The Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris are the main island in the Outer Hebrides on the west coast of Scotland. Lewis and Harris are two parts of the one island.
Lewis and Harris have dramatic landscapes, a Gaelic culture and fascinating history, making it a great vacation destination. You will be amazed by the mountains, the expansive white beaches, rugged coastlines and the beautiful landscapes.
From ancient thatched blackhouses at Gearrannan and mysterious standing stones at Calanais to a variety of outdoor activities and superb food, there are plenty of things to do for everyone.
So experience life on the Outer Hebrides and start planning your Lewis & Harris Outer Hebrides vacation now!
Lewis & Harris Weather – When to Visit
The Hebrides, otherwise known as the Western Isles, actually enjoy a milder climate than you might expect as a result of the Gulf Stream. The best time to go to the Hebrides is between April and October. July and August are generally the best time for wildlife watching in the Hebrides – with sea birds, seals and cetaceans in abundance.
Best Lewis & Harris Beaches
Luskentyre Beach
Despite being located on the Isle of Harris in the north of Scotland, Luskentyre beach could almost be Caribbean in appearance. The vast expanse of silvery white sand and the crystal clear aquamarine / turquoise sea all combine to create what is often cited as the best beach in the British Isles. It is ranked as one of the Top 25 beaches in the world. You may be lucky enough to have the beach to yourself.
Traigh Mhor Beach
This large white beach stretches between the villages of Ardmhor and Eoligarry on the north tip of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, and when it isn’t acting as a runway Thrigh Mhor is a wonderful place to take a stroll and admire coastal scenery.
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Garry Beach
Boasting golden sand and blue waters, Garry beach is located in the village of Tolsta in the north of Lewis. See the stacks of Lewisian Gneiss, and take the Tolsta Heritage Trail which begins at Garry Beach and carries on for 10 miles along the coast to Ness.
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Androil Beach – Uig Sands
On the way to the beach you will pass a magnificent wooden statue of a chessman. It celebrates the discovery near here in 1831 of the famous Uig Chessmen. From the statue there is an attractive path out through the dunes to the outer beach.
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Dalbeg Beach
A walking route along much of the coast in this part of the Isle of Lewis takes you to Dalbeg Beach. Facing north west into the Atlantic Ocean, this sandy secluded bay boasts remarkable cliffs, a natural stone arch and wildlife to spot including geese and golden eagles.
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Dalmore Beach
Set on the exposed north coast of the Isle of Lewis the next stop is Iceland. This secluded section of the coast takes the full brunt of the Atlantic swells. The beach is made of a good stretch of golden sand flanked by rugged cliffs. At the north eastern end of the beach are a couple of sea stacks which are a favorite with photographers.
Best Lewis & Harris Tours & Activities by Viator
Day Tours of Harris in the Outer Hebrides
The drive to Harris alone is an amazing journey through incredible landscapes. During this tour we visit the world famous Luskentyre beach, drive down the single track ‘golden road’ and visit the medieval St Clement’s church, which is of a similar importance to Iona Abbey. Stopping for photos and lunch (not included) on the way. Visit Here to learn more about the Day Tour of Harris.
Day Tours of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides
Spend half a day discovering the Outer Hebrides’ wild scenery and ancient history on this small-group tour of Lewis. Depart in the morning from Stornoway in a comfortable vehicle, and head to the area’s top sights. You’ll explore Lews Castle and the Neolithic Callanish Standing Stones, will visit Carloway Broch and Bosta Beach, and more. Your guide will share the stories behind the sights as you explore. Visit Here to learn more about the Day Tour of Lewis.
The Best of Callanish Walking Tour
Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. What stories and legends are told about the Calanais Standing Stones? You will have a chance to explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings and corners of Callanish. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it! Visit Here to learn more about the Best of Callanish Walking Tour.
Romantic Tour in Callanish
An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. Visit Calanais Standing Stones and see how the sun goes down. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period! Visit Here to learn more about the Romantic Tour in Callanish.
Private Tours of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides
This is a private tour, which would give a unique and comprehensive insight into life in the Outer Hebrides, driven by a local, tour guide. Duration and departure time can be varied. Itinerary designed to suit your needs. Attractions and duration times listed are for guidance only. Tours can be custom designed around your interests. Visit Here to learn more about the Private Tour of Lewis & Harris.
