The breathtaking rugged landscapes of The Outer Hebrides flew the flag for Scotland on National Geographic’s esteemed list naming the top destinations to visit each year.
With its wind-blown beaches where moss climbs over golden sands, and breathtaking trails along dramatic coastlines, this enchanting place earned its spot among 25 standout locations featured in the publication’s Best of the World 2025 list.
Also known as the Western Isles, it was ranked among the likes of a tropical archipelago in Indonesia, a safari destination in South Africa and sun-drenched Barbados in the Caribbean.
The National Geographic website encouraged visitors to experience the natural beauty of the islands: “Explore the ancient archipelago along the Hebridean Way, a nearly 200-mile walking and cycling route that traverses 10 islands, passing silvery beaches, whisky distilleries, wildflower-bedecked machair grasslands, and neolithic monuments like the 5,000-year-old Calanais Standing Stones.
“In July, the annual Hebridean Celtic Festival celebrates Gaelic language and music in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.”
People flock to the islands to try out dramatic hikes along the coast, birdwatching for puffins or gannets in the wetlands, and kayaking in breathtaking bays and lochs.
The archipelago is made up of around 15 inhabited islands, but there are up to 100 islands with many left rugged and uninhabited.
Lewis and Harris is the largest island, known for its beaches, historical sites and Harris Tweed, a handwoven wool fabric known worldwide.
Barra is famed for its unique airport runway which is believed to be the only one in the world where scheduled flights use a tidal beach as the runway.
North Uist is known for its wildlife, particularly birds, attracting nature enthusiasts from around the world.
Residents have the best life satisfaction levels in Scotland, according to personal wellbeing estimates from the Office of National Statistics, and its second only to Shetland in terms of having the least anxiety, earning it the reputation as the “most relaxing” place in the UK.
Scottish Gaelic is still spoken by many residents, and local radio stations broadcast in Gaelic to help preserve the language.
Owing to its rich natural surroundings and strong agricultural presence, food can vary from hand-dived scallops to succulent Hebridean lamb, while distilleries offer fiery whisky and gin.
A highly anticipated Scots Gaelic–language BBC drama series, An t-Eilean (The Island), will feature Scotland’s Outer Hebrides in a starring role.