If you’re a whiskey fan then you’ve certainly come to the right place! One of Scotland’s most iconic whiskey-producing regions, the malts of Islay are rightly famous all across the world. Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Bowmore and Lagavulin - they all hail from this Inner Hebridean isle and are just some of the eight distilleries still working on its shores today. What’s more, it’s not just the ‘water of life’ for which Islay is well known. It is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise - more than 100 different bird species can be found on the island, and the surrounding waters are home to everything from basking sharks and dolphins to seals and whales. There are also a number of popular beaches and even a mix of cultural and walking festivals to enjoy - should your trip happen to coincide with one of them. So, whether you plan on using Islay as a base to do a little island hopping or are keen to throw yourself into its famous whiskey culture, keep reading and select one of the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Islay, United Kingdom, for your stay.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 05, 2024.
1. Charming home with a green roof (from USD 203)
This charming accommodation near Port Ellen in Islay features a green roof with stunning views of Kilnaughton Bay, Port Ellen, and other nearby islands. The property keeps comfort at the forefront with heated flooring and an indoor fireplace for cozy nights during the cold season. The doors to the concrete patio can fully open for an indoor-outdoor feel; dine al fresco or simply let the air and natural light in!
With an abundance of open space outdoors and the property being pet-friendly, enjoy your vacation with your furbaby.
Isle of Islay, United KingdomSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
what an amazing place the view was amazing the cottage cozy and richard was a fantastic hostand the main sitting room was flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windowsthe views were spectacular and the place was impeccably clean and cozy as can bepros: a beautiful very clean modern extremely comfortable high quality wee house with a stunning viewthe panoramic windows over the bay were amazing and the rooms were comfortably luxuriousHost:
lovely host with great recommendations and a basket of maps and books about islayrichard is a wonderful hostrichard was an amazing host he was very accommodating and knowledgeable about the areahe is the most thoughtful host and the house exceeded our expectationsrichard is a generous host that goes above and beyond what is expectedRead more reviewsLocation:
this place is absolute perfectionwe highly recommend this locationthe lodge was stunning and completely exceeded my wildest expectations and the location was unbelievably breathtakingmost amazing is the location overlooking the sea the bay the boats the islands the birdsit is the ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing and exploring islay
2. Terrace house with a backyard
This charming terrace house Airbnb in Bowmore, Islay, is centrally located with McTaggart Leisure Centre, banks, and other important amenities nearby. Since the island is famous for its whiskey, you might also want to add Bowmore Distillery to your itinerary. The property features a fully equipped kitchen, but you should also try local eats such as Peatzeria nearby. There’s also a backyard, an open space where you can better appreciate the surrounding landscapes. There’s also Wi-Fi and TV for entertainment.
Bowmore, Scotland, United KingdomSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it is very comfortable and has all the mod-cons of a 21st century self-catering propertythe house is very comfortable and had everything we neededCleanliness:
place was really clean and comfortablethe house was clean and cozycottage is clean and well stocked that make it feel homelythe house was lovely very clean and had everything we neededmargaret’s property was fantastic for our stay in bowmore everything was super clean and comfortableHost:
host is very kindgreat host super quick to reply very helpfulthe host was easy to communicate with i would recommendmargaret responsive and a helpful hostmargaret was very helpful and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
cute house close to everything you needit's a perfect location in bowmore very centrally locatedcan only recommend this locationgreat location just a couple blocks from bowmore distilleryperfect location to explore the island as you are right in the centre of it
3. Central flat in Port Ellen
A great option for families looking to explore the island, this two-bedroom holiday rental in Islay can sleep up to four people and is positioned within Port Ellen - placing it within easy reach of numerous distilleries and the ferry. Not only that but its central location means guests are just metres away from Leodomas beach and some of the local food options. But there are also plenty of amenities in this home, with the site boasting an open-plan living and kitchen space, wi-fi access and cable TV. There’s also a dishwasher and washing machine, the latter of which will come in useful for those planning longer stays.
