The beautiful UK island with around only 30,000 tourists a year and beaches like Hawaii | UK | News
A stunning UK island has been dubbed the “Hawaii of the North” for its beauty, but only welcomes tens of thousands of visitors a year. Tireee is the westernmost of the Inner Hebdrides islands in Scotland. Known for its idyllic beaches and windswept splendor, the island covers an area of approximately 7,800 hectares but has only around 700 residents, according to the 2022 census.
The low-lying island is highly fertile and filled with lush landscapes set against the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean. It probably earned its nickname “Hawaii” because it is an excellent destination for surfers and also enjoys temperatures that are “generally higher than on the mainland when summer evenings are warm and balmy.” Explore Tiree.
But he notes that the island “is also known as a windy place, with the strongest winter storms normally occurring in December and January.” Unsurprisingly, given its wealth of rich pastures, farming reportedly remains an important part of the local economy. But one of the biggest drivers is tourism.
In 2015 it was estimated that Tiree only saw around 26,000 visitors per year, although this figure may have increased in the intervening years.
It is home to many impressive beaches, including the famous Scottish surfing spot of Balevullin and the sands at Vaul Bay, accompanied by some impressive Iron Age ruins nearby.
Visitors can view the coast and rich local wildlife including seals and otters, explore its calming scenery and enjoy superb locally caught seafood.
Most people reach the island by ferry from Oban, on the west coast of mainland Scotland, which is about three hours’ drive from Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. It takes about four hours by train.
A visitor who wrote about his experience of the island on TripAdvisor.
They said: “Friendly, good food, little shops, horseback riding, boat trips, beautiful beaches and gorgeous light.”
Another visitor agreed, giving them five stars, but warned holidaymakers to bring “all seasonal clothing as the weather changes quickly from warm sunshine breezy to very cold and windy in the course of a day.”
They said: “Gorgeous beaches and stunning views. Well worth a visit. Also worth visiting The Reef for dinner, but book first – the food is excellent and the staff are hard-working and friendly.”
A third said Tiree was a “magical place.”
They added: “The pace of life is slower, people are friendly to each other, the beaches are simply stunning and are among the best, if not the best, in the world.
“It’s a great place to recharge and get away from modern life.”
