The Outer Hebrides has been hailed as one of the global must-see travel spots for 2025 by National Geographic.
The esteemed magazine’s annual ‘Best of the World’ list, compiled by Nat Geo Traveller editors across the globe, puts the spotlight on exceptional destinations to visit in the following year.
Not only is this Scottish archipelago the only UK location in the guide, but it also shines for its awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural richness.
National Geographic praised the islands off Scotland’s west coast for their remarkable vistas, heritage, the Hebridean Way visitor experience and the beloved Hebridean Celtic Festival.
With an established reputation for attracting global travellers through its magnificent beaches, dramatic scenery, pristine waters, vibrant culture, and renowned local hospitality, the Outer Hebrides continues to make waves in international travel recognition.
These isles are no stranger to global recognition, with Berneray’s West Beach previously securing a spot on Lonely Planet’s “100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches” list, and the Conde Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards listing them in the Best Islands in the UK category earlier in October.
The region is also set to take centre stage in the new BBC series An t-Eilean, a crime drama scheduled to air in 2025, which tells the story of four siblings returning to their family home after their mother’s death.
National Geographic said: “The Oscar-nominated Banshees of Inisherin showcased Ireland’s western isles. Now An t-Eilean (The Island), a highly anticipated Scots Gaelic–language BBC drama series, will give Scotland’s Outer Hebrides a starring role, highlighting its dramatic landscapes and Celtic heritage.”
Visitors can explore the ancient archipelago along the Hebridean Way, a nearly 200-mile walking and cycling route that spans 10 islands, passing silvery beaches, whisky distilleries, wildflower-bedecked machair grasslands, and neolithic monuments like the 5,000 year old Calanais Standing Stones, reports the Daily Record.
Then there is the annual Hebridean Celtic Festival that celebrates Gaelic language and music in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis that takes place every July.
Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Cllr Kenny Macleod, commented: “The inclusion of the Outer Hebrides as the only UK destination in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list is an honour that everyone in our communities should be proud of. In the Outer Hebrides we are blessed with stunning natural landscapes, rich culture and deep history.”
Speaking about the breathtaking scenery and the tireless efforts of locals to increase tourism, the leader of the local authority, Councillor Uisdean Robertson, added: “While these factors draw visitors from around the world the inclusion on this list is a recognition of people as much as place and would not be possible without the hard work of all stakeholders in the local tourism sector. The work of VisitScotland and Outer Hebrides Tourism to responsibly market the Outer Hebrides as a location for visitors should particularly be praised.
“Alongside this promotion the increase in community ownership across the Outer Hebrides has allowed our communities to create their own visitor infrastructure and ensure localised benefit is received when individuals visit our islands. With the continued work of our communities and the receipt of necessary investment I have no doubt that the Outer Hebrides will continue to be considered as one of the best destinations in the world.”
Sarah Maclean, Chief Executive of Outer Hebrides Tourism, expressed her delight at the recognition, and said: “We are delighted that National Geographic has recognised the Outer Hebrides as one of the best destinations in the world. It is such as special place—one of the few remaining places in the world where you will hear Scots Gaelic spoken among awe-inspiring landscape shaped by the power of nature.”
Looking ahead, she added: “In 2025 we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to share, enjoy and respect the outstanding beauty and unique Hebridean of our islands.”
For those intrigued by the allure of the Outer Hebrides, more information can be found on National Geographic’s Best of the World list online, while further details about the islands are available through VisitScotland.
