The Outer Hebrides, a chain of islands off the coast of northern Scotland, feel like they are frozen in time. Their remote location and local residents have ensured that the islands’ traditions and appearance have not been influenced by modern society. You’ll still hear locals speaking Gaelic and the homes look beautifully historic. However, the people of the Outer Hebrides are friendly and eager to share their properties and teach visitors about their lifestyles! One of the best spots to explore and learn about Hebridean life is the Isle of Harris. This island boasts stunning landscapes, dramatic weather, and lots of cozy places to stay. Here is a list of our best recommendations for Airbnb vacation rentals in Harris!
1. Cozy cottage in a farm setting (from USD 77)
This cozy cottage is the perfect spot to experience life on a rustic Scottish farm! The stony building is compact with room for two guests. Inside, there is a kitchen and a small living room where you can relax next to the fire on chilly nights. Right outside your door, the hosts keep hens in the garden and provide guests with fresh eggs every day. They also invite visitors during the summer to watch the sheep gathering and sheepdogs working. With easy access to walking trails and Loch Seaforth, this is a lovely remote accommodation to escape from hectic modern life!
Blackhouse at Tigh nan Seileach,Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, United KingdomSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a week without wifi makes for such a peaceful breaksmall but very homely comfortable cottagethe bed is extremely comfortable with great pillows and a nice warm doonait was so comfortable and warmthe blackhouse was cosy and comfortable for the two of usCleanliness:
clean and well appointedthank you miranda for such a cosy spotless and quirky stay at the blackhouseHost:
miranda is a great hostthanks again to a fantastic hostmiranda is very helpful and made sure we were comfortable throughout our staymiranda was a fabulous host she provided lots of information about places to seemiranda and angus are very kind and friendly peopleRead more reviewsLocation:
it is so central to exploring amazing harris and lewisthe blackhouse is a great central location for exploring both harris and lewisfabulous location cosy and bursting with characterit's in a pretty location ideal for exploring harris and only 30 mins drive from stornowaygreat location- halfway between stornoway and tarbet
2. Bed and breakfast with amazing views (from USD 133)
The stunning views from this bed and breakfast are worth the journey to this beautiful location! The rooms in the B&B all have large windows to let in the sights: a pristine lake surrounded by rolling hills, with sunshine, fog, or even a rainbow over the water depending on the day! Up to three guests can share this room and its attached bathroom. The hosts provide daily breakfast and welcome guests to sit in the dining and lounge areas at all times during the day. The bed and breakfast is located right on the waterfront, so feel free to take a stroll down to the shore.
Mulag House - Red Room (Blue room also listed)Aird a' Mhulaidh, Scotland, United KingdomAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lovely room with beautiful view over the lochthe views from the room are amazingexcellent rooms with a fabulous viewbeautiful view of lucy from every window and a great breakfastbreakfast was a treat including the tattie pancakeCleanliness:
very clean and everything you would wantthe accommodation is spotlessly clean with ensuite facilitiesthe room was nice big clean and homelyour room was spacey very clean comfortable and quietour room was perfect very clean comfortable and with all the essential items for our stayHost:
wonderful hosts and great hospitality with full breakfastamanda and paul were wonderful hostsamanda was a fantastic hostto start she is a fantastic hostshe is very gracious and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is so central and perfect for exploring harris and lewisgreat location between stornoway and tarbertbeautiful location - quiet and peacefulgreat location - handy for sight seeinggreat location to explore both beautiful lewis and harris by car is a must
3. Cottage right on the lake shore (from USD 130)
Though this cottage is quite secluded, with the nearest shops and restaurants about 22 km (14 miles) away, it is in just about the prettiest location imaginable. The home is right on the shores of Loch Seaforth, a sizeable lake with rolling hills surrounding it. Guests have seen eagles and even otters in and around the water! There is a lovely walled patio that is the perfect place to relax and take in the views. Inside, the cottage is sized for three people with a cozy bedroom, living room with a sofa bed, and a small kitchen.
