Scotland attracts a wide range of visitors each year, some are looking for excitement while others visit in search of peace and relaxation. There is simply so much to do in Scotland that virtually anybody can create the perfect vacation package. Sporting vacations such as skiing, golf and fishing have their main areas but outside of the main tourist attractions Scotland has much to offer. The Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Hebrides is one of the lesser known vacation destinations which offers extreme diversity.



The Hebrides are a collection of hundreds of islands which are found off the west coast of Scotland. The Hebrides are split into two distinct groups, the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides (which are also known as the Western Isles). The main, and the largest, island in the Inner Hebrides is the Isle of Skye which also attracts the largest number of visitors.

The largest and most populated island in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles is the Isle of Lewis which has some incredible scenery around the coast but the vast majority of the interior is moorland. Adjoining Lewis to the south is the Isle of Harris which is dramatic in the North, which is dominated by mountains of up to 3,000 ft, but rather more gentle to the South.

North Harris meets South Harris at a narrow isthmus where, in a steep valley, you will find the main village on Harris, Tarbert. Tarbert is also the ferry port for the main ferry to/from the Isle of Skye and, at ferry times, the village can suddenly become congested and very busy. If you plan to travel to Harris by ferry make sure that you book and arrive well in advance as at the peak of the season the ferry is often full.

Harris golf course is set in the wonderfully beautiful coast of South Harris with the most incredible views and really keen golfers will be pleased to hear that there is another course in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Anglers will be thrilled with the number of places providing superb fly fishing opportunities for trout or salmon on the Isle of Harris.

Of course there is simply loads more to do and a great many people visit Harris to enjoy cycling. Walking is another popular way in which to enjoy yourself on the island and if you like climbing the best views are often obtained from the highest points.

Until you visit the Isle of Harris it is difficult for you to fully understand the outstanding beauty of the island. Yes you may have seen some photographs of the many spectacular beaches, you may have seen them on the television. However, until you have stood, on a hot summers day with your bare feet in the soft warm shell sand, looking out to sea, you have no idea what a genuinely moving experience it can be.

If you are planning a vacation to the Hebrides this year and are thinking of spending some time on the Isle of Harris then you need to consider what type of accommodation you will be staying in and where on the island you will base your vacation. If you plan to spend most of your time taking in the scenery and relaxing on the beach then self catering in South Harris might just be the perfect solution. However if you would not like to be bothered by such things as cooking and you would like to spend some time visiting Harris then a hotel or guest house in Tarbert may be more suitable. Whichever you choose you will find the accommodation to be of the highest quality.