal for travelers seeking a blend of culture, nature, and culinary delights. With attractions like the scenic Port bhaigh beach, the picturesque Lossit bay, and the fascinating Museum of Islay Life, visitors can immerse themselves in the local charm. Easily accessible and welcoming, Portnahaven is a smart choice for your stay, offering a unique Scottish experience that you won't forget.

Discover the most popular places to visit in Islay Island

What to do in Islay Island

Islay Island Hotel Deals

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in an Islay Island vacation package?

An Islay Island vacation package typically bundles round-trip flights, hotel stays, and rental cars for convenient travel. Most hotels on Islay Island offer airport shuttle service to and from Glasgow (GLA-Glasgow Intl.) and include free breakfast, helping provide a smooth start to your day. Nearly a third of package hotels also feature ocean views, providing scenic backdrops for your stay.


Exactly what's included will vary by hotel and package, so it's worth reviewing the details before you confirm your booking.

How can I save money on a Islay Island vacation package?

When you bundle, you can save up to 30%*. To save money on a Islay Island package, consider traveling during the quieter months or be flexible with your dates to find more options. Bundling your flights and hotel together often unlocks savings compared to booking separately. *Members only. Savings vary.

What's the best vacation package for Islay Island?

For couples seeking a romantic escape, an Islay Island vacation package with a stay at Another Place, The Machrie is a strong choice. This 4-star property, rated 8.8 out of 10, offers a spa and a bar/lounge, with travelers frequently highlighting the spacious rooms and top-notch food and staff.


If luxury is your priority, consider a package featuring Glenegedale House. This 5-star hotel, rated 8.6 out of 10, provides a bar/lounge and restaurant, and is praised by travelers for its beautiful rooms and exceptional food, contributing to an overall gorgeous experience.


For travelers looking for the best value, a package including Port Charlotte Youth Hostel (rated 9.3 out of 10) offers a comfortable stay for around $170 per night. This 4-star option provides free WiFi and a restaurant, and travelers often note its well-equipped facilities and super helpful staff.


*Package availability and prices may change depending on dates and demand.

Is Islay Island better suited for a beach vacation or a cultural trip?

Islay Island offers a mix of experiences, making an Islay Island vacation suitable for both cultural exploration and beach relaxation. While it is characterized as a beach destination outside a city, with nearly a third of package hotels offering ocean views, its rich history and numerous distilleries provide a deep cultural appeal.


For cultural enthusiasts, sites like the ancient Kildalton Cross and the many whisky distilleries, such as Laphroaig Distillery, offer immersive experiences. Travelers seeking beach time can enjoy coastal areas like White Hart Beach. This blend allows you to tailor your trip to either focus on its historical and whisky heritage or enjoy its scenic coastline.

Is Islay Island a good choice for a family vacation package?

Islay Island can be a good choice for family vacation packages, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring. Some hotels cater to families with specific features.


For instance, the 4-star Another Place, The Machrie, rated 8.8 out of 10 by travelers, includes a game room and restaurant, and travelers frequently praise the spacious rooms and top-notch food. Islay House, rated 7.8 out of 10, also offers a game room and restaurant. Beyond the hotels, families can enjoy the island's natural beauty at beaches like White Hart Beach, about 12 miles from central Islay Island, or The Singing Sands, about 14 miles away.

What are the top things to do in Islay Island?

Islay Island offers a range of attractions, from renowned distilleries to ancient historical sites and scenic beaches, perfect for an Islay Island vacation:


Browse and book things to do in Islay Island on Expedia.

Do you need to rent a car in Islay Island, or is public transport enough?

While public transport is available, a rental car offers the most flexibility for an Islay Island vacation package, especially given its nature as a beach destination outside a city. A local bus service runs along the island's main routes from Monday to Friday, with roughly hourly service between Port Ellen and Bowmore, and accepts contactless credit card payments.


However, local car hire services are available and can meet you at the airport or ferry piers, allowing you to explore the island's spread-out attractions at your own pace. You can also find local bicycle hire services in Port Ellen and Bowmore for shorter distances. For those planning an Islay Island beach vacation package, a car makes it easier to reach various coastal spots and distilleries.

Are Islay Island vacation package hotels conveniently located?

Islay Island vacation package hotels are generally spread out across the island, reflecting its nature as a destination outside a major city center. For example, Port Charlotte Youth Hostel is about 8 miles from central Islay Island, offering a base in a village setting. The Bowmore House Bed & Breakfast and Glenegedale House are both about 4 miles from central Islay Island, providing closer access to some areas.


This means that while hotels are not clustered in a single downtown area, they offer access to different parts of the island, making a rental car or local transport useful for exploring widely.

Can I change or cancel my Islay Island vacation package if my plans change?

Yes, you can cancel your vacation package via your itinerary page on Expedia or by contacting customer service. Remember that some packages are fully refundable, but the details vary based on each unique booking. A fully refundable package may depend on how far out from the travel dates you're canceling and what airline you are traveling with.

Do One Key members get extra savings when booking Islay Island vacation packages?

Yes, members who join our free One Key™ travel rewards program can instantly unlock additional savings and save 10% or more on over 500,000 stays worldwide with Member Prices and over 1 million car rentals.

Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Islay Island vacation packages?

Yes, with Expedia's Book Now, Pay Later option, powered by Affirm, you can spread the cost of your Islay Island vacation over 3, 6, or 12 months. With no late payment fees or hidden costs, it's easy to secure your ideal vacation package as soon as you spot it.

How do I find last-minute vacation packages to Islay Island?

To find last-minute vacation packages to Islay Island, explore the last-minute deals section for the latest package offers, including flights, departing in the coming weeks. Being flexible with your travel dates and hotel preferences can help you secure the best prices.

How does free cancellation work on Islay Island vacation packages?

Free cancellation on a Islay Island vacation package depends on the specific hotel and rate combination you book. Many bookings allow free cancellation up to a stated deadline (often a few days before travel) where eligible. Read the cancellation terms carefully when reviewing the package, and visit Expedia help center for further details.

Is it cheaper to book a Islay Island vacation as a package or separately?

Booking flights and hotels together can unlock lower overall prices. Better still, you can tailor your Islay Island getaway to match your exact preference. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.

Why should I book my Islay Island vacation package with Expedia?

Booking your vacation package on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of hotels, you can compare prices, reviews and amenities all in one place, then bundle your hotel with flights which could help you save even more. Flexible booking options on selected stays also make it easier to plan with confidence.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.