The Outer Hebrides, also known as Western Isles or Long Island, is a remote chain of Scottish islands highlighted by the National Geographic as one of the top places to visit in 2025.
Celebrated for its unspoilt coastline and stunning landscape, the beaches of the Outer Hebrides are characterised by sprawling expanses of white sands and blue waters, especially at Luskentyre and Seilebost on the Isle of Harris.
Affordable stays start as low as £25 per night in backpackers’ hostels, with Airbnbs available from £100 for travelling groups and families.
Hotels are also affordable, with the four-star No. 5 Drinishader offering twin rooms for £65 per night.
The famed Hebridean Way, a 200-mile trail across 10 islands, runs past rolling grasslands and rugged cliffs, including the landmark Calanais Standing Stones—an ancient site older than Stonehenge.
One of the highly rated spots to catch the Northern Lights this season, the Calanais Standing Stones are hugely popular among those trying their luck at seeing the aurora borealis.
A Tripadvisor user claimed that they felt like “being quiet out of respect for the site,” while another attested that they could “feel the energy of the earth and the connection to nature”.
The Outer Hebrides is a wildlife enthusiasts’ haven, as the islands offer abundant sightings of dolphins, otters, and eagles.
Visit the red-brick lighthouse atop the Butt of Lewis to enjoy panoramic views of the quintessential Scottish scenery, as well as a short hike to the coffee shops and local museums nearby to soak in some Celtic history.
Outer Hebrides is also famous for Harris Tweed which is handwoven by the islanders, and visitors can learn about this weaving process at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village.
If you’re lucky enough to be there in July, experience the annual Hebridean Celtic Festival, where Gaelic music and dance fill the air in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
