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Top Things to Do in Kintyre Peninsula, Argyll and Bute - Kintyre Peninsula Attractions

Things to do in kintyre peninsula, explore popular experiences, popular cities in kintyre peninsula.

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• Wilder Ways
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• Royal Castle of Tarbert
• Glen Scotia Distillery
• Skipness Castle
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• Shell Beach
• An Ceardach Garden
• Westport Beach
• Machrihanish Seabird & Wildlife Observatory

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Kintyre Peninsula , Travel Guides

13 things to do in kintyre – scotland’s only mainland island.

When it comes to remote places in Scotland, you might think of the secluded Knoydart peninsula or the isolated mountains of the Cairngorms national park. But there is another remote region that I want to put on your Scotland map: the Kintyre peninsula! This is a blog post about why you should visit and how to fill your trip with things to do in Kintyre. 

This post is part of the West Coast Waters campaign and focuses on Wild About Argyll . Regions all along the west coast of Scotland have joined forces to promote the country’s beautiful west coast from Argyll to Wester Ross. 2020 is the Year of Coast and Waters – the perfect excuse to plan a trip and immerse yourself in the sounds, views, aromas and textures of Scotland’s west coast!

This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Find out more here . All opinions are my own.

Kintyre is a long finger-shaped peninsula on the west coast of Scotland, just across the water of the Firth of Clyde. On the map it looks super close to Glasgow – only 60 km between Glasgow and Campbeltown, the peninsulas main hub, as the crow flies. But by car, the journey to Kintyre resembles a small odyssey, as it’s nearly 140 miles and close to 4 hours on small country and coastal roads. So close, and yet so far.  

Kintyre is linked to the mainland of Argyll, the greater region it is a part of, by a 2-mile stretch of land. Imagine, how close that is to being an island! In fact, in 1093, Kintyre was the subject of a dispute between the Norwegian king Magnus Barefoot, who was ruling the islands off Scotland’s west coast at the time, and the Scottish king Malcolm III.

Thinking he could outsmart the Viking king, Malcolm promised Magnus he could rule over all land that he could encircle by boat – and thus expecting to regain control over all of Scotland’s mainland. But he didn’t reckon with the nifty Viking king. He simply ordered his crew to drag his ships across the land for those 2 miles, thus encircling the peninsula after all. And so, Kintyre became the last mainland stronghold of the Norwegians in Scotland. 

The peace did not last long, however, and the next Scottish king invaded Kintyre and defeated king Magnus, seizing control over the peninsula once again. 

Now that you know a bit more about the area, its location and its history, let’s dive into what there is to do in Kintyre and which practical things to keep in mind for your holiday!

Spending a few nights on the Kintyre peninsula would be the perfect way to extend my South Scotland itinerary or my Island Hopping itinerary to the Inner Hebrides.

Table of Contents

13 Things to do in Kintyre

Carradale bay.

Kintyre has a series of beautiful beaches and bays. Some are sandy and stretch for miles, while others are split into a series of bays with sand, pebbles and rocks. There is so much to discover.

Carradale Bay is a gorgeous stretch of sand on the east coast of Kintyre, approx. 30 minutes north of Campbeltown. The walk to the bay begins near the holiday park. It first follows the Carradale Water, then runs along the beach and continues along the coast all the way to the harbour of Carradale village. There are also stunning smaller beaches directly north of the harbour. 

From the shore, you can enjoy fantastic views over to the Isle of Arran. Above the harbour, stop for refreshments at Drumfearne Tearoom before heading back to your starting point.

Public Transport | West Coast Motors operates a regular bus service between Campbeltown and Carradale – no 300/445. This also runs past Saddell Bay and Torrisdale Bay/Estate, so you might be able to request stops (see points 2,3 and 4 below).

Torrisdale Bay

The next bay south of Carradale is Torrisdale Bay which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Kintyre. To the right, there is a sandy beach, but I highly recommend climbing across the rocks to the left until you get to the next little bay. From here you can watch the waves crash against the rocks and splash high up into the air. 

Beinn an Turc Distillery: Kintyre Gin

Up the road from Torrisdale Bay lies Torrisdale Estate, a huge piece of land with woodlands, rivers and a castle – the home of the estate’s owners. After building a hydroelectric plant on their land, Niall and Emma Macalister Hall decided to use some of the power produced to run a gin distillery.

Today, Beinn an Turc Distillery produces Kintyre gin and offers both tours and tastings on site. Find out more here . All the gins are made on-site using 12 botanicals and also bottled by the small team. All excess power produced by the hydroelectric plant is fed back into the local grid. A completely sustainable distillery.

Saddell Bay + Antony Gormley sculpture

A beach in Kintyre might not be the place where you’d expect to find public art, but that is exactly what awaits you at Saddell Bay. In 2015, British artist Antony Gormley made five iron-cast sculptures to celebrate 50 years of the Landmark Trust. One of them found a permanent home in Kintyre overlooking the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran.

The sculpture looks like a person looking out at sea. Sometimes it’s exposed on the rocks, but at high tide, waves batter its feet. It is an eerie, but beautiful sight. A must-see in Kintyre.

Parking is available at the gate or Saddell Estate and from there it is a 20-minute walk to the bay with the statue. Cross through the right gate of the castle to get there.

Campbeltown Whisky Distilleries: Glen Scotia

There are five whisky regions in Scotland and the smallest one is without a doubt Campbeltown – the bustling main hub of Kintyre. Once there were over 30 distilleries in this town, but today only three are still operating. All of them are open for tours and tastings. 

I highly recommend a tour at Glen Scotia Distillery in the heart of Campbeltown. If your budget stretches to a tour with the distillery manager, Iain McAlister, he will personally guide you through the process and get out some of his favourite whisky expressions to try at the Dunnage warehouse. It’s a tour I will never forget! Regular tours are also available though, as well as different tastings. Find out more here .

You might also like: An essential guide to trying Scottish whisky

Machrihanish Bay + Dunes

Machrihanish is a village on the west coast of Kintyre. It is known for its stunning beach which stretches north for several miles, its wildlife – best seen from the seabird hide – and the dunes which are home to an iconic golf course. 

You could spend an entire day here, playing golf, going for a picnic at the beach and spending a few hours watching the wildlife. 

Public Transport | West Coast Motors bus 200/442 runs from Campbeltown to Machrihanish.

Surfing at West Port Beach

North of Machrihanish dunes lies West Port, a sandy beach with the best surf in Kintyre. Pete’s Surf School offers surf lessons for beginners and pros. Within a few attempts, I managed to stand up and ride a wave – it was exhilarating!

