Iona Abbey Tours

Photo "Iona Abbey" by Chris Downer (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Iona Abbey" by marsupium photography (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Iona Abbey" by james denham (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Iona Abbey" by marsupium photography (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Iona Abbey" by Dave Logan (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original


A house of prayer for some, Iona Abbey is worth a visit, no matter your religious beliefs. Find out if this holy sanctuary is open to tourists for the perfect pause from your jampacked sightseeing schedule.

This house of prayer is often on the itineraries of visitors to Isle of Iona. But Iona Abbey isn't the area's only drawcard. Iona Heritage Centre, St. Oran's Chapel, and Traigh Gheal are some other worthwhile sights close by.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Iona Abbey

St Columba Hotel

St Columba Hotel

3 out of 5
St Columba Hotel, Isle of Iona, Scotland
St Columba Hotel
Ardoran House B&B

Ardoran House B&B

3.5 out of 5
Isle of Iona, Isle of Iona, Scotland
Ardoran House B&B
Private and Picturesque Luxury Cottage on Mull

Private and Picturesque Luxury Cottage on Mull

3 out of 5
Isle of Mull
Private and Picturesque Luxury Cottage on Mull
A tiny, traditional cottage tucked away on the Ross of Mull, close to the sea.

A tiny, traditional cottage tucked away on the Ross of Mull, close to the sea.

Isle of Mull
A tiny, traditional cottage tucked away on the Ross of Mull, close to the sea.
Luxury Sea View Pods

Luxury Sea View Pods

Pennyghael
Luxury Sea View Pods
Inn at Port nan Gael

Inn at Port nan Gael

3 out of 5
Pennyghael, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Inn at Port nan Gael
A glamping site to be remembered

A glamping site to be remembered

Isle of Mull
A glamping site to be remembered
1 bedroom accommodation in Ulva Ferry

1 bedroom accommodation in Ulva Ferry

Ulva Ferry
1 bedroom accommodation in Ulva Ferry
Scarinish Beach Hotel

Scarinish Beach Hotel

3 out of 5
Off the B8065, Scarinish, Tiree Island, Scotland
Scarinish Beach Hotel
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.

Things to do near Iona Abbey

When visiting Iona Abbey, immerse yourself in enriching activities like birdwatching and exploring scenic walking trails. Optional excursions and day trips offer a chance to discover the island's natural beauty and history. Additionally, Iona provides excellent retreats for relaxation and reflection, making it a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and adventure.

Shopping

In Iona, visit local craft shops for unique Scottish gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore Oban's shops, located about 10 miles away, featuring a mix of traditional Scottish goods, clothing, and local delicacies.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Vaul Golf Club, located 20 miles from Iona Abbey. This scenic course offers outdoor sports vibes and beautiful views, perfect for relaxation and recreation. Spend a day on the greens and unwind in the tranquil surroundings of the Isle of Iona.

Adventure

Mull Electric Bikes offers an exhilarating outdoor experience 18 miles from Iona Abbey. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Isle of Mull on electric bikes, enjoying the fresh air and scenic views as you navigate through charming villages and breathtaking coastal paths.

Nightlife

Iona Abbey offers a serene nightlife atmosphere, perfect for stargazing and quiet reflection. While there are limited venues, the local community often hosts intimate gatherings, storytelling sessions, and traditional music nights, creating a charming and memorable experience under the Scottish sky.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Iona Abbey

Iona Abbey is a must-visit for tourists seeking a blend of history and adventure. Explore the iconic Iona Abbey, delve into its rich history, and experience life on the island. Enjoy the stunning beaches and adventurous caves that surround the area, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're interested in the historic sites or the natural beauty, Iona offers a memorable escape for every traveler.

  • Iona Heritage Centre: Located only 0.3 miles from Iona Abbey, the Iona Heritage Centre offers a deep dive into the island's rich history and culture. With engaging exhibits and artifacts, visitors can explore the heritage that has shaped Iona over the centuries.
  • Fingal's Cave: About 7 miles away, Fingal's Cave is a stunning natural wonder known for its unique geological formations and dramatic sea views. Adventure seekers can enjoy outdoor excursions, including boat trips that showcase the cave's impressive basalt columns.
  • Staffa: Also 7 miles from Iona Abbey, the island of Staffa is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and striking cliffs. It's a perfect spot for outdoor activities and a chance to relax while taking in the spectacular coastal scenery.

Best time to go to Iona Abbey

The best time to visit Iona Abbey is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
March44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighSlightly High
August57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighSlightly High
September56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Iona Abbey

To save money on your trip to Iona Abbey, consider visiting during the off-peak months of December to February, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or checking for last-minute deals on Expedia can yield great savings. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for additional discounts. Joining their One Key membership can also provide exclusive deals and future rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Iona Abbey are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Iona Abbey about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Iona Abbey is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Iona Abbey is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, highlighting the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you’ll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Iona Abbey hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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