Best Lewis & Harris Restaurants
Digby Chick $11 – 30
Local fish and shellfish are a specialty of the restaurant with daily fish specials available with whatever has been landed that day. A wine list, sourced from around the world, compliments the menu, with a whisky menu offering a selection of Scotland’s fine malts. Telephone: 44 1851 700026 Web: Digby Chick
Hebscape $11 – 30
This stylish cafe and art gallery, a couple of miles outside Tarbert on the road north towards Stornoway, occupies a hilltop site with breathtaking views over Loch A Siar. Enjoy home-baked cakes or scones with Suki tea or freshly brewed espresso, or a hearty bowl of homemade soup. Telephone: 44 1859 502363 Web: Hebscape
The Anchorage $11 – 30
Enjoy fresh, local seafood, famous fish & chips, homemade baked goods, and Italian coffees. Their menu also includes island lamb, highland beef and venison. Telephone: 44 1859 520225 Web: The Anchorage
Langass Lodge Restaurant $11 – 30
One of the best restaurants in the Outer Hebrides, Langass Lodge complements the best of local seafood, beef and game with vegetables and herbs grown in its own organic garden. You can eat in the atmospheric, candlelit dining room or in the less formal hotel bar. Bookings essential, even for the bar. Sadly, it’s not open for lunch. Telephone: 44 1876 580285 Web: Langass Lodge Restaurant
Skoon Art Café $11 – 30
Set halfway along the Golden Road, this neat little art gallery doubles as an excellent cafe serving delicious homemade soups, sandwiches, cakes and desserts (try the gin-and-tonic cake). Telephone: 44 1859 530268 Web: Skoon Art Cafe
Hello,
This was a great read.
I’m Scottish myself-based in Glasgow-and like many Scots often forget how beautiful out country really is. Your photographs are stunning.
Is it best to come by ferry with your own car? Or would a cruise be a better option?
Hopefully as the summer goes on and the current restrictions lift it will be easier to visit.
September in Scotland can be lovely-the weather usually improves when the schools go back!
Best wishes,
Cameron
You can take the ferry or go by car. Which every you prefer. A cruise is not going to give you a lot of time to explore and enjoy, but that is just my personal opinion. And your your country is beautiful! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Scotland is, and has been, on my bucket list for a long time now. I intend to check this one off in the next two years so coming across your review of Lewis and Harris should prove useful when the time comes. In the short-term, it sure did enhance my excitement to make this trip.
Great Jason 🙂 I do believe you will enjoy Lewis & Harris. Thanks for stopping and taking the time to leave me comments.
What an awesome site as we all prepare and look forward to being on the road again. This site is beautiful with lots of great information. The beach looks so calming and inviting. I know every person seeing this site would begin to reminisce on what use to be and what we all hope will soon be again after COVID-19. The site is user friendly and easy to navigate. It is neat and well organized. I have bookmarked it for future use. Thanks for such a detailed article and site.
Thank you so much Patricia. We will all want to begin traveling I think after this darn Covid-19 is over. It is really bad where I live, so I am looking forward to the end of all this pandemic. Thanks for visiting my Lewis & Harris Outer Hebrides post and taking the time to leave me comments.
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! I always wanted to travel around the world and you just added one more place to my checklist the beaches are so beautiful and are so lonely, walking along the coastlines all alone would be a heavenly experience. I love how you have mentioned hotels, restaurants, and so on. It was very very helpful.
I agree, it is beautiful! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I have bookmarked your website and this article about the outer Hebrides. I have traveled some in Scotland, but have yet to see the Hebrides. My wife would also love to go there. Scotland is a very beautiful country, with an engaging history, which I love very much. Maybe it is because I am Norwegian and feel like Scotland is like a second home to me. July to August, sometime in that period of time during the year, would be my pick. Then we will have the chance to experience the wildlife of the Hebrides to the fullest.
Your overview of the beaches, the tours, and activities a tourist can enjoy is excellent and gives you several opportunities to make the best out of the visit to the islands. Further, the list of restaurants and hotels completes the review of the outer Hebrides as a tourist destination.