Surf lessons include all equipment as well as a wetsuit to keep you warm in the Atlantic ocean. 

Public Transport | There is no bus stop at West Port Beach, but most bus drivers will stop on request – i.e. on bus 926.

You might also like: 19 outdoor activities to try in Scotland

Glenbarr Cafe

There are many beloved tearooms and cafes around Kintyre, but few are lovelier than Glenbarr Cafe. Combining a local store with the post office, a garden centre and a cafe, this is literally a one-stop-shop for everything you might need in this remote village. 

The cafe has a wide selection of local produce and cakes, as well as several vegan options. Great for a snack on the west coast of Kintyre.

Public Transport | Scottish Citylink bus 926 between Glasgow and Campbeltown stops in Glenbarr.

Day Trip to the Isle of Gigha

The Isle of Gigha lies just off the west coast of Kintyre and can be reached within a 20-minute ferry ride from Tayinloan (operated by Calmac, timetable available here ). Whether you bring your car across or hire a bike at the Activity Centre in Gigha, the island makes for a great day trip.

Visit the surprisingly exotic Achamore Gardens and walk out to the beautiful Twin beaches with views over to Islay and Jura. Climb up Creag Bhan, the highest point of the island (101m a.s.l.), and go for a walk along Leim Beach. If island hopping is your jam, hire local fisherman Stuart McNeill to take you to Cara Island, south of Gigha ( phone to book: +44 78860 07090 ). To try wild swimming or snorkelling, head to Johnny’s Shore near the village.

While you can easily visit Gigha in a day, you will soon realise that there is more to do & see than you can possibly manage in 24 hours. Time to plan a longer trip and visit again!

Public Transport | Scottish Citylink bus 926 between Glasgow and Campbeltown stops in Tayinloan

You might also like: A practical guide for snorkelling in Scotland

Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse

You could not leave Kintyre without visiting the famous Mull of Kintyre – after all, even Paul McCartney thought this place was worthy of a song! 

PS: The scene from the music video with the piping band marching down a beach was actually shot at Saddell Bay!

Public Transport | There is no public transport to the lighthouse. The closest bus stop is in Southend.

On the way to or back from the Mull of Kintyre, make sure you stop in Southend, the southernmost village on the peninsula – what a name!

Check out the ruins of Dunaverty Castle on a rocky headland. It was once a stronghold of the Clan MacDonald – the Lord of the Isles. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides and was connected to the mainland by a drawbridge.

Nearby at St Columba’s Chapel you can see the legendary carved footprints of the Irish missionary St Columba who brought Christianity to Scotland and founded the abbey on Iona. 

If you are looking for a snack, head to Muneroy’s Tearoom in the village. 

Public Transport | West Coast Motors bus 444 runs from Campbeltown to Southend.

Skipness Castle

Skipness Castle lies at the other end of Kintyre, the far north of the peninsula. It was built in the early 1200s by the MacSweens but later fell into the hands of the Clan MacDonald. It was re-built several times over the centuries and even though it lies in ruins today, these differences in style can still be seen.

The castle is free to visit, and if you are into seafood, you should definitely swing by the smokehouse and the seafood cabin!

PS: The ferry to and from Lochranza on the Isle of Arran leaves from Cloanaig, near Skipness Castle. Kintyre is therefore perfect to combine with a trip to Arran or island hopping for the day!

Public Transport | West Coast Motors bus 448 runs from Tarbert to Skipness Castle. Coming from Campbeltown you’d have to change from the 926 to the 448 near Kennacraig.

Tarbert + Tarbert Castle

At the very top of Kintyre and at the western end of that 2-mile stretch of land that connects the peninsula to the mainland, lies Tarbert. This bustling harbour town has a lot to offer – from the colourful waterfront to the ruins of Tarbert Castle high above the town. 

From up there you get great view of the natural harbour as well as the surrounding bay and islands. The castle is free to visit.

Public Transport | Scottish Citylink bus 926 between Glasgow and Campbeltown stops in Tarbert.

Tarbert is one of my favourite pretty villages and towns in Scotland .

Kintyre Travel Guide

How to get to kintyre.

There are four main ways to get to Kintyre: by car, by ferry, by public transport and by plane.

Kintyre by car | The drive from Glasgow to Campbeltown in the south of Kintyre is approx. 140 miles and takes roughly 4 hours. Google Maps might say it’s faster, but consider that many of the roads are narrow and winding mountain or coastal roads, so plan some extra time for the drive. The route takes you northwest from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond, east from Tarbet to Inveraray and then south along the shore of Loch Fyne and the west coast on Kintyre.

Kintyre by ferry | Alternatively, you can drive southwest from Glasgow to Ardrossan and take the Calmac ferry crossing to Campbeltown. While you don’t save any time overall, you save yourself a potentially stressful beginning of your holiday on small roads. Plus, you get to arrive in Kintyre as if it really was an island! 

The Ardrossan to Campbeltown ferry runs only in summer (May to September) and frequents six times a week on four different days. Check the timetable  here .

Kintyre by public transport | There is a direct bus connection from Glasgow to Campbeltown on Scottish Citylink route 926. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and if public transport is your jam, you could consider getting a multi-day pass for the region. See more below.

Kintyre by plane | Loganair operates a direct flight connection from Glasgow to Campbeltown. Once you are there, you can either hire a car, utilise public transport or ask your hotel to arrange transfers.

Getting around Kintyre

The easiest way to navigate Kintyre is by car. You might pick up a hire car in Edinburgh or Glasgow and drive to Kintyre yourself, or if you flew into Campbeltown, you could hire locally with Kintyre Hire or Campbeltown Motor Company . 

Alternatively, there are several bus routes connecting some of the major places of interest in Kintyre. If you plan to travel Kintyre by public transport, I highly recommend you check out this blog post for advice and invest in a multi-day Explorer Pass from Scottish Citylink. I will highlight which bus routes you can take to visit the places I mention below!

Kintyre on your Scotland itinerary

If you visit Scotland from overseas or plan a longer trip to explore the country, chances are that Kintyre is not the only region on your itinerary! Check out my 2-week west coast itinerary for an inspiring route that takes in Kintyre and Gigha, the heart of Argyll and the isles of Islay, Jura and Colonsay.

If you opt for the ferry connection from Ardrossan, a trip to Kintyre can also link up seamlessly with my one-week itinerary for South Scotland . Of course, opportunities are endless, and who says you can’t drive a detour to visit the peninsula if you follow my classic Scotland itinerary ?

Where to stay in Kintyre

I tried two very different accommodations in Kintyre during my trip – a B&B in Carradale and a hotel in Campbeltown, which would both make for great home bases for a trip to Kintyre.

