Port Ellen

Travel Guide

Port Ellen on Islay, Scotland. It's a town on the southern coast of Islay. It's location could be described as a bay within a bay. It's a small town with three pubs, only one of which is worth visiting as it's been recently renovated. There are plenty of accommodation houses and a very pretty harbour. Early mornings are busy as boats are made ready for the days adventures or work. As many visitors come to Islay without a means of personal transport the local council, with added funds from each distilleries, has built a sealed pathway beside the road to the nearby Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg distilleries.
Port Ellen on Islay, Scotland. It's a town on the southern coast of Islay. It's location could be described as a bay within a bay. It's a small town with three pubs, only one of which is worth visiting as it's been recently renovated. There are plenty of accommodation houses and a very pretty harbour. Early mornings are busy as boats are made ready for the days adventures or work. As many visitors come to Islay without a means of personal transport the local council, with added funds from each distilleries, has built a sealed pathway beside the road to the nearby Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg distilleries.
Port Ellen - Islay
Photo by Nigel Brown (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)
Carraigh Fhada lighthouse, Port Ellen
Photo by Bjarne Henning Kvaal… (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
Kildalton
Photo by Bjarne Henning Kvaal… (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
Another Place, The Machrie

Another Place, The Machrie

4 out of 5
The Machrie Hotel & Golf LInks Islay Island Scotland
The price is €290 per night from 14 Feb to 15 Feb
€290
14 Feb - 15 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Islay Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Popular attractions An Tràigh and Kilnaughton Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (181 reviews)
it’s a nice boutique hotel but the rooms are cozy and not too bad. Also, the hotel is very close to the airport but middle of nowhere. If you have to take a taxi service to Bowmore, which is the town center, for meals, It will cost 40 poundsround-trip. The hotel has a restaurant on site but sort ...

Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025

Another Place, The Machrie
Glenegedale House

Glenegedale House

5 out of 5
Glenegedale Islay Island Scotland
The price is €197 per night from 5 Feb to 6 Feb
€197
5 Feb - 6 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury guesthouse in Islay Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions An Tràigh and Kilnaughton Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews)
The hosts were marvelous ad the setting spectacular. We were met with coffee and muffins on check-in and a wonderful breakfast in the morning. The Island speaks for itself as well even though it definitely was NOT Tourist season in January!

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Glenegedale House
Upper Imeraval Cottage Sleeps 6 Pet-Friendly

Upper Imeraval Cottage Sleeps 6 Pet-Friendly

Port Ellen null
Stay at this cottage in Islay Island. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Kilnaughton Beach and White Hart Beach are ...
Islay Magic!
We enjoyed visiting Islay! Our stay at the Quaint and Quirky Cottage was lovely. It is spacious, but still cosy and warm. It has all the amenities that you need. The cottage's location is also very good and suited us very well.

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2024

Get rates
Upper Imeraval Cottage Sleeps 6 Pet-Friendly
See all 63 properties in Port Ellen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Unique House in an Idyllic Situation on a Beach

Unique House in an Idyllic Situation on a Beach

2 out of 5
Islay Island Scotland
Stay at this residence in Islay Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions White Hart Beach and Ardmore Islands are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Great place! Beautiful and big house! Helpful owner if any questions . Strategic location right in between all distilleries. Really unique house in an idyllic situation on a beach!

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2025

Unique House in an Idyllic Situation on a Beach
Upper Imeraval Cottage Sleeps 6 Pet-Friendly

Upper Imeraval Cottage Sleeps 6 Pet-Friendly

Port Ellen null
Stay at this cottage in Islay Island. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Kilnaughton Beach and White Hart Beach are ...
Islay Magic!
We enjoyed visiting Islay! Our stay at the Quaint and Quirky Cottage was lovely. It is spacious, but still cosy and warm. It has all the amenities that you need. The cottage's location is also very good and suited us very well.

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2024

Upper Imeraval Cottage Sleeps 6 Pet-Friendly
Machrie View - a lodge that sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms

Machrie View - a lodge that sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms

Port Ellen Argyll & Bute
Stay at this holiday home in Islay Island. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions An Tràigh and Kilnaughton Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Great property and views.

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Machrie View - a lodge that sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
See all properties in Port Ellen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

That time we went to Islay to see where our favorite whiskey is distilled. There are numerous distilleries on the island and wonderful tours. Hire a car from a local and stay at a lovely B&B.

Lagavulin Distillery

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Lagavulin Distillery during your trip to Lagavulin. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Lagavulin Distillery
This was a barrel of laughs :-p

Ardbeg Distillery

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Ardbeg Distillery during your trip to Port Ellen. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Ardbeg Distillery

Laphroaig Distillery

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Laphroaig Distillery in Port Ellen. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Laphroaig Distillery

Kildalton Chapel

You can learn about the history of Port Ellen with a visit to Kildalton Chapel. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Kildalton Chapel

Ardmore Islands

Learn about the local history of Port Ellen with a stop at Ardmore Islands. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Ardmore Islands

White Hart Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at White Hart Beach during your trip to Port Ellen? Take in the museums while you're in the area.

White Hart Beach

Things to do

Islay: Caol Ila Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting

Islay: Caol Ila Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting

€24
per adult
Islay: Caol Ila Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting
See all activities in Port Ellen

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