Scotland’s islands named in Rough Guides ‘best places to travel’ list for 2025

The country’s islands have been named in its ‘Best places to travel for slow travel relaxation’ category.

Rough Guides describes the category as destinations for visitors “looking to take a 2025 vacation that makes it easy to slow down and simply be”.

Scotland’s islands sit alongside Skagen in Denmark, Villefranche-sur-mer in the French Riviera, Speightstown in Barbados and the Sicilian town of Nicolosi in the category. 

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Rough Guides wrote: “Sparsely populated, with landscapes of wild, windswept heather-covered moors, pristine beaches, crystal-clear lochs, and small villages, it’s nigh impossible to not slow down on the Scottish Islands.

“Each island offers a completely different vibe, so they make a great addition to your Scotland itinerary. For example, with its UNESCO World Heritage Neolithic sites and easy access to fun island-hopping boat trips, Orkney is well-suited to families who are looking to take time out from the chaos of everyday life. The same is true of the Isle of Skye, where the Fairy Glen enchants visitors of all ages.”

Commenting on the news, Vicki Miller, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Scotland’s islands are hugely popular with visitors the world over and their inclusion in Rough Guides 25 best places to travel in 2025 is a further example of their global appeal.

“Our islands’ stunning scenery, rich history and unique wildlife and culture demand to be explored at a gentler pace so it’s no surprise that they have been highlighted as one of the best for slow travel relaxation. 

“This is in line with our own sustainable tourism strategy which is focused on growing the value of tourism rather than volume of visitors and encouraging visitors to take their time and immerse themselves in local culture and connect with nature.”

Baleshare beach on North Uist (Image: VisitScotland) The inclusion of Scotland’s islands on the Rough Guides list comes after the Outer Hebrides was named as one of the Best of the World destinations for 2025 by travel authority National Geographic in October.

The Outer Hebrides was the only UK destination to be included in the prestigious list, with recognition given to its breathtaking landscapes and unique heritage.  

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).  

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.   

“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.”