Carrasdales Guest House, Carradale

Carradales Guest House is a five-star bed & breakfast in Carradale, a stretched-out village on the east coast of the peninsula. The guest house lies on a winding road, approx. 30-minutes drive from Campbeltown, but the views and beaches along the way are worth the effort. One of the owners is a professional chef and can accommodate dietary requirements with ease, as long as he knows in advance.

This is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing retreat – I imagine particularly when travelling with your partner or by yourself. 

CARRADALES IS ONE OF MY ACCOMMODATION FAVOURITES! Check out more Unique Places to Stay in Scotland – from hotels to B&Bs!

Seafield Hotel, Campbeltown

I also spent two nights at the Seafield Annex of Ardshiel Hotel in Campbeltown. The rooms in the annex are only a 2-minute walk from the main hotel, comfortable and quiet. I had no issue with vegan food here and had several choices for dinner each night.

Being based in Campbeltown meant I had easy access to a variety of restaurants, shops and things to do that did not require driving. It’s a great base particularly if you decide to travel by public transport. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Money-Saving Budget Tips for Scotland

Now that you have all the information you need for a trip to Kintyre, are you ready to hit the road?

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The West Coast Waters 2020 Campaign is a partnership initiative and has received funding from the Visit Scotland Growth Fund – more information at https://www.westcoastwaters.co.uk/about .

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5 thoughts on “ 13 Things to do in Kintyre – Scotland’s only Mainland Island ”

The food looks Great. how about Rain?

I mean, it rains in Kintyre just like it rains anywhere else in Scotland. It’s impossible to predict and shouldn’t be a reason to sour your trip. Scotland is still beautiful, even when the weather doesn’t play along entirely! The perfect time for some whisky tours ☺️

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30 BEST Places to Visit in Kintyre Peninsula

Places to visit in kintyre peninsula, explore popular experiences, popular cities in kintyre peninsula.

Top Attractions in Kintyre Peninsula

What travellers are saying

• Wilder Ways
• Springbank Distillery
• Royal Castle of Tarbert
• Glen Scotia Distillery
• Skipness Castle
• Machrihanish Beach
• Shell Beach
• An Ceardach Garden
• Westport Beach
• Machrihanish Seabird & Wildlife Observatory

Things to do in Kintyre in 2023

The Kintyre peninsula is a remote and stunningly beautiful part of Argyll with a great deal to offer its visitors

Often known as a 'mainland island' due to the difficulty of reaching it, the Kintyre peninsula is a unique and incredible - yet still relatively accessible - place to explore and get away from it all. The place that inspired Sir Paul McCartney to write 'Mull of Kintyre' is still truly one of Scotland's best-kept secrets, and the newly-marketed Kintyre 66 route is undoubtedly one of the loveliest road-trips in Scotland.

Whisky , gin, seafood galore, island views to die for and some of Scotland's most incredible beaches await you in Kintyre.

Kintyre is one of Scotland's best-kept secrets, and its beaches rival any elsewhere in the country, not to mention the rest of the world.

Kintyre has some fabulous and widely-renowned golf courses.

Kintyre's remote location and low population numbers mean its eateries are few and far between, but they're well worth the wait when you reach them.

Whisky & Gin

Scotland is known for its whisky, and if there's a particular 'whisky hub' to be visited above all others, then it might well be Campbeltown, nestled in the southeastern corner of the Kintyre peninsula. Back in the 1800s, there were over 30 distilleries in the town - check our our in-depth guide to Campbeltown Whisky.

Newly launched in 2021, the Kintyre 66 is a beautiful 66-mile circular route on the A83 and B842 around the Kintyre peninsula.

Kintyre has a lot to offer hikers and those wishing to explore on foot - the Kintyre Way walking route is an excellent way to explore this wonderful area at a slower pace, and can be completed in 7-10 days depending on fitness and objectives.

Island Access

One of the reasons for the spectacular views from pretty much anywhere on the Kintyre peninsula is the islands that surround it.

Scottish castles are everywhere, and Kintyre has two of its very own to shout about, both on the eastern side of the peninsula.

Argyll Coastal Route

Classic scotland with castle stays, the ultimate whisky tour: islay and campbeltown.

Great British Coast

Home » The Kintyre Peninsula, Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute – Oban to The Clyde Estuary

The Kintyre Peninsula, Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute – Oban to The Clyde Estuary

Stretching along the rugged coastline of western Scotland, this coast borders beautiful bays and large lochs, surrounded by rugged hills and mountain peaks, open coastal moorland and sprawling forests. Small fishing villages border the shoreline here, and islands of various shapes and sizes lie out to sea, adding to the scenic landscape within this part of Scotland.

Oban to Mull of Kintyre

This coastal section runs southwards from Oban, past several large Inner Hebridean islands. Numerous lochs stretch inland from the sea; although they are not as wide and extensive as the vast fords to the north, and instead consist of relatively small rocky inlets and bays, they are just as impressive. Also, this coastal stretch is bordered by rugged hills rather than towering Scottish Highlands, but nevertheless, they still produce some rather spectacular landscapes. Numerous islands also lie out to sea – whereas some of these are small rocky crags, others are rather large in size, such as Luing, Shuna and Jura.

Of the many lochs along the coastline, Loch Craignish is particularly renowned for its beautiful landscape. With several islands located in the centre of the small fjord, extensive conifer forests on its eastern side, and a rocky headland named Craignish Point (located to the west of the loch’s mouth), Loch Craignish is a nice place for tourists to visit [1]. Like much of the coastline around here, the islands within the loch, as well as the loch itself, are shaped in a distinctive south-south-west to north-north-east direction – this is due to the movement of large ice sheets, which formed during numerous Ice Ages over the past 2.4 million years, shaping these landforms. The same formation can be seen at Loch Sween to the south, as well as the incredible craggy and forested landscape that surrounds the loch. Also, the scenic Loch Melfort is surrounded by craggy hills on either side, whereas the forest-lined West Loch Tarbert almost divides the Mull peninsula in two.

As mentioned, the coastline is generally bordered by steep and rocky hills which are often under 400 metres (1,300 feet) in height. Although they are covered in moorland, extensive forests also line the coastline, adding to the wild feel of the landscape. South of Machrihanish Bay, itself a rare example of a sandy beach and dunes along the Kintyre peninsula, the coastline is incredibly rugged, with steep 300 metre (1,000 foot) high hillslopes sliding down to the pebbly shoreline. Several small headlands are located along the coast. At the southern tip of the peninsula, named the Mull of Kintyre, great views of Ireland can be seen across the Straits of Moyle, a relatively narrow gap that marks the boundary of the Irish Sea to the south-east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. With its small solitary white-painted lighthouse amongst the vast hills, the Mull of Kintyre landscape feels incredibly tranquil and remote, with almost an ‘end of the world’ feel to the landscape [2].

