A stunning UK island welcomes only tens of thousands of visitors per year, even though its beauty has seen it dubbed the “Hawaii of the North“. Tireee is the most westerly of the Inner Hebdrides islands in Scotland. Known for its idyllic beaches and windswept splendour, the island covers some 7,800 hectares – but only has around 700 residents, as per the 2022 census.

The low-lying island is highly fertile, replete with lush green landscapes set against the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean. It likely got its “Hawaii” nickname due to it supposedly being a superb destination for surfers, while also enjoying temperatures that are “generally higher than on the mainland, while summer evenings are warm and balmy,” according to Discover Tiree.

However it notes that the island is “also known as a windy place, with the strongest winter gales normally occurring in December and January”. Unsurprisingly, given the wealth of rich grassland it boasts, crofting reportedly remains a major part of the local economy. One of the biggest drivers is tourism, though.

Back in 2015 it was estimated that Tiree saw only around 26,000 visitors annually, though this may well have increased in the intervening years.

It’s home to several impressive beaches, including Balevullin, a famous Scottish surfing spot, and the sands at Vaul Bay, which are accompanied by some impressive Iron Age ruins nearby.

Visitors can take in the rich local wildlife, including seals and otters, and the coast, explore its calming landscape, and enjoy some superb locally caught seafood.

Most people reach the island by getting a ferry from Oban on the west coast of mainland Scotland, which is around three hours drive from the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. It’s around four hours by train.

One visitor who wrote on TripAdvisor about their experience of the island.

They said: “Friendly, good food, wee shops, horse riding, boat trips, beautiful beaches and fabulous light.”

Another visitor joined them in giving it five stars, but warned holidaymakers to bring “all seasonal clothes as the weather changes quickly from warm sunshine with breeze to very cold and windy in one day”.

They said: “Fabulous beaches and stunning scenery. Worth a visit. Also worth a visit to The Reef for evening meal but book first – food excellent and staff hard working and pleasant.”

A third said Tiree is a “magical place”.

They added: “Pace of life is slower, people are friendly to each other, the beaches are simply stunning and among the best, if not the best in the world.

“Great destination to recharge and unwind from modern life.”