Port Ellen, United KingdomSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great modern loft with all the necessary self catering facilitiesreliable wifi kitchen/cooking facilities lovely bathroom tv etcgorgeous cozy yet spacious apartment with a cottage feelthe apartment is exactly what you can see at the photos and it is lovingly furnishedlynne's place is great exactly as you see in the photos and very comfortableCleanliness:
super clean incredibly spacious propertya fantastic place that is clean modern and stylishnice and clean just as nice as the pictureslynne’s place was clean and as describedvery nice flat very cleanHost:
peaple are so kindlynne is a very responsive hostlynne is very responsive great hostlynne was helpful in explaining check in and very responsive to any questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is absolutly perfectthis apartment was super cute and in a great locationperfect location for exploring the islandgreat apartment in good locationsuper close to the southern three distilleries
4. Double-bed wood cabin outside Bowmore (from USD 121)
Enjoying the best of both worlds, this small but stylish cabin is set on open land close to the island’s main village - Bowmore. It makes the very most of its big skies thanks to its decking and open-air seats, but also enjoys seating space for simple snacks and a double-bed inside that is sure to appeal to couples or solo travellers. Amenities include TV, heating and a shower room. Former guests were impressed with its proximity to Bowmore, the host’s local tips and the property’s position within easy reach of the island’s many attractions by car.
Bowmore, United KingdomAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
hot shower coffee and tea heat comfortable bed closet space etcvery cosy & comfortable cabin awesome view over the islandwe would recommend getting the breakfast (not included) as it was a great way to start the daystunning views walking distance to bowmore and comfy bed - perfectthe shower is satisfying the bed comfy and the place warm enoughCleanliness:
it was simple calm and cleanit was clean comfortable and the perfect sizethe cabin is quiet and lovely clean as a whistlethe tiny house was quiet clean and comfortablejim's place is as advertised - a cool clean little placeHost:
jim was a helpful hostjim is a friendly helpful hostjim is a great host:)the host: jim was amazingjim was an excellent hostRead more reviewsLocation:
ideal for a quiet trip awaysuper location from which to explore the islandit's a good central location to explore islayamazing place and beautiful locationgreat location too 15 minutes to each port 2 minutes to bowmore
5. Cabin close to the Oa peninsula and Port Ellen (from USD 178)
This self-contained, two-bedroom cabin is situated next to the ‘Swallows Roost’ bed and breakfast - and that name is well earned. The property is set on the edge of the Oa peninsula (pronounced Oh), which is a popular bird-watching spot and a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Reserve. Despite the immediate area’s excellent wildlife credentials, the village of Port Ellen - with its ferry access and local facilities - is just three miles (five kilometres) away by car. And the picturesque location does not mean you have to miss out on decent mod-cons either - one of the bedrooms is even en-suite. Amenities also include kitchen, TV and a spacious deck area on which to unwind in the cracking Hebridean air.
Isle of Islay , Argyll and Bute, United KingdomSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable for 4 romantic for 2everything worked perfectly: check-in heating hot water kitchen equipment you name itvery comfortable with two full bathroomswarm and comfortable accommodationCleanliness:
premises is clean and tidythe pod was comfortable clean and well keptit was very clean tastefully furnished and well equipped for self-cateringvery clean very comfortable and an excellent base to explore the islandlovely clean pod perfect for a short stay nice touches by susan to complete the welcomeHost:
she is a wonderful hostthe host was so welcoming and easy to communicate withsusan was a wonderful hosta wonderful spot - susan and david were very good hostssusan was a great host providing local knowledgeRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and very friendlygreat place to stay near port ellenone of the best location i have ever attendedgreat location but you’ll definitely need a carthere is a beautiful white sand beach within walking distance
6. Flat in Bridgend with balcony deck area (from USD 152)
Another option that will appeal to couples or solo travellers, this one-bed Airbnb accommodation in Islay is located in Bridgend - which makes it an ideal base for the A846 road to the two ferry terminals of Port Ellen and Port Askaig as well as for the A847 out to the west of Islay. The property itself includes an excellent balcony deck area overlooking the local river and is well placed for the local food shop. Amenities include a fully-equipped kitchen, TV and on-site parking. Former guests were mightily impressed - giving the flat top marks for location and cleanliness.
Isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute, United KingdomSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it would be perfect if wi-fi were also providedwonderful apartment with river viewsgreat having sky tv in the eveningssky tv was appreciated to keep us entertained on rainy eveningsgreat location and the flat has a spacious living room with a balcony just over sorn riverCleanliness:
the coachman flat was spacious and cleanHost:
the hosts are very friendly and helpfulkatherine is a good host who responded my questions very quickly and also provided us a very comfortable accommodationwe meet our host katherine who was super nicekatherine is a very good hostkatherine was a great host - easy to contact and provide useful tips when neededRead more reviewsLocation:
great stay perfect location thanks katherineperfect location to explore the islandgreat location for a stay in islaythe location is central to islay and easy to get to and fromvery good place in the middle of islay island
7. Cottage in the heart of the island
This two-bedroom cottage, which was originally a school house, would make a charming home away from home for families or friends visiting the island. Equipped with underfloor heating and even a peat-burning stove - for that authentic cosy island experience - the property also enjoys its own garden for taking in the air and a private driveway, ensuring that getting to and from the site will pose no problem. Located in the middle of the island close to the road linking Bridgend to the ferry terminal and village at Port Askaig, it will be perfect for those using a car to explore the area. Amenities include wi-fi access, a kitchen and laundry facilities.