Mull of Kintyre to Dumbarton

The coastline between the Mull of Kintyre and the coastal town of Dumbarton borders the eastern side of the Kintyre peninsula, around the vast Loch Fyne, and twists around several other lochs, and along the northern side of the Clyde estuary.

Moving northwards from the Mull of Kintyre, the coastline passes a wide variety of coastal scenery, from the small and sandy Carskey and Dunaverty bays, to steep hillsides and craggy cliffs with headlands and rocky shorelines. Campbeltown is located at the head of a small bay; it is a traditional, quiet Scottish grey-stone town, the largest on the Kintyre peninsula [3]. Continuing northwards, the coast passes through a beautiful and tranquil landscape, with intermittent conifer forests flowing down from the hilltops to the rocky shoreline. The coast twists around rugged headlands that are interspersed with small bays and coves, such as Torrisdale Bay.

North of Skipness Point, the coastline starts to border Loch Fyne. Extending 65 km (40 miles) inland, Loch Fyne is the longest of the Scottish lochs. The coastal landscape on both sides of the loch is rather similar to that of the Kintyre peninsula and around Loch Craignish. With tranquil spruce and fir forests dominating the hilly landscapes, and numerous small bays dotted along the shoreline, the landscape is truly remarkable. The occasional small town or village sits on the shore, including the idyllic village of Tarbert, with its harbour lined with beautiful townhouses [4], and Inveraray, a traditional Scottish town consisting of white-painted buildings. One of Scotland’s iconic buildings, Inveraray Castle, also overlooks the loch [5].

The headland of Ardlamont Point is located on the eastern side of the mouth of Loch Fyne. To the west, the coastline travels around the Cowal peninsula, with the Kyles of Bute sea channel separating the mainland from the Isle of Bute. Like the coastline around Loch Fyne, this is also bordered by vast forests, although patches of moorland are also visible. The coast passes the village of Tighnabruaich, a small and tranquil village penned in between the shoreline and woodland [6], and winds its way around the steep slopes of Loch Riddon and Loch Striven, both of which protrude northwards. At Toward Point, the Kyles of Bute meets the mouth of the Firth of Clyde, which leads to the large city of Glasgow.

The port town of Dunoon is located 10 km (6 miles) to the north of Toward Point – with its large Victorian pier and bustling promenade, and numerous bed-and-breakfast hotels, pubs and restaurants which overlook the pebbly East Bay [7]. North of Dunoon, Loch Long extends northwards from the Firth of Clyde. It is flanked by towering craggy peaks, as well as smaller loch inlets, on its western side. The loch is also lined with coniferous forest along much of its steep western side, forming part of Argyll Forest Park. Small streams also run down from the peaks into the loch. Despite the wild nature of the land bordering western and northern sections of Loch Long, parts of the eastern side have a more industrial usage, in the form of a large Royal Naval Armaments Depot located close to the village of Coulport.

West of the mouth of Loch Long, the coastline wriggles around Gare Loch, and then reaches the coastal town of Helensburgh. An idyllic Victorian-era seaside resort, Helensburgh is famous for both its long promenade and its pier, both of which provide scenic views across the Firth of Clyde. Moving westwards from here, the shoreline consists of long sandy beaches as the Firth of Clyde narrows and becomes the Clyde estuary [8]. The coastline is bordered by rather gently sloping land as it carries on to the town of Dumbarton. Dumbarton Rock dominates the coastal landscape here – this is a large volcanic plug which infilled a volcanic crater around 350 million years ago – it sits on the edge of the Clyde estuary, its near-vertical sides inaccessible on all sides. The rock is now home to Dumbarton Castle, which overlooks both the estuary to the south, and the town of Dumbarton to the north. The Denny Tank Museum showcases the once-industrialised nature of the Clyde estuary, including Dumbarton’s shipbuilding heritage, as well as that of the docklands towards the large city of Glasgow, which exists around 21 km (13 miles) to the south-east of Dumbarton [9].

[1] https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/loch-craignish-p1422351

[2] https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/mull-of-kintyre.shtml

[3] https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/campbeltown-p235331

[4] http://www.tarbertlochfyne.com/

[5] https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/inveraray-p235311

[6] https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/tighnabruaich-p234871

[7] https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/dunoon-p234961

[8] https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/helensburgh-p235131

[9] https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/dumbarton-p235121

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A weekend road trip through Kintyre – Scotland’s hidden peninsula

“Mull of Kintyre, oh mist rolling in from the sea. My desire is always to be here, oh Mull of Kintyre.”

First released in the late 1970s by Wings and penned by front singer Paul McCartney, the iconic song Mull of Kintyre might be more famous than the place it describes.

McCartney wrote it in honour of Kintyre, a peninsula in Western Scotland where he purchased a farm in 1966 and which became one of his favourite places in the world.

Nestled between some of the most dramatic Inner Hebrides, Kintyre feels like an island – but it isn’t.

A hideaway for McCartney and his loved ones, Kintyre feels very remote and definitely doesn’t qualify as a tourist hotspot.

Still, it’s accessible enough to make for the perfect weekend road trip from Glasgow.

Organising your visit

From Glasgow, a trip all the way to the southern end of Kintyre takes about four hours.

There are lots of opportunities to take in the rugged nature, relaxed surroundings, and delicious specialties of the area – you’ll even have the chance to spot Ireland in the distance.

It’s possible to drive there and back in a day, but we suggest taking it a bit slower and visiting for at least a weekend.

Past Loch Lomond and the Southern Highlands

From Glasgow, the road north towards Kintyre is already a knockout. Passing the bonnie shores of Loch Lomond (that are just as lyrically famous as the Mull of Kintyre ), you’ll take a left in Tarbet after about an hour of driving.

The Highlands are in full swing by now and the “Rest and Be Thankful” car park is a wonderful spot for a first break where you can marvel at the impressive mountains rising left and right.

Heading south soon after, you’ll reach Loch Fyne and Inveraray, a town void of colour – architect Robert Mylne renovated the entire village exclusively in black and white in the late 18 th -century.

Into Kintyre

After driving along the shore of Loch Fyne for a while, you’ll reach the town Tarbert. A very common name in Scotland, Tarbet or Tarbert usually refers to a town on a narrow strip of land connecting two bodies of water.

Here, Tarbert is the gateway to Kintyre and its only connection to the mainland, making it a peninsula and not an island.

