National Geographic lists Scottish islands in its Best of the World 2025 travel list

National Geographic highlighted that BBC drama series An t-Eilean (The Island), due to be broadcast in 2025, will shine a spotlight on the Outer Hebrides and singled out visitor experiences along the Hebridean Way, and the Hebridean Celtic Festival (HebCelt).  

For decades, the Outer Hebrides has attracted visitors from across the globe, who are drawn to its beautiful beaches and coastline, breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters, unique Hebridean culture and Gaelic language, history and wildlife, delicious local food and drink and its wide variety of outdoor pursuits. 

The island chain is no stranger to global accolades, with West Beach on Berneray included earlier this year in Lonely Planet’s list of 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches.

READ MORE: Scottish tourism hails new surge in international visitors

Earlier this month, The Outer Hebrides was also included in Conde Nast Travellers 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in the Best Islands in the UK category. 

Each year, National Geographic releases its Best of the World list, celebrating destinations and travel experiences that illuminate our beautiful world and the diversity of communities and people within it.   

Selected and written by Nat Geo Traveler editors from around the world – in collaboration with National Geographic experts and expedition leaders – the annual list features both surprising, up-and-coming destinations as well as timeless locations that have something new to offer.  

In response to the Outer Hebrides’ inclusion in National Geographic’s Best of the World list 2025, Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “This is brilliant recognition for a destination which has a strong reputation with both domestic and overseas visitors.  

 “The Outer Hebrides has much to champion. From the iconic Barra beach landing to the stunning castles, Harris tweed and the blue seas that envelope Scotland’s Long Island, there are many reasons to visit.   

Aerial view of Luskentyre Beach and Sound of Taransay, from Seilebost on Harris.

“Tourism plays a massive part in Scotland’s economy, with the sector accounting for 7,000 island jobs in 2022. I hope that, as the only UK destination featured in this prestigious list, people at home and overseas choose Scotland as their next destination and enjoy the culture and adventure our nation possesses in abundance.” 

Vicki Miller, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “The Outer Hebrides is no stranger to international recognition and its appearance as the only UK destination in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list is a testament to the islands’ strong pull for visitors. 

“These wild but captivating islands offer something for everyone – stunning scenery, unparalleled opportunities to see amazing wildlife, a rugged coastline, delicious food and drink with strong local provenance, and an incredible historical and archaeological story to tell. Our communities, along with our natural and cultural heritage, are what make these islands so special.  

“At VisitScotland we encourage all visitors to respect the people and places they visit for a better experience for everyone. For several years now, our focus has been on growing the value of tourism rather than volume of our visitors, while raising the profile of this beautiful destination on the world stage. 

“Our activity focuses on promoting the Outer Hebrides – and Scotland as a whole – as a year-round destination, inspiring visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the places they are visiting, encouraging geographical spread.” 

Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “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. 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.  

READ MORE: Here are five of my favourite Scottish whisky visitor experiences

“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, 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.  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.” 

National Geographic says of the Outer Hebrides: “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.  

Explore the ancient archipelago along the Hebridean Way, a nearly 200-mile walking and cycling route that traverses 10 islands, passing silvery beaches, whisky distilleries, wildflower-bedecked machair grasslands, and neolithic monuments like the 5,000-year-old Calanais Standing Stones. In July, the annual Hebridean Celtic Festival celebrates Gaelic language and music in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.” 

To read National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 travel list, visit www.NatGeo.com/BestoftheWorld