Hotels in Isle of Islay, United Kingdom

Isle of Islay sits off Scotland's west coast with a cool, rainy climate-summers average 60°F (16°C) and winters around 45°F (7°C)-and is world-famous for its nine active whisky distilleries, including Laphroaig and Ardbeg. In winter, you can tour the peaty-smoky distilleries in Port Ellen and warm up with a dram, while summer's longer daylight (up to 18 hours) lets you hike the wild Oa peninsula to spot golden eagles and seals. For birders, spring brings thousands of migrating geese to Loch Gruinart, so plan your visit around the Islay Festival of Music and Malt in May for live folk music and distillery open days.