Passing by the small village, you’ve reached Kintyre, where the adventure really begins.

Driving down the west coast

The main road of Kintyre leads from Tarbert to Campbeltown along the west coast and might well be one of the highlights of the trip.

In the distance, you’ll spot several of the Inner Hebrides. Most prominent is impressive Jura with its distinct mountains (the ‘Paps of Jura’), where George Orwell gave birth to literary classic 1984 .

Much closer lies Gigha, well worth an explore if you fancy a bit of bird and seal-watching, visiting pretty Achamore gardens, or enjoying some Michelin recommended seafood in the Boathouse restaurant.

Hidden behind Gigha you’ll see Islay, an island that has become synonymous with whisky and where some of world’s renowned distilleries can be found.

Exploring the Mull of Kintyre

From Campbeltown, there are several ways to explore McCartney’s beloved Mull of Kintyre a.k.a. the southern tip of the peninsula.

If golf is your thing or you want to try it out, there’s a golf club in the village of Machrihanish, just a ten-minute drive outside Campbeltown.

On a beach at the south end of Kintyre, the magnificent Dunaverty rock awaits to be climbed.

While little more than the foundation of Dunaverty castle remains, the area has a very typical Scottish history, as the battle of Dunaverty took place here which saw hundreds of MacDougall clansmen die at the hands of the Covenanters.

Spotting Northern Ireland

Last but certainly not least on the list of sights in southern Kintyre is the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse.

About 30 minutes from Campbeltown on small and windy tracks, the lighthouse feels like the ultimate end of the road.

The drive through the hills of the Mull of Kintyre is especially scenic and, despite the outstanding landscape, few people come here so you’ll most likely have the area all to yourself.

At the top of the mountain that hides the lighthouse you’ll find a small car park – leave the car and walk the rest of the way down the hill.

The 30-minute-walk is spectacular and soon you’ll spot not just the lighthouse down below, but another island in the distance: Ireland!

In fact, you’ll be standing on the closest Scottish point to Ireland: only ten miles of the North Sea divide the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse and Ballycastle in Northern Ireland.

In 2018, plans existed to build a bridge here to connect Britain to Ireland. But they were scrapped because Kintyre was too far out of the way to actually be a viable option for anyone traveling between the islands.

As this would’ve likely destroyed much of Kintyre’s charm and uniqueness, residents and tourists alike were relieved to see those plans abandoned.

On the way back home

Making your way back to Glasgow, you can decide to drive on the east coast this time. The roads will be a bit windier, but the rugged outline of small yet impressive Arran (another incredible day trip from Glasgow) is not to be missed.

If you’re still hungry for more sights, you can make the last stop at Skipness castle and chapel, built in the early 1200s and situated on a beautiful piece of land facing Arran.

Supposedly, it’s haunted by the Green Lady of Skipness protecting the premises.

From here it’s only a stone’s throw to Tarbert, which marks the end of your Kintyre road trip – although you still have the drive through the Highlands ahead of you before finishing your adventure back in Glasgow.

Snaps taken by our insider guider, Luis

The Kintyre 66 (K66) is an exciting new route that will help you discover one of Scotland’s most scenic regions, and what so inspired Sir Paul McCartney all those years ago.

With its pristine natural setting, unique coastal character and rich history, you ‘ll never run out of things to do in Kintyre and Gigha.

• Dine on the freshest seafood and savour some of the world’s most famous Scotch whiskies.
• Be spellbound by the region’s magnificent wildlife.
• Sail into secluded anchorages and watch the night sky glitter.
• Kayak in turquoise waters and walk in the wilderness.
• Marvel at early standing stones and visit castles of the famous clans.

The Kintyre 66 follows a 66 mile loop around Kintyre on the A83 and B842 public roads, with 6 spurs allowing you to venture even further.

Take the Atlantic road south with stunning views to Islay and Jura, and then up the edge of the Kilbrannan Sound overlooking Arran, or why not travel in the other direction, taking time to enjoy all the area has to offer— the choice is yours!

You'll never tire of Kintyre

The Kintyre 66 helps highlight 6 main areas along the Kintyre pennisula.

Below we have information on Southend & Machrihanish, Campbeltown, East Kintyre, West Kintyre, Gigha and Tarbert.

Kintyre 66 Brochure

Kintyre 66 Route Map

West Kintyre

Enjoy the Atlantic coast of Kintyre, with thundering waves and unmissable sunsets over the islands of Gigha, Cara, Jura and Islay, not to mention glimpses of Ireland to the south. Historic sites, beautiful beaches and places to eat, take your time and enjoy!

Campbeltown

Towards the southern end of Kintyre and overlooking the famous Campbeltown Loch, The Wee Toon offers a myriad of activities including famous 10k races, live music and festivals, world famous malt whiskies, an island that you can walk to, and Scotland’s oldest purpose built cinema!

Machrihanish & Southend

From Saint Columba’s footstep and clan massacres in the south to a Championship golf course and surfer’s paradise in the west, this area includes the two small villages of Southend and Machrihanish —don’t miss a trip to the iconic Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse!

Gigha, community owned, is a 20 minute ferry trip from Kintyre. A truly breathtaking island with silver beaches and beautiful bays, crystal clear seas, stunning views, amazing sunsets, lochs and gently sloping hillsides, as well as a huge variety of wildlife.

Tarbert & Skipness

Tarbert, the gateway to Kintyre, is a beautiful harbour village with a rich history of Scottish Kings and Vikings. To the south is the picturesque village of Skipness and the nearby ferry to Arran. These two settlements offer a wealth of history, culture and, of course, seafood!

East Kintyre

Follow the road along the rugged east coast of Kintyre and enjoy the small villages of Peninver, Carradale, Saddell and Grogport, and all the area has to offer in between, with spectacular views to Arran, Ailsa Craig and the Ayrshire coast beyond!

Must Visit Places

The fishing heritage is of utmost importance to the personality and character of the village

ISLE OF GIGHA

Small in size with sandy beaches and clear turquoise seas and many archaeological and historic sites to be discovered. 

CAMPBELTOWN

Once proclaimed ‘the whisky capital of the world,’ Campbeltown situated on the beautiful peninsula of Kintyre is one of Argyll's largest towns.

The Kintyre 66 can be accessed via road, air or the water, which is a pretty special way to arrive.

The main way to travel to and from Kintyre is by car or by bus via the A82 and then the A83 – with a short ferry trip to Gigha from Tayinloan on the Kintyre peninsula. From the north of Scotland, come via Oban on the A816 to pick up the A83.

