Holiday rentals and lettings on the Isle of Mull

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday home on the Isle of Mull?
• Holiday rentals on the Isle of Mull: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring the Isle of Mull: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see on the Isle of Mull?

• Variety of cottages: You'll find all kinds of self-catering retreats across Tobermory, Dervaig, Craignure and Salen, many of them pet-friendly.
• Best areas to stay: Tobermory suits first-timers who want shops and cafés on the doorstep, whilst Fionnphort and Dervaig reward those after quiet beaches and dark skies.
• Loved by guests: Visitors praise holiday homes on the Isle of Mull, raving about the sea views, warm welcomes and easy reach of the harbour.
• When to visit: May to September brings the warmest weather and wildlife boat trips, whilst autumn offers fiery colours and far fewer crowds.
• Things to do: Boat trips to Staffa, castle visits and beach walks at Calgary Bay top most itineraries.

Whether you're escaping for a romantic weekend or gathering the whole family, the Isle of Mull has a holiday home to match. Cosy holiday cottages on the Isle of Mull suit couples and small groups, traditional log cabins bring you closer to nature, and larger self-catering holiday homes comfortably sleep big parties of family and friends. Most properties come with popular features including:

• Fast Wi-Fi throughout
• Private gardens and terraces
• Wood burning stoves
• Pet-friendly spaces
• Off-road parking

Many sit in peaceful, secluded settings, while others place you a short stroll from the shops and harbour.

What are the best areas to stay on the Isle of Mull?

The best area depends on your plans: Tobermory is ideal for first-time visitors who want shops, cafés and the famous harbour close by. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Don't just take our word for it — our guests consistently rate their Isle of Mull stays among the best in Scotland. Visitors love the warm welcomes, the unbeatable sea views and how easy it is to reach the island's beaches, harbours and wildlife spots from their front door.

Here are our top-rated holiday homes from the past year:

1. Superior 2 bedroom apartment with fabulous castle and sea views - 10.0: Guests adore the castle and sea views from this spacious apartment on the Isle of Mull, along with its comfortable rooms and welcoming hosts.
2. Carnanamish, a luxurious cottage in Tobermory - 10.0: This luxurious cottage in Tobermory wins praise for its generous space, pet-friendly touches and easy walk down to the colourful harbour.
3. Harbourside Apartment No 3 - 10.0: A stylish harbourside apartment in the heart of Tobermory, loved for its balcony, central setting and lovely views over the bay.

The Isle of Mull lies just off Scotland's west coast, in the Inner Hebrides. Reached by ferry from Oban, it's one of the largest and most accessible Scottish islands.

✈️What is the best way to get to the Isle of Mull?

Getting to the Isle of Mull is straightforward, with options by ferry, road and rail. Here are the most common ways to get to the island:

• Ferry: The main route is the CalMac ferry from Oban to Craignure, which takes around 45 minutes and carries cars. Smaller ferries also run from Lochaline to Fishnish and from Kilchoan to Tobermory.
• Car: Driving gives you the freedom to explore Mull's single-track roads and remote beaches at your own pace. From Glasgow, follow the A82 and A85 to Oban (around three hours) before boarding the ferry. Remember to book your car onto the crossing in advance, especially in the busy summer months.
• Train: Take the scenic West Highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban in around three hours, then walk straight onto the foot-passenger ferry.

🥗Where to eat on the Isle of Mull?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Ninth Wave Restaurant is the best-rated restaurant on the Isle of Mull. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Megan and Chris recommend the Tobermory Fish Van: this little harbourside van serves some of the freshest fish and chips on the island, best enjoyed on the pier whilst you watch the boats come in.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit the Isle of Mull is from May to September, when the weather is at its warmest and wildlife boat trips run most days. Late spring brings wildflowers and nesting puffins, whilst autumn offers golden colours and far quieter beaches. Winter is wild and atmospheric, ideal for storm-watching by the fire.

Spring

• Best for: Wildlife watching, wildflowers and quieter trails
• Weather: Mild and fresh, with lengthening days and the odd shower
• Atmosphere: Calm and uncrowded as the season slowly wakes up

Summer

• Best for: Beach days, boat trips and family holidays
• Weather: The warmest of the year, with long daylight hours
• Atmosphere: Lively and busy, especially around Tobermory

Autumn

• Best for: Photography, walking and peaceful escapes
• Weather: Cooler and changeable, with dramatic skies
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and golden as the summer crowds thin out

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Isle of Mull local expert, Fiona of An Cala, a spacious house with stunning sea views, recommends watching the sunset over Calgary Bay, with its white sands and big Hebridean skies. You can read more about local tips on Fiona's page.

1. Take a boat trip to Staffa and Fingal's Cave
2. Wander Tobermory's colourful harbour
3. Step back in time at Duart Castle
4. Relax on Calgary Bay
5. Visit the Abbey on Iona

1. Take a boat trip to Staffa and Fingal's Cave

   Hop on a boat from Fionnphort to the uninhabited island of Staffa, home to some of Britain's most dramatic geology. You'll find towering hexagonal basalt columns that resemble organ pipes, along with the cathedral-like Fingal's Cave, famous for its natural acoustics. In late spring and summer you may also spot colonies of nesting puffins on the cliffs.

2. Wander Tobermory's colourful harbour

   The island's capital, Tobermory, is instantly recognisable for its row of brightly painted houses curving around the bay. Stroll the high street to browse independent shops, stop for a bite in a harbourside café, or learn the art of whisky-making at the Tobermory Distillery.

3. Step back in time at Duart Castle

   Perched dramatically above the Sound of Mull, Duart Castle dates back to the 13th century and remains the ancestral home of Clan Maclean. Guided tours take you through the great hall, dungeons and family rooms, with displays on the clan's long history. Outside, the views across the water to the mainland are simply stunning.

4. Relax on Calgary Bay

   Often crowned the island's finest beach, Calgary Bay is a glorious sweep of white sand, machair grass and clear turquoise water. It's a safe, family-friendly spot for paddling and picnics on a warm day. To reach it, follow the Calgary Art in Nature trail, a woodland path dotted with sculptures that is well worth the gentle walk.

5. Visit the Abbey on Iona

   A short ferry from Fionnphort carries you to the tiny, sacred island of Iona. Despite its size, it offers beautiful white beaches and superb wildlife watching. Its heart, though, is Iona Abbey, one of the oldest Christian centres in Western Europe and a beautifully restored place of pilgrimage. Wander its peaceful cloisters, admire the ancient carved crosses, and soak up the quiet, contemplative atmosphere that has drawn visitors here for centuries.