Scotland’s islands named among the best places in the world to visit in 2025

The Rough Guides’ 25 best places to travel ranking features locations around the globe, including Cinque Terre in Italy and Senegal in West Africa.

The islands were named the best in the Slow Travel category and praised for their “pristine beaches” and “crystal-clear” waters.

Scotland’s islands were named alongside other places like Senegal (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Scotland’s islands named among the best places in the world to visit in 2025

Discussing the Scottish islands, Rough Guides said that these iconic spots are home to “windswept” landscapes, “pristine beaches” and “crystal-clear lochs” as well as charming villages.

The travel brand said it’s “nigh impossible” not to slow down and take it easy during a trip to one of these islands.

The Isle of Skye and Orkney were highlighted by the travel brand (Image: Getty Images)

It added that each island offers a “completely different vibe” and that any one of them would make an excellent stop during a trip to Scotland.

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Sharing some of the best islands to visit, Rough Guides said the Isle of Skye with its Fairy Pools and Orkney with its Unesco World Heritage sites are must-visit spots.

Discussing the remarkable accomplishment, Vicki Miller, chief executive of VisitScotland, said Scotland’s islands are “hugely popular” with visitors around the world and that their inclusion in Rough Guides’ 25 best places to travel list is a “further example of their global appeal”.

She added that 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”.