If you read this itinerary and think, I can find 2-3 days for Mull and Iona, here’s our suggested itinerary.
Mull and Iona (194 Miles, Overnight Stay)
We refer to this leg of the itinerary as a bonus overnight stay, as island hopping and an overnight stay on Mull might be a tad too much for those who prefer a slower-paced trip.
Let someone else organise if you are desperate to see these islands but can’t face the driving.
Consider the Three Islands Tour of Mull, Iona, and Staffa and stay overnight again in Oban.
It’s a 12-hour tour, so be prepared for an early rise and late return with potentially another overnight stay in Oban.
If you visit during summer, there is a high chance you will see puffins on Staffa. It is well worth the trip, in our opinion!
Self-Drive Oban to Mull
The Oban to Mull ferry must be pre-booked and can only be done on the CalMac Ferry webpage.
Morning
The 46-minute ferry journey to Mull allows you to enjoy the views over the Sound of Mull and spot native wildlife, such as basking sharks and puffins.
As you sail in, look for Rubha nan Gall, aka Mull Lighthouse, and Duart Castle.
Mull’s Craignure to Fionnphort (35 miles, 1 hour 30 mins)
Mull is the second biggest in the Inner Hebrides, offering moors, mountains, and sandy beaches.
While Google Maps will tell you the drive between Craignure and Fionnphort, where you catch the ferry to Iona, is only 1 hour 5 mins, in reality, the journey takes at least 1 hour 30 minutes as the road is single track with passing places to let drivers get past.
Tour buses also use this road, as do local farmers.
The road takes you along Glen More and then follows the coastal inlet at Pennyghael before rising higher.
At Pennyghael, you can stop and see the otters that have their home there.
If you have them, it is worth taking your binoculars to spot the wildlife Mull is filled with.
When you arrive at Fionnphort, you can park your car (via app or with coins) and then get the ferry over to Iona, which is a passenger-only ferry ride.
There’s a food vendor at Fionnphort that sells fishy dishes and a cafe that sells snacks.
Public restrooms require coins to access.
Afternoon on Iona
The island of Iona is the smallest of the Inner Hebrides and is only 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long.
There are around 120 residents, and they are the only ones who are allowed vehicles on the island.
We recommend spending around two to three hours visiting the main attractions and enjoying the scenery and beaches.
One of the first places you will want to visit is Iona Abbey.
Dating from the year 536, this building was said to be founded by St. Columba.
While little of this period remains in the building that stands today, it is still used as a place of worship for the Community that inhabits Iona.
You can visit the Abbey as Historic Scotland owns it.
Iona’s highest point is Dùn I, and the views here will take your breath away.
Looking over to the Treshnish Isles, Tiree, Coll, and on a clear day, Rhum, Eigg, and Skye with Ireland visible to the South, you truly gain a panoramic experience at the top of this hill.
The Heritage Centre is worth walking to as it has all the information you need to know about Iona, living on the island, and the flora and fauna you can discover here.
Hop on a ferry back to Fionnphort and stay the night back in Craignure at Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa or drive to the main town, Tobermory.
Note: While there is a ferry port in Tobermory, you must return to Craignure to take the ferry back to Oban.
Hence why, we have added this as a bonus side trip. It’s a lot of effort but a healthy reward.
Evening in Tobermory
If you have ample time, skip the ferry home to Oban and stay the night in the big town on Mull.
Tobermory is one of the most colourful towns you will see on your travels.
The brightly painted houses light up the landscape and make the area come alive.
Dine at Coast for seafood.
Naturally, you could cross Iona off your list and spend more time on Mull.
If you have more time to spend on Mull:
- Mull pottery shop
- Mull Museum that you can visit and find out more about the history of the island
- Look out for one of the most famous residents here, a womble called Uncle Tobermory!
- Do a tour of Mull Distillery.
- Isle of Mull Cheese Farm Glass Barn Cafe which is about a 10-minute drive from the main street
- Calgary Bay, give yourself 1 hour to drive here
Here’s our guide on things to do in Mull.
What to See on This Detour
This optional two-day extension swaps the main route for the Inner Hebrides, sailing from Oban to Mull and on to the tiny sacred island of Iona. The highlights:
- Tobermory — Mull’s postcard capital, with its row of brightly painted harbour houses
- Iona Abbey — the cradle of Scottish Christianity, reached by a short passenger ferry from Fionnphort
- Oban gateway — plan the crossing around your Day 2 stop in Oban, the ferry port for Mull
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth adding Mull and Iona to a 7-day Scotland trip?
If you have two extra days, Mull and Iona add a genuine island experience — Tobermory’s harbour, Iona’s abbey, and superb wildlife. Since the ferry leaves from Oban, it slots in naturally around Day 2 rather than as a detour from the main route.
How do you get from Mull to Iona?
From Mull you drive across to Fionnphort at the western tip, then take the short CalMac passenger ferry to Iona. Cars are not normally allowed on Iona, so you explore the small island on foot.
How long do you need for Mull and Iona?
An overnight stay is realistic — cross from Oban to Craignure, base yourself in Tobermory, and spend the next day driving to Fionnphort for Iona before sailing back. Day trips are possible but rushed given the ferry timings.