Seaforth Cottage in Aline EstateStornoway, United KingdomAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cottage is very cosy and comfortablevery comfortable cottage in a stunningly beautiful waterside locationvery cosy warm and comfortableah the (website hidden by airbnb) comfortableCleanliness:
it was exceptionally clean and very comfortablecomfortable clean with all required amenitiesHost:
the gamekeeper popped by to make sure we were ok and i thought that was kindsandra was very helpful and gave us plenty information before we arrivedRead more reviewsLocation:
great location to explore both lewis & harris frombeautiful location and perfectly situated to explore both harris and lewislocation is great to explore harris as well as lewisa stunning location and a beautifully renovated propertythe location is fabulous right at the edge of loch seaforth
4. Tarbert apartment on the ground floor (from USD 86)
With its location in the center of Tarbert, this private apartment is a great starting point for exploring Harris. It is sized for two guests and has a cozy bedroom, a small kitchen, and a spacious living room with a wood-burning stove. Tarbert is a bustling town with shops, restaurants, and bars. It is also conveniently located for exploring the area. One sight you shouldn’t miss is the beaches. Tarbert is located where North and South Harris meet, meaning there is lots of shoreline that is usually empty! Take advantage of the quietness to appreciate the clear blue waters, rolling green hills, and snow-capped mountains too!
An Caladh, 3 Tobair MairiNa h-Eileanan an Iar, Scotland, United KingdomAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
everything worked perfect; everything we needed was in the flat which made our holiday very enjoyable and comfortablea comfortable flat on ground floor with everything you need for 2 peoplethe bed was comfortable and the shower was great with loads of hot waterCleanliness:
very clean and well appointedit was spotlessly clean warm and comfortablehomely and nice and cleanthis apartment is comfortable quiet very clean and well-equippedvery nice apartment clean with a comfy bedHost:
lena is a fantastic hostlena was a great host answering questions really quicklylena is the perfect hostlena was an accomodting host and communicated effectively throughout our staylena is the perfect host and this is a lovely apartmentRead more reviewsLocation:
lovely house in a great locationbeautiful flat in excellent location' it's in a great location for exploring harris and close to the harris distillerygreat location for sight seeing in harrisbrilliant location to explore harris and super comfy bed
5. Guest suite just steps from Luskentyre Beach (from USD 101)
With its white sand beaches and turquoise blue water, Luskentyre Beach could easily pass for the Mediterranean or the Carribean! However, dipping a toe in this chilly ocean will remind you that you’re in the Outer Hebrides. Even if you can’t swim, Luskentyre is a stunningly beautiful place to walk on the beach, bike or hike nearby trails, or just sit in the dunes and take in the view. This private guest suite, located in an old schoolhouse, is mere minutes from Luskentyre and you can see the bright blue water from both bedrooms. Up to four guests can stay in this spot, which has perks like a washer and dryer and a patio for enjoying the fresh air.
The Old School at Luskentyre LodgeNa h-Eileanan an Iar, Scotland, United KingdomAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very warm and comfortableCleanliness:
clean comfortable and well equippedHost:
lovely wee place and very friendly hostsnorman and leona are extremely helpful hostsnorman and leona were very friendly and welcomingRead more reviewsLocation:
good stay & fab locationperfect place to explore luskentyre beach and harrisbeautiful place in a super locationwe had a wonderful two days at this locationa beautiful wee cabin in the most incredible location
6. Bed and breakfast in a converted farmhouse (from USD 142)
Nestled in the rolling hills, this converted farmhouse bed and breakfast looks frozen in time! This cozy room can host up to three guests and it has a private bathroom. A continental breakfast is provided and there is an option to pay for a hot breakfast too. This accommodation is located in a rural area but it is convenient to visit a larger town like Tarbert, which is a short drive away. While you’re in Harris, be sure to pick up a local commodity like tweed from the Harris Tweed shop. Harris Tweed is unique in that it is made from wool that is dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides and handwoven by locals, meaning you’ll be getting a durable and authentic product every time!
Vigadale House Homestay - Machair RoomAird a' Mhulaidh, Scotland, United KingdomAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we had the largest of the 3 upstairs guest rooms with a comfortable double and a single bedhighlight was the large corner bath in the bathroomroom was comfortable well equipped and lighthad a great night stop here breakfast was lovelystunning views clean facilities and comfy bed will guarantee a pleasant stayCleanliness:
vigadale house is lovely clean and comfortablevery calm area and clean typical sco housecomfy beds very clean & cristina had some great tips on beaches and places to eat & drinkit's a nice place clean and comfortableeverywhere is immaculately cleanHost:
she is a wonderful hostcristina is a wonderful host and her guest house is amazingthe hosts were nothing short of absolutely lovely they had fantastic restaurant recommendations and were very kindgreat host and place to staycristina and her family were welcoming and super responsive to my questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location to explore harris and lewisa great location for walkersspectacular location and great for touring harris and lewisgood location and a comfortable homelovely stay great location if you are travelling up to lewis too
7. Cozy cottage close to town (from USD 148)
This private cottage in West Tarbert is great for visitors who want to explore Harris while staying in a town setting. Up to four guests can stay in this cozy rental, which includes two bedrooms, a newly renovated kitchen and bathroom, and amenities like a workstation for your laptop and an Xbox player. It is only a five-minute walk from the center of town, where there are restaurants, a bar with live music, and a new distillery on the shoreline. The ferry terminal is also within walking distance, making this a great pick for those traveling without cars or by bike.
