Iona is one of the oldest and most sacred Christian sites in Britain. In 563 AD, St Columba landed on this tiny Hebridean island and founded a monastery that became the cradle of Celtic Christianity. Pilgrims still cross to Iona to walk in the footsteps of the saints and visit the restored Iona Abbey.
Finding accommodation near Iona Abbey requires planning ahead — the island has limited places to stay, and ferries from Oban to Mull and on to Iona must be booked in advance. Our directory lists verified pilgrim-friendly accommodation in Iona, Oban and Tobermory, giving you options on the island and along the journey.
Every property on Pilgrim Stays UK is reviewed before going live. Book accommodation and ferries well in advance, as Iona is a popular destination and places to stay are limited, especially in the summer months.
Pilgrimage Route Guide
Plan your Iona Pilgrimage pilgrimage
Iona is one of the oldest and most sacred Christian sites in Britain. In 563 AD, St Columba landed here from Ireland and founded a monastery that became the cradle of Celtic Christianity. Pilgrims still cross to this tiny Hebridean island to walk in the footsteps of the saints, visit the restored abbey, and experience the profound peace of this sacred place.
Iona Campsite
Isle of Iona, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, Iona
The only campsite on the Isle of Iona, a short walk from the village, ferry and Iona Abbey. Offers tent pitches with five toilets and five showers. Five minutes' walk from the beach. The perfect base
Oban Caravan & Camping Park
Oban, Argyll, Scotland, Oban
A family-friendly caravan and camping park in Oban, the gateway to the Isles and the starting point for the ferry to Mull and Iona. Offers tent pitches, touring caravan facilities and glamping pods. C
St Columba Hotel
Isle of Iona, Argyll, PA76 6SL, Isle of Iona
A well-regarded hotel on Iona with 27 rooms, close to Iona Abbey. Visit the official website for bookings and enquiries.
Other Pilgrimage Routes
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find places to stay on the Iona Pilgrimage?
Pilgrim Stays UK lists verified pilgrim-friendly places to stay along the entire Iona Pilgrimage. Browse the listings on this page, or use our search page filtered by this route to find accommodation at each stage in Iona, Oban, Tobermory.
How long does it take to walk the Iona Pilgrimage?
Most pilgrims allow 1–2 days to complete the Island walks route. We recommend planning an overnight stop at the end of each stage — use our route planning guide to map out your itinerary and book places to stay along the way.
Is there accommodation in Iona and Oban on the Iona Pilgrimage?
Yes — our directory includes verified pilgrim-friendly places to stay in Iona, Oban, Tobermory and other key stages of the Iona Pilgrimage. Each property is reviewed before going live, so you can book with confidence.
Do the accommodations cater for walkers and pilgrims?
Many of our listed properties offer facilities specifically for walkers and pilgrims, including flexible check-in, drying facilities for boots and waterproofs, packed lunches, and safe storage for walking gear. Look for these features in the amenities listed on each property's page.
How far in advance should I book accommodation?
We recommend booking accommodation as early as possible, especially during summer months, school holidays and weekends. Places to stay along popular pilgrimage routes can fill up quickly, and some stages have limited options.
Are the listings verified?
Yes. Every property on Pilgrim Stays UK is reviewed before going live. Look for the 'Pilgrim Approved' badge — awarded to listings that meet our highest standards for welcoming pilgrims and walkers.