ONE of the best places to visit in Europe next year is right here in the UK and it has a ‘singing sands’ beach.
There is no doubt that Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful destinations, and now another has been recognised as a top spot to visit next year.
According to Conde Nast Traveller, Islay is “a Hebridean escape for whisky connoisseurs, in 2026 Islay will be home to even more distilleries than ever before”.
The small island is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides, lying off of the west coast of Scotland.
And the destination is well-known for its whisky, thanks to numerous distilleries.
These will also be added to when two new distilleries open soon on the island.
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Laggan Bay Distillery will be the 12th to open on the island and it will be located near the island’s longest beach, Big Strand.
Visitors will be able to try whiskies that feature a peaty and smoky flavour.
Another distillery will then open in 2026 called Portintruan.
At Portintruan, visitors will be able to see old-style production techniques to produce whisky.
Islay is also home to a new luxury hotel, by the French luxury brand LVMH.
At Ardbeg House, guests can choose from 12 bedrooms, “each inspired by the histories and legends of Ardbeg” according to the hotel’s website.
The rooms feature dark woods and colours, with rich fabrics such as velvet.
Even the wallpaper features clues to folklore and myths from the island including the story of Airigh Nam Beist (Shelter of the Beast) – for generations, locals have believed that a fearsome creature lives in the hills.
And for an added treat, hidden somewhere in the room is a miniature dram for guests to find.
The hotel also has a restaurant serving homemade bread and farmers’ and fishermen’s dishes, as well as a bar.
A stay is likely to set you back around £230 per night.
Just along the road from the hotel, you can also visit Ardbeg Distillery, which has been running since 1815.
When on the island, make sure to head to some of the beaches as well.
One top spot is Singing Sands Beach – supposedly, if you rub the soles of your shoes over the sand, you will hear singing.
Nearby is also the lighthouse at Carraig Fhada which was built in 1832, which visitors can walk to over a metal bridge.
Unusually, the lighthouse is square and doesn’t have a lantern; instead, it has a small beacon mounted at its top.
The lighthouse sits opposite Port Ellen, the second largest town on the island.
The town features a handful of pretty, golden beaches and lots of places to grab a bite to eat.
For example, you could head to SeaSalt Bistro & Takeaway, where you could sit in and have some classic fish and chips for £18.50.
Or grab a hot drink from Copper Still Coffee.
The quickest way to get to Islay is by flying with Loganair from Glasgow.
There are usually two flights a day, and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the island.
Though this will set you back around £80 each way.
Alternatively, head over to Islay on a ferry from Kennacraig.
There are two ferries, with one travelling to Port Ellen, taking around two-and-a-half hours.
And the second is to Port Askaig, which takes just under two hours.
A return ferry fare costs £17.40 per adult and £8.70 per child, or a return car fare costs £87.80.
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