Isle of Islay, Argyll, United KingdomSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds kitchen wifi and shower were good and made for a comfortable staythe old school room is the perfect base for exploring islaywe had an amazing stay at the old schoolroom cozy with a modern touchthe space is perfect very spacious and cozyvery delightfull house with two good bedrooms sittingroom and kitchenCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablea very comfortable and clean cottagethe house was spotless and beautifully decoratedwarm comfortable clean and fresh sconesa cosy cute and very clean cottageHost:
welcoming and helpful hostmeri and david were absolutely wonderful hostsa very helpful hostmeri is a delightful host and always ready to answer questionsmeri was a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location personal touchesgreat house in a central location on islaexcellent place in an excellent locationthis is a wonderful place in a great locationthe location is great—midway to everything and the place is very quiet and comfortable
8. Studio bed-and-breakfast room near Port Charlotte
Another property within easy reach of a nearby distillery - this time Bruichladdich - this private bed-and-breakfast room is located just 10-minute walk away from the picturesque village of Port Charlotte, which overlooks the sea loch of Loch Indaal and boasts a host of charming whitewashed houses. The village is also home to some popular bars and restaurants and features popular sights such as the beach, lighthouse and Museum of Islay Life. The bedroom also comes with access to a guest lounge with TV and wi-fi access. Past guests loved the “splendid host” and gave the property top marks across the board.
Port Charlotte, Scotland, United KingdomSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice and comfortable with lovely viewsthe cottage is well appointed warm and extremely comfortableensuite bathroom well heated clearly newly renovated for gueststhis comfortable little space has a fully outfitted kitchen and we really appreciated the instant endless hot watercatherine’s place is a beautiful cozy apartment with a beautiful view just outside port charlotteCleanliness:
very clean and well furnishedvery quiet and peaceful and very clean and warmher b&b was clean and perfectly decoratedstudio is clean neat and cosycatherine treats you like one of her kids (without making you clean )Host:
she is also very helpfulcatherine was a great hostcatherine was a splendid host helpful in anyway possiblea wonderful time and a wonderful hostcatherine is an amazing hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location with kitchenthe perfect location for a relaxing break in islaythis is an ideal place to stay if you wish to relax and get away from everythingbeautiful location across the street from the baylovely place near the sea
9. Private low-cost room in Port Charlotte
Those seeking to explore Islay on a budget without compromising on quality may wish to opt for this highly-rated but reasonably-priced private room option in Port Charlotte. Guests enjoy access to double or single beds and a shared living room, as well as a number of mod-cons such as wi-fi and laundry access. Former guests were full of praise, giving it top marks for location and cleanliness and hailing the welcoming hosts as well as the view.
Port Charlotte, Scotland, United KingdomTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i stayed in their smaller room but the thoughtful touches were noticeablebreakfast was a nice additional toucha perfect quiet and very fairly priced room for the nightthe house is beautiful with lots of nice touches and we woke up to a nice breakfastCleanliness:
nice clean and warm roomrooms and bathroom were clean and spaciousthe room and bathroom are clean and set tidyeverything was sparkling cleangreat little place in port charlotte - clean and comfortableHost:
david and maggie are great hostshost maggie is very kindlovely stay with very hospitable hostsmargaret is really great host and she was very helpfullovely stay and lovely hosts be sure to check the ferry schedule when planning your tripRead more reviewsLocation:
superb location with good food in close walking distancethe location is fantastic good 30 seconds to bus stoptown is perfect locationthis is a great location in port charlottedecent spot for the money good location
10. Flat close to ferry and distilleries in Port Ellen
Located close to the ferry linkspan at Port Ellen on the south of Islay, this one-bedroom flat will be a great place to base yourself when exploring the island. Not only is it convenient for the ferry connection back to the mainland, but the flat itself places you within easy reach of three of the island’s popular distilleries - Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Lagavulin - so whisky aficionados will be thoroughly in their element. The flat is also convenient for the village pub, for socialising or grabbing a hearty meal, although the flat also comes with its own kitchen for preparing your own dishes. Other amenities include wi-fi access, a TV and on-site parking. Little wonder then that the property won hundreds of rave reviews from past guests.