Or if you are travelling from Southern Scotland, why not sail from Ayrshire to Campbeltown using the CalMac ferry link*? This connects with the Glasgow train service. Or cross by ferry via Arran or Cowal to Kintyre – allowing you to explore much more of the west coast. Don’t forget you can bring your bike on the ferry and you can link as part of the National Cycle Route 78.

Regular flights take off from Glasgow to Campbeltown with Loganair, throughout the year.

*Please check all ferry routes are running as they can change per season.

No, you do not need to do the route in one day, in fact we encourage you not to for the sake of your own enjoyment and experience. If done in one continuous loop, it’s only 66 miles, but the joy of Kintyre is that there’s many trails, coastlines, walks, places to visit and of course stay. You can take as much time as you like, to spend some memorable time here and explore all 6 regions of West Kintyre, Gigha, Machrihanish & Southend, Campbeltown, East Kintyre and Tarbert & Skipness.

Of course. Go in any direction you please and try at different times of the day. You’ll see spectacular sunrises from the east side of the peninsula, and mesmerising sunsets from the west side. There’s no one way system, but some of the route is a single-track road, so enjoy taking it easy and make use of the passing places by giving a wee wave to passing traffic.

The road is accessible by car for the whole loop, but it can equally be enjoyed as a cycle route and on e-bikes too. Cycling is the ideal way to stop off at any point and go explore the many side roads or go inland and join The Kintyre Way.

What will you not see! You’ll see friendly faces, picturesque landscapes, water pretty much everywhere no matter where you look, lots of wildlife on land and at sea, vast open skies day and night, places to eat, drink and shop, boats, natural heritage sites including Ballochroy Standing Stones, golf courses, beautiful harbours, inviting beaches, Keil Caves (yes, caves) and so much more!

Our detailed map which will be launched soon will include all the places you can refuel yourself, as well as your car, and of course charge your e-bikes if needed! There’re places for little people to pick up tasty treats and adults to top up their energy levels with hearty meals, including distilleries to help quench any thirsts.

Yes, there are.

Yes, we really do welcome hybrid and electric vehicles. We’ll pinpoint charging stations on our map.

Oh, we’d love you to stay over, for as long as you like actually. There’s a great choice of self-catering, hotels and B&Bs throughout the year and for all budgets. All will be detailed on our map launching soon.

Well that can range from -5˚to 30˚ on a record-breaking day! The climate changes throughout the year, but as Kintyre is on the Gulf Stream it enjoys a milder temperature than the highlands for example.

Whatever you feel comfortable in. Literally. Get your trainers and hiking boots on for some exploring, or barefoot and beachwear for water sports, or bring your glad rags for a great night out wining and dining. There are no rules but it’s always wise to have layers, waterproofs and sunscreen.

There are so many and different things will interest different people but here’s some of our favourites off the beaten track.

• Ballochroy Standing Stones
• Saddell Bay, Castle and Abbey
• Skipness Castle and Woodland Walks
• Southend Beach and Dunaverty Rock
• St Columba’s Footprints and Keil Caves
• Westport Beach, Machrihanish

Kintyre is never overly busy as it’s a hidden gem on the west coast with lots of unspoiled places to discover. There’s plenty of places, open spaces, coastlines and places of interest to spread out and maybe never see anyone else on some days. Tarbert and Campbeltown have more buzz as they are the main towns, with the busiest season being between April-October.

There is one main road (A83 on the west side and B842 on the east), but the Kintyre 66 is much more than that! With various spurs off the main road you can explore the south of the peninsula out to Machrihanish and down to Southend and up to the north to Skipness. There's plenty of smaller roads branching off in various directions, and of course, the route includes a ferry trip across the water to the beautifully small island of Gigha - which can be easily enjoyed on foot or by cycling.

Yes, you’ll enjoy views of the water from pretty much everywhere here. Perfect to watch and calm your mind, or get active with some watersports including surfing, wild swimming, kayaking, sailing and much more. Boat trips to the surrounding islands and the mainland run frequently too.

Yes, these are well signposted for all road users. Just a gentle reminder that ‘passing places’ are only for letting passing traffic by, not for parking. Please use dedicated parking places.

Yes, you can but towing is not well suited on single track roads. There are dedicated motorhome spaces at Muasdale and at West Loch Shores. We ask that you be respectful of other road users and the local communities when choosing places to stop or park - if in doubt, ask a local where is best to stopover.

There’s plenty and clearly signposted. If you decide to enjoy some al fresco dining on the beach or any other spot, we kindly remind you take away all your rubbish and put in a dedicated bin or recycling point. Our landscape and wildlife are precious so we encourage you to leave no traces behind.

We have a great mix of wildlife for you to spot in its natural habitat. From free roaming deer, otters, seals, birds, pheasants, sheep and so much more. Sometimes they can wander on to the roads so just always take your time to take care of them. And don’t forget to take care on farmland too where livestock are, including cows, sheep and horses.

Yes, our lovely peninsula is easy to navigate so feel free to turn off the Sat Nav if you please and just relax on your trip. You won’t see ‘Kintyre 66’ branded signs but you’ll easily spot all the places from our map by name and road name.

Tour the Kintyre 66 with Robin McKelvie | Argyll & the Isles

Head on an adventure down the Kintyre 66 with Robin McKelvie. If you’ve ever dreamt of driving America’s Route 66, who not head on a Scotland's road trip?

Why you should drive or cycle the Kintyre 66

From the beaches of the Atlantic west coast to the island of Gigha and the whisky heritage of Campbeltown, here's why you should drive or cycle the Kintyre 66.

Explore more of Argyll & the Isles

The Kintyre Way

Kintyre Peninsula

More Island than mainland, the unexplored Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll and Bute boasts hidden coves, deserted beaches, small communities, and gentle hills all along the wild Atlantic coast.

Launched in 2006 and extending from Tarbert at the peninsula’s north end to Southend in the south, the waymarked Kintyre Way crisscrosses the peninsula. Here you will find route details, maps to download, and contacts for accommodation and transport. Walk the beautiful and unexplored wild Atlantic coast of the Kintyre Peninsula along the Kintyre Way. Along 100 miles over 4–7 days, discover hidden coves, deserted beaches, forests, castles, fishing villages and an abundance of wildlife. The seven graded and waymarked sections offer various walking terrain, from serious hiking to gentle rambles. Note – not all sections are suitable for cycling .

Conditions vary from public highway and forest track sections to moderate and difficult foreshore and hill walks. Be prepared for sudden and unexpected changes in weather conditions. The Kintyre Peninsula has an extraordinary wealth and diversity of landscapes and habitats. The route passes through places of historical interest, environmental importance and outstanding beauty.

The Kintyre Way extends the peninsula from east to west and back again, linking several settlements offering a range of services and facilities, including visitor attractions and transport options.