Kelpie Cottage, Tarbert, HarrisTarbert, Scotland, United KingdomAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
kelpie cottage is very comfortable with everything you need to make your stay relaxed and funwe found the twin bed site comfortableHost:
very good hospitality and very flexible hostemma is a great host and quick to respond with any questionsvery easy check in good location and the host was very fast with responsesit was very kind to let us in earlyemma and neil were the perfect hosts quick with communication and most helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent location bistro in scalpay worth a visitlocation is perfect for exploringgood location near local restaurants and distilleryperfect little place for a new years breakcottage is in a good location for a walk to the nearby hotel restaurant and bars
8. Cozy private room for a solo traveler
If you’re a solo traveler looking for a cozy and simple accommodation in Harris, this is the place for you. The rental is for a single bedroom with a private bathroom in a bed and breakfast. The hosts provide a generous continental breakfast daily, with the option to pay for a hot breakfast or to cook your own dinner in the evenings. This is the perfect spot for exploring the natural beauty of the area. It is right on the lake and within a short walk, you can also be hiking or biking in the hills. The bed and breakfast also has a hot tub which is the ideal end to a day of exploring!
Vigadale House Homestay - Mountain Room (single)Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scotland, United KingdomAccommodates: 1
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i had a nice and cozy room with a view at the streetcosy and clean rooms and excellent amenities for making your own breakfast at your leisureand wow angela prepares the delicious scottish breakfast i had a pleasant stay at angela’s (christine’s mom)the bed was comfortable and the room really nicewe were made very welcome and comfortable during our stayCleanliness:
my room was clean and comfortableclean and beautiful house in a beautiful settingher guest house is very clean & cozy and the bed was super comfortableoutstandingly comfortable clean and well-locatedHost:
she is a very kind hostcristina is a friendly welcoming hostcristina is a wonderful host and very helpfulcristina is an excellent host and her children are lovelycristina is a very kind and friendly hostRead more reviewsLocation:
fantastic location that's a short 15 minute drive to tarbert and 25 min drive to luskentyre beachgreat location for a base to explore both lewis and harristhe rooms are all great and the location is beautifula peaceful friendly place to stay in a beautiful locationchristina’s is a perfect location whatever you are doing
9. Private room on the Hebridean Way
One of the most exciting ways to experience Harris and the Outer Hebrides is by walking or cycling the Hebridean Way. This path goes along the entire length of the Outer Hebrides, passing through 10 islands by way of causeways and ferries. If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic changes in scenery and some of the prettiest landscapes you’ll ever see. If you’re traveling by bike or on foot, it’s important to find an accommodation right on the path where you can crash at night. This Airbnb would be a great place to spend a night (or two). This private room and bathroom in a bed and breakfast is a cozy place to stay, with a generous continental breakfast that will fuel you for another day of hiking or biking!
Vigadale House Homestay - Beach RoomNa h-Eileanan an Iar, Scotland, United KingdomAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great amenities with having a separate kitchen and living roomthe living area is complete with tables great couches big tv hot tub etcthe house has lots of space including cooking facilities which is greatthe bed was super comfortable and the breakfast greatwe could relax and watch tv or a dvd without being in a bedroomCleanliness:
clean and pretty room :)very clean and comfortable accommodationcristina’s place is very clean and homelywarm and cozy room sparkling cleanthe room was clean and the hot tub was a nice experienceHost:
cristina was the perfect hostamazing host and good b&bangela is a great hostangela was a wonderful friendly hostcristina was a very nice host with excellent knowledge of the islesRead more reviewsLocation:
good location between stornoway and tarbetthe location is very beautiful and quietgreat location and good-quality diy breakfastgood central location only 20mins from tarbert ferryperfect location to explore the mountains of harris whilst being close enough to visit wool mills and distilleries
An island steeped in tradition and natural beauty
The Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Harris are a remote vacation spot for many people, but the unforgettable experience you’ll have there will be well worth the travel! There are few places on earth that have such a variety of landscapes in a small area, from beautiful beaches to impressive mountain peaks. Harris is also a place that has managed to not get swept up in the hustle and bustle of modern life. The locals value hard work and comfortable surroundings, and are generous enough to rent out cozy Airbnbs where you can experience this lifestyle too!
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