Port Ellen, United KingdomTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable with plenty of room full amenitiesthe apartment is fully heated and very cleanfull kitchen available for cooking and living room for entertainingyvonne has a nice cozy flat where we rested in between seeing distilleries and natural landmarks on islaywell equipped too — everything you need in the kitchen and bathroomCleanliness:
everything was clean and comfortableyvonne’s place was clean and spaciousvery comfortable accommodation which was spotlessly cleanit was very clean and spacious and we loved having the whole space to ourselflovely flat clean and well stockedHost:
yvonne is a wonderful host and provided suggestions for the local restaurantsgreat host great place great positionyvonne is a great hostand yvonne is an amazing host and we highly recommend staying hereRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was fantasticgreat location in the heart of port ellenvery nice apartment and locationgreat place in a great locationgreat place central location highly recommend
11. Pod cabin within easy reach of distilleries and Port Ellen
Located just to the west of Laphroaig and its popular distillery, this two-person pod cabin is perfect for couples or two friends looking to enjoy the area’s whiskies and walking opportunities. Not far from Port Ellen, which is just 20 minutes away to the west on foot, it is also just moments away from the popular Three Distilleries Coastal Path which links that village with Ardbeg in the east. And, as the name makes clear, there are a few distilleries to enjoy while tackling the rewarding trek. Although the pod is small, it is stylish and comes equipped with a simple kitchenette, wi-fi access and electronic charging station. Guests loved the views of the area and gave the site top marks.
Port Ellen, Scotland, United KingdomSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
really amazing cabin stunning view and it is really cozythe shower was excellent the views are incrediblethe view from the round window is outstanding breakfast was quite basic but goodthe food left for breakfast was a fab touch including fruit bread that was deliciousron and emma also left thoughtful touches like crumpets for breakfast and twix in the pod for usCleanliness:
the property is very clean and functionalthe house is absolutely spotless and very comfortablereally pleasantly surprised how modern and clean everything wasthe pod itself is cozy and clean and warmthe pod itself was clean cosy and actually more spacious than we expectedHost:
the hosts were lovelyron was helpful and made us feel at homeron was a great host who was warming welcoming and knowledgeable about the islandwonderful hosts and a gorgeous cabinthank you ron and emma for being lovely hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is fantasticthis was a very cute space at a great location on islayand within walking distance of three distilleries- blissbeautiful spot in a great locationa very unique accommodation with a fantastic location
12. Flat in Port Charlotte
Another highly-rated option in Port Charlotte, this two-bedroom property is sure to appeal to small families or couples looking to explore this picturesque island. Split over multiple levels, the property enjoys excellent coastal views and garden space. There’s a kitchen for whipping up meals during your stay, and on-site parking which will come in very handy for exploring the island by car. Guests should bear in mind that there is no wi-fi or TV but, with its many natural charms, you may very well be thankful of the lack of tech to distract you. Previous guests certainly seemed to think so, giving the property top marks right across the board.
Argyll and Bute, Scotland, United KingdomSuperhostAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
no tv or wifi was blisshaving no wi-fi or tv was just greata great view from the kitchen and bedroomcathy's place is lovely with the most wonderful view from the kitchen/ dining areacomfortable with good facilities and local amenities nearbyCleanliness:
it was spotlessly clean tooit was clean and practicalclean great value for moneyit was immaculate on our arrival and communication both before and during our stay was impressive and helpfulit was very clean with beautiful sea viewsHost:
lovely place lovely hostcathy was such a kind and helpful host and gave great advice on the best walks/beaches to visitcathy is a great host and provided maps booklets and lots of local infoislay is lovely beautiful scenery lots of wildlife and friendly peoplecathy was the perfect host made us feel so welcomeRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and spacegreat location would definitely recommendthe location of the property is perfectfantastic location central to everything we wanted to see/doit’s in a perfect location
The 'Water of Life' awaits
Its reputation among whisky aficionados and wildlife fans means that there are plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals to choose from when planning your stay on Islay. Which will you choose?
Islay is also the perfect base to explore nearby destinations! Stay in an Airbnb vacation rental in Port Charlotte and explore the charms of a port town.
Frequently asked questions about Airbnb vacation rentals in Islay, United Kingdom
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