I will re-visit your site and the article for any updates before booking and arranging our trip to the Hebrides when we have firm plans for such a vacation.
I am glad you enjoyed Roy. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Thank you for your post. It is useful for me. My wife and I planned to visit Scotland this year. Due to coronavirus, we postponed our travel to next year. Now we have some new scenery in our schedule.
Beach is one our travel plan. Your article gives us the perfect description for our beach travel. Lewis and Harris have the white beaches, which are our dream ones. Furthermore, landscapes, a Gaelic culture and fascinating history make it our top choice for our vacation destination.
I bookmarked your webpage and start planning our Lewis and Harris Outer Hebrides vacations now.
Great Anthony! Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.
Although I’ve never been there, Lewis & Harris Outer Hebrides looks like an amazing place to visit! The video has so much beautiful footage! Wow! It made me want to hop on a plane and visit this beautiful country soon. I was surprised to see how spacious the room looks at Langass Lodge. Their restaurant dishes look delicious and like they are prepared by great chefs. Thank you for such a great min-trip to this lovely land until I can actually travel there! I’m bookmarking your site so I can further check out all that you offer. 🙂
I am glad you enjoyed your digital visit to Lewis & Harris Outer Hebrides 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Colleen and taking the time to leave me comments.
I wanted to go on a break with my family and I just couldn’t choose where, and since I’m tight on budget I was thinking of canceling the trip after all. but thank god I found your website. I compared all the places and the living expenses and I’m happy to tell you I’m going for a vacation with my family. and for a very affordable cost.
y’all trust me this website is god.
Thanks Kan 🙂 I am glad you have enjoyed. Come back when you are ready to plan.
Wow, if I get to go on vacation this year I will get my ideas right here. I think Aruba sounded wonderful. I really like your details on the vacation spots, the restaurants and the coverage of each and ever vacation idea. Makes it hard to pick where to go which means it is very informative. I loved it. A lot of beautiful scenery and good prices. Like I said it was a great site to find a great vacation. Also, I liked that COVID 19 safety was mentioned for travelers that is very important. It gives people a feeling that yea lets do plan a vacation this year. I know that vacations have gone down because of the Pandemic. Your site will get people interested and changing there about traveling. Thanks for the great vacation ideas.
KathleenJ
You are welcome Kathleen. I appreciate your comments and for stopping by my site. Thank you
The isle of Lewis and Harris Outer Hebrides is absolutely breathtaking! I never knew gorgeous beaches like this existed in Scotland. I’m so glad I came across your site to read what this incredible destination has to offer. I loved to see that the best time to travel is between April and October because that is when my family usually travels (October happens to be one of our favorite months to do so). You have provided wonderful information of everything we need to enjoy our stay from restaurants, entertainment, hotels, and places to visit. I have bookmarked your site for future reference. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Lindsey. I am glad you enjoyed 🙂
Thank you for introducing me to the Lewis Harris Outer Hebrides. I had never given a thought to visiting Scotland until now. Those beautiful white beaches and cliffs are breathtaking. I enjoy hiking, swimming, and water skiing and enjoying it in such grand scenery would be a vacation I would never forget. With the problems throughout the world due to Covid19, how do I make sure the areas I would want to visit are going to be open for business?
I would also like some information on any fishing packages for a small group of 5-10 people.
Thank you again for this wonderful experience, and I look forward to visiting Scotland in the near future.
Hi Chas. I would totally recommend Hebrides Fish n Trips for a fishing package. They have excellent ratings on TripAdvisor as well. I believe it would be a wonderful experience. Please let me know if you need any further information.
OMG! This is purely awesome. I have only seen this in images and videos and I couldn’t get over the imagination of actually being on such a pure haven of tranquil serenity. I like this lewis Harris outer Hebrides and surely, it is indeed more like a magical home of serenity and houses a lot of nature’s beauties.
well! I would like to have an holiday immediately after the covid19 lockdown and when activities return to normal on this place. Thanks
Me too Sherry! I would love to head to Lewis & Harris Outer Hebrides when this pandemic is over. Pure paradise awaits!