Scotland attracts a wide range of visitors each year, some are looking for excitement while others visit in search of peace and relaxation. There is simply so much to do in Scotland that virtually anybody can create the perfect vacation package. Sporting vacations such as skiing, golf and fishing have their main areas but outside of the main tourist attractions Scotland has much to offer. The Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Hebrides is one of the lesser known vacation destinations which offers extreme diversity.

There are two groups of islands, the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides, which make up the total group known simply as just the Hebrides. Consisting of hundreds of islands, the Hebrides are found off the west coast of Scotland. The most popular vacation destination in the area is the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides.

The Isle of Lewis is the largest, both in size and population, island in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles. The centre of the island is mainly barren moorland but the coast is often dramatic and always incredibly beautiful. Lewis is in the very north and to the south of Lewis is the Isle of Harris which is part of the same land mass. In the North, Harris is dramatically dominated by imposing mountains which soften to rocky hills to the south.

Tarbert is the main village on Harris which is found at the point where North Harris becomes South Harris. It is here where you will arrive/depart to or from the Isle of Skye if traveling by ferry. Always take great care to book your ferry as early as possible and get to it as early as possible as it does not wait for anybody. Tarbert can get a little congested at ferry times so take care.

There are a number of sports which can be enjoyed on the Isle of Harris. Golfers will be pleased to hear that Harris has it’s own golf course with absolutely astounding views and some unique challenges. Please note there is no golfing on Sundays. If one course isn’t enough there is another over in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Of course anglers are catered for extremely well with a number of excellent places to try a spot of fly fishing and sea fishing is to be believed.

Cycling vacations are extremely popular on Harris and large numbers of individuals and groups of friends enjoy the often unique experience. Great care should always be taken by both the cyclists and others on the road. It is sometimes too easy to become distracted by the sights and cycling alongside each other is not advised. If cycling on Harris is not for you then maybe you would enjoy walking. Many hill walkers and climbers visit the island in the summer but again you should take great care and be suitably equipped at all times.

For those looking for something a little more relaxing then I should mention the most amazing beaches found along the west coast of Harris, especially in South Harris. No visit to the Isle of Harris would be complete without spending some time on at least one of the beaches. Lovely expanses of silvery gold shell sand beaches appear around each corner as you drive along. Remember, if you want to take in the sights pull over and park your vehicle.

If you are planning a vacation to the Hebrides this year and are thinking of spending some time on the Isle of Harris then you need to consider what type of accommodation you will be staying in and where on the island you will base your vacation. If you plan to spend most of your time taking in the scenery and relaxing on the beach then self catering in South Harris might just be the perfect solution. However if you would not like to be bothered by such things as cooking and you would like to spend some time visiting Harris then a hotel or guest house in Tarbert may be more suitable. Whichever you choose you will find the accommodation to be of the highest quality.

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