Outdoor Access

Please respect the countryside and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Remember that this is a working landscape. Follow any special instructions posted along the way and pay attention to safety notices and potential hazards. Outdoor footwear and clothing are essential. Always take a map , food and water with you walking the Kintyre Way. The information given on the website is a guide only .

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Sailing in the Hebrides

Conquer Kintyre

This sailing cruise allows you to truly conquer the Kintyre peninsula by circumnavigating it using the Crinnan canal. Enjoy the best of both worlds with a relaxed canal transit, cruising to Islay, Jura and

The vikings used to believe they had claim to any land they could circumnavigate with their long boats and used to cross land masses by carrying their boats over narrowings in the land to claim peninsulas. Now you can do the same and truly conquer the Kintyre peninsula.

Pre-course experience : Some sailing experience

Minimum age : 18

Course starts:  Saturday 09:00 @ Largs, Scotland

From £749 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

April — November

Contact details

• +44 (0777) 1804723
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Key facilities

• Disabled Parking

Tour information

Tour prices.

From £749 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour company information

Sailing intuition.

Sailing InTuition is an RYA Sail Training Centre based on Scotland’s beautiful West coast out of Largs on the Firth of Clyde. It was founded by Daniel Smith, a YachtMaster examiner, world circumnavigator and offshore racer. We offer expert tuition, memorable sailing adventures and challenging racing. Whether you are working towards an RYA qualification like Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Coastal skipper or YachtMaster, you just enjoy being afloat, fancy sailing to St Kilda or you simply want to learn more, we have a course for you.

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Opening times

Courses run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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Exploring the Russian Arctic: A wild journey to the Kola Peninsula

While living in Moscow, I decided to make the most of a four-day weekend by going on an adventure to a remote part of Russia. Manon, a friend of mine who also lives here, works in a travel agency and knows a lot about expeditions, so she was the perfect companion for this trip. We decided to visit the Kola Peninsula, which is located at the northernmost point of Russia on the shores of the White and Barents Seas. It is a part of the Murmansk Region and is located 1,487 km north of Moscow. What was our goal? To see the aurora borealis, those phantasmagorical northern lights that illuminate the night sky at this time of year.

Unwinding on a 31-hour long train journey

Keeping ourselves occupied on a sleeper train.

We grabbed our tickets and set off on an incredible journey on a sleeper train (lasting over 31 hours) to a small town called Apatity. Of course, we could have saved time by flying, but the train has several advantages. For one, you can find really cheap tickets (4,160 rubles per person). But a long train ride is also the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of Moscow while relishing in some incredible views from your window, maybe take a nap or two and even enjoy some light reading. For example, Manon chose to read Anna Karenina in translation .

We’re not even halfway there and the landscape is nothing like Moscow

We needed to get up and stretch our legs, so we stepped outside during a stop at Svir and Petrozavodsk railway station to take a look around. The décor was completely different than we were used to. A number of tiny babushkas on the platforms were holding baskets and pulling crates on wheels. They were selling berries, hot pirozhkis , jars of homemade jam and even fish (including eels!) to travelers. As the train made its way north, we took every opportunity to admire the small villages and endless forests, which were all covered in a thick layer of snow. These images passed in front of our eyes like a black and white film with no color in sight. The green conifers and the blue sky had completely disappeared .

Babushkas get ready to sell their merchandise as they wait for passengers to arrive on the next train.

As soon as we arrived at Apatity station, a man approached us and offered to drive us to our next destination, Kirovsk (17 km away), for 150 rubles. Even though it would have been cheaper to take the bus (60 rubles), we gave in and accepted his offer since we were still quite tired.

We sat inside his red minivan and soon after were joined by several Russian tourists who were clearly skiing enthusiasts. Our driver decided to drop us off at our hostel last so that we could catch a glimpse of the town on the way. He also showed us the polar-alpine botanical gardens (the world’s northernmost garden), a sports center, the abandoned train station and told us about the mountains surrounding the town, which has a population of around 27,000 people.

Kirovsk: A breathtaking city and the capital of silence

The white snow and silence makes for a surreal experience.

The hostel was unusual. It was in a Soviet-era building with huge doors, large rooms and a décor that couldn’t have been any more authentic. We were taken to a room filled with equipment and clothing for skiing, a sport that had clearly brought our roommates to this small faraway town .

The town is full of abandoned buildings and deserted areas.

We were eventually moved to another room that had four beds, a fridge, a television, a microwave and a bunch of other items suggesting that someone lived there permanently. We decided to explore the area and put on our hats, gloves, thick coats and scarves. The moment we stepped out the front door, we were immediately struck by a phenomenon that is almost entirely unknown to us these days: complete silence. Not a single sound could be heard in this town, which was surrounded by snowy white mountains and pine trees .

The cold is not as unbearable as you’d think, but it’s still wise to wrap yourself up to keep warm.

We headed towards the cable cars with the goal of reaching one of the highest peaks in Khibiny. On the way, we passed through a small forest where a number of bird shelters and feeders had been built. A tiny babushka, thoroughly wrapped up in several layers of clothing, filled them with seeds. We arrived at the Bolshoy Budyavr ski resort and took a break in a small chalet, enjoying a hot cup of tea and a quick snack before starting our climb .

Skiers and snowboarders flock to this brand new resort

We climbed into a cable car, which cost 350 rubles per person round trip, and suddenly found ourselves 850 meters high. The blizzard was so intense that we could barely see the town below. We had no choice but to return to the foot of the mountain due to the extreme temperature, strong winds and Manon’s shivering, which quickly turned into hilarious spasms !

Braving the elements on top of a mountain.

After a well-deserved rest back at the hostel, we went out to explore the town. Most of the buildings were in poor condition. Some were even abandoned. They struck us as forgotten relics of a glorious past, although in fairness some efforts have been made to bring a touch of color to this town dominated by greys, whites and blacks.

Severnaya Hotel is the best example and almost makes you forget about the impressive Palace of Culture or the monumental city hall. We wandered around the narrow streets and ended up discovering an incredible vantage point from which we could see trains transporting minerals over the mountain. Although tourism in this area has increased in recent years, especially during the winter, Kirovsk is first and foremost a mining city with a lot of industrial facilities.  

The city sleeps under a white blanket.

After finishing our meal at the hostel, where the sound of laughter and Russian music livened up the atmosphere, we met a group of miners from Belarus and ended up sharing a room with two of them. They’d been living in Kirovsk for over a month, working on a project that was supposed to last 15 years. They had expected to be given an apartment when they arrived, but things didn’t go as planned and they were forced to stay in this hostel instead.

