Currency
British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Language
English, Scottish Gaelic
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit
Apr–Sep
Typical Duration
11 nights
Price Range
Contact cruise lines for pricing
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
Yes
Gateway to the remote Scottish Hebrides and pristine island landscapes, offering access to whisky heritage and dramatic coastal scenery.
Cruises that visit Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
Build Your Day in Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
SeaSalt Bistro & Takeaway
A top restaurant in Port Ellen.
Lagavulin Distillery
I highly recommend taking a ferry to Port Ellen if you're in Scotland.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Laphroaig Distillery
It really was a highlight of my trip to Islay.
Closed · Opens 9:45 AM Fri
Ardbeg Distillery
19th-century whisky distillery tours
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Fri
Islay
We enjoyed every second on Islay.
Another Place, The Machrie
Polished golf resort with dining & a spa
The Ardview Inn
Definitely place to visit when in Port Ellen.
Open now
American Monument
Great circular walk on the lovely Oa peninsula on the Isle of Islay.
No. 1 Charlotte Street
If you are visiting the Isle of Islay i cannot recommend this place more.
The Balaclava Byre
Without a doubt, it was one of the highlights of our trip to Islay.
Carraig Fhada Lighthouse
It is a little way out of Port Ellen but worth a visit.
Islay Sea Adventures
We took a boat tour on the west side of the island from Port Ellen.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
The Singing Sands
Nice clean beach with clear water and white sand.
Open 24 hours
Claggain Bay
Beautiful beach...If you take a wee stone, you will return to Islay
Islay Rum Distillery
Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Port Ellen.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Little Charlottes Cafe
On holiday on Isla and popped in here for lunch it was delicious!
Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Copper Still Coffee
Port-side coffee stand with surprisingly delicious baked goods.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Ellen's Wok
Best meal I had in Port Ellen.
Co-op Food - Isle of Islay - Port Ellen
Supermarket with an ethical focus
Open · Closes 10 PM
The Bothy
When in Islay, you should go there.
Port Ellen Distillery
Great to see a new distillery on Islay and Port Ellen reborn.
No.1 Public Bar
best bar on the island, its a must go!
Kilnaughton Beach
Beautiful clean beach overlooking Port Ellen.
Open 24 hours
Soldiers Rock
Hard place to find, challenging route back to Kintra!
SPAR Port Ellen
Lovely shop and helpful staff.
Open · Closes 9 PM
The Old Kiln Cafe
Lovely Place to eat , friendly staff and delicious food .
Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
The Blue Letterbox
Lots of locally made items and great cards and gifts.
Closed · Opens 9:15 AM Fri
Three Distilleries Pathway
Parked on a street in Port Ellen.
The Islay Bar
Great cosy spot for a wee dram
Shop in the Box, Islay
How cute on our travels to OA on Islay
Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Fri
18 Restaurant & Bar
Overall, a great and convenient way to start and end your days on Islay.
The McTaggart Community Cybercafe
Craft class on Monday afternoons.
Islay Encounters
Can't wait to return to Islay to get out on another trip.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Signature Restaurant
A real must if you are on Islay.
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay serves as a specialized port of call for discerning cruise travelers seeking authentic Scottish experiences. Currently served by Silversea, this intimate port welcomes a carefully curated selection of luxury cruises, primarily offering 11-night itineraries that explore the rugged beauty of Scotland's Inner Hebrides and beyond. The port's exclusive nature means you'll experience a more personal connection to the destination, far removed from the bustle of larger cruise terminals.
When your ship calls at Port Ellen, you'll step directly into the heart of Islay's whisky country and windswept landscapes. Passengers typically explore the island's renowned distilleries, dramatic coastal scenery, and charming villages that embody authentic Scottish character. From here, your cruise itinerary may venture to nearby treasures including the Isle of Iona, St. Kilda Archipelago, and ports across Ireland and Northern Ireland, creating a memorable voyage through some of Northern Europe's most captivating waters. April represents the ideal time to experience this remarkable corner of Scotland.
When your ship calls at Port Ellen, you'll step directly into the heart of Islay's whisky country and windswept landscapes. Passengers typically explore the island's renowned distilleries, dramatic coastal scenery, and charming villages that embody authentic Scottish character. From here, your cruise itinerary may venture to nearby treasures including the Isle of Iona, St. Kilda Archipelago, and ports across Ireland and Northern Ireland, creating a memorable voyage through some of Northern Europe's most captivating waters. April represents the ideal time to experience this remarkable corner of Scotland.
Cruise Lines at Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
- Silversea (2 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
Cruises Visiting Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
Ship Schedule at Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
Port Ellen, Isle of Islay Location
Other Cruise Ports in Scotland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Port Ellen known for?
Port Ellen is a historic harbor town on Islay, famed for whisky distilling and coastal scenery.
How can I visit Port Ellen?
Port Ellen is accessible by road around Islay and by ferry from the Scottish mainland; local buses and taxis are available.
What are the top attractions in Port Ellen?
Visit the harbour, nearby Islay distilleries, and coastal trails with sea views.
When is the best time to visit Port Ellen?
The summer months offer milder weather and better access to tours and events.