Iona blends shell-white beaches with a monastery founded in 563 CE, still anchored at its heart.
Cross the water, wander the island, and see why pilgrims and travelers keep returning.
Scheduled Monument overseen by Historic Environment Scotland.
Era:
Early Medieval, established in 563 CE (approximately 1463 years old)
Unique geological formation - wonders of nature
Is the location still in good condition, or has it deteriorated due to the passage of time.
Is the location very atmospheric (red), neutral (orange), or rather raw and cold (green).
Truly worth the journey
View map
Switch between map view and image view to choose how you want to explore the locations.
2
The Iona Island & Abbey
Situated within the Inner Hebrides, Iona covers about 8.5 square kilometers and is edged by white shell-sand beaches with clear blue-green seas. The island's terrain includes low hills such as Dun I, which rises to 101 meters above sea level. Its landscape encompasses rocky shores, machair grasslands, and open moorlands, supporting rare species of wildlife. At the center of Iona lies Iona Abbey, a medieval religious site located near Baile Mór village, close to the remains of an Augustinian nunnery and several high crosses. Comparable monastic sites can be found on nearby Mull.
Continue reading — for members
Archaeological and historical findings
Accessibility and visitor information
Area guides
Read the full story of The Iona Island & Abbey
Get access to the full story, practical information and deeper experiences.
Discover all exclusive locations and in-depth content from Gofinestera.
Church of Our Lady
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Kerk blends Romanesque origins, Gothic grandeur, and vivid medieval murals beneath its rebuilt sandstone tower.
Wander inside, trace centuries in stone and color, and discover Sint-Truiden from a new perspective.
The Hurler Stone Circles
Three ancient stone circles stand where legend says men once played on a Sunday and were turned to stone. Wander the wide moorland, count the stones (if you can!), and feel the echo of a Bronze Age crowd beneath the Cornish sky.
Hill of Tara
The Hill of Tara weaves together Neolithic tombs, vast ceremonial earthworks, and the legendary Stone of Destiny.
Walk the ridge, trace ancient boundaries, and feel the power of this iconic landscape.
Burial mounds De Regte Heide
The Regte Heide mixes open heathland, forest paths, and 3,000-year-old landmarks.
Perfect for curious walkers and weekend explorers!
Woodhenge
Six rings of ancient posts trace a solstice-aligned circle in open Wiltshire fields.
Step inside the rings and start connecting the ancient dots.
Isterberg
At Isterberg, exposed sandstone cliffs meet woodland and farmland, shaped by geology and centuries of use.
Walk the ridge, climb the tower and enjoy the wide cross-border views.
Kernhem House and Estate
The estate’s grand halls and wooded paths invite both art lovers and nature walkers alike.
Follow the trails, enjoy the gardens and escape from everyday life.
The Luttenberg
Luttenberg’s soft hills lead to forests, open meadows, and local crafts worth stopping for.
Come for the view. Stay for the charm!
House of Viviane (Hotié de Viviane)
The Hôtié de Viviane is a rare Neolithic burial chest on the Rauco heath, high above the Val sans Retour.
Take the forest trail and explore this unusual prehistoric landmark!
Le Val sans Retour
Red schist cliffs, forest trails and Arthurian landmarks bring geology and folklore together in one extraordinary valley.
Take the trail and uncover Brocéliande’s most famous stories!