They welcomed us with open arms and even invited us to drink a few glasses of vodka with them. As often happens when vodka enters the equation, this led to singing, an arm-wrestling competition and sharing stories with each other.

Initially we had planned to spend a quiet night in, but instead we wound up talking and celebrating with our new friends for hours. From time to time we would look outside at the night sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. 

A mining train winds around a mountain.

The next morning, after a short night’s sleep, we packed our bags and said goodbye to our new friends. We headed towards a women’s monastery in Khibinogorsk that we’d heard about during the spontaneous car trip the day before. To reach the monastery, we had to travel several kilometers on foot along the frozen Bolshoy Vudyavr Lake (which the ski resort is named after).

Once again, we were treated to a breathtaking view. The black and white landscape was brought to life with colorful buildings and vehicles dotted here and there. After walking in the snow for a good hour, we finally arrived at an elaborately decorated church in the monastery, where we were encouraged to light a candle .

Located at the foot of the mountains, the monastery brings a touch of color to a monochromatic setting.

When we returned to town, we stopped off at Café Ofelia for a drink and a bite to eat. We especially wanted to try their condensed milk blinis . The café is located right next to the statue of Sergey Kirov, a Bolshevik revolutionary after whom the town is named.

Just as we were about to leave, the waitress approached me, looking somewhat embarrassed, and asked for my autograph. Although surprised, I agreed and didn’t ask why. Maybe she’s never met someone from France before? We then headed towards the bus stop to make our way to the town of Apatity, which we were hoping to visit before catching our train up to Murmansk .

Bolshoy Vudyavr Lake covered with a white blanket of snow.

Even though this city was larger (population 56,000) and more developed, it wasn’t particularly impressive in comparison to Kirovsk since it mostly had Soviet-style buildings and identical streets. We followed signs back to the station and then took a tricky shortcut suggested to us by a passerby that took us across a wasteland covered in a thick layer of snow. We still managed to make it to our train and set off towards the regional capital, located 3 hours and 45 minutes north of Apatity. The ticket cost 748 rubles per person.

Murmansk: Gateway to the Arctic Ocean

The horizon disappears behind a thick curtain of snow and fog.

Murmansk’s train station is beautiful: a spectacular green building with a red star on top. Outside the station, we arrived at what appeared to be the city’s main square, which had various sculptures and even an ice toboggan on display.

I couldn’t resist the temptation to try out the toboggan myself, alongside a bunch of kids who seemed to be having a blast despite the late hour. However, without a sledge it proved impossible to gain much speed. Just then a young girl, around 4 or 5 years old, collided right into me, causing both of us to careen down the slope even faster. Needless to say, Manon was in fits of laughter the entire time .

The red star, which travelers will notice upon arrival, is a symbol of a bygone era in Murmansk.

After all this, we appreciated the peace and quiet of our hostel. Before going to bed, we briefly stepped outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, but still no luck. We got a good night’s sleep and then the next morning agreed upon our itinerary for the last day of our journey. We decided to start the day at Start-Up Café, which seems quite popular among locals.

On our way there, we admired Murmansk’s colorful buildings and impressive boulevards. While the state of some buildings leaves something to be desired, you cannot question the glorious past of the city. The café was modern, charming and cozy. The food exceeded our expectations, especially the mushroom and spinach blinis , which were a real treat. 

Who could possibly resist having a go?

We made our way to the port, where we came upon the legendary “Lenin,” the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker. They offered tours on board the ship, but we were on a tight schedule and didn’t have time. We climbed up a hill towards a lighthouse, which stands proudly in memory of sailors who died during peacetime. Inside, the sound of crashing waves resounds.

The lighthouse looms over the city and sea. Fishing and shipbuilding industries are important in this region.

Eventually, we headed toward higher ground and the enormous monument to the Defenders of the Soviet Arctic during the Great Patriotic War. This statue, also known as Alyosha, is the second largest monument in Russia after “The Motherland Calls” in Volgograd, and stands an impressive 35.5 meters tall.

On our way there, we even saw some beautiful huskies that came up to make friends with us. In front of the gigantic stone soldier with his gaze is fixed on the distant horizon, there is an eternal flame. The view was, once again, spectacular: a snow-covered city, a frozen lake and the Kola Bay .

Arches leading to a courtyard capture the city’s sumptuous past.

We decided to turn back at this point. We thought we’d found a shortcut through a small wooded valley, but instead we just ended up battling our way through a meter of snow filled with holes and branches. There was plenty of laughter along the way, of course! We returned to Stand-Up Café, this time soaked to the bone, and ordered some really tasty chocolate, banana and kiwi blinis topped with cherry sauce .

Both the docks and the city, which was founded before the revolution in 1915, reflect the Soviet past.

We made our way back to the hostel to pack our bags before our flight (it cost us 4,132 rubles to fly from Murmansk to Moscow). We took a bus to the airport, where we spent the next few hours nostalgically recalling the unforgettable memories we’d made on our trip .

If you feel dwarfed by this statue’s size, trust me, it’s nothing compared to the huge Kola Peninsula.

We still couldn’t see the northern lights through the airport’s large windows, but perhaps this was a blessing in disguise? After all, doesn’t it give us the perfect excuse to return to this enchanting region someday?

Read more: A brown man in Russia: Lessons learned on a Trans-Siberian rail journey

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Top Things to Do in Kintyre Peninsula

Things to do in kintyre peninsula, explore popular experiences, popular cities in kintyre peninsula.

Top Attractions in Kintyre Peninsula

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• Wilder Ways
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• Royal Castle of Tarbert
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• Shell Beach
• An Ceardach Garden
• Westport Beach
• Machrihanish Seabird & Wildlife Observatory

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The Essential Kamchatka Travel Guide

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / The Essential Kamchatka Travel Guide

If you’re the type of traveller who tends to avoid the well-trodden path in search of one-of-a-kind adventure experiences, Kamchatka should be at the top of your bucket list. We are proud to share this essential Kamchatka travel guide with you, enjoy the journey!

Kamchatka is a 1,250km (780 miles) long peninsula in Russia’s far east, geographically closer to Alaska than to Moscow. Due to its remoteness, the peninsula is rarely visited by foreigners, yet the region has an immense amount to offer determined travellers, including over 300 volcanoes (29 of which are still active). But Kamchatka isn’t all just impenetrable mountains and barren lava fields. The landscape is a mosaic of tundra, deciduous forest and pristine waterways, while its Pacific coastline supports a remarkable abundance of wildlife. One of the reasons Kamchatka has such a well-preserved natural environment is because less than 400,000 people inhabit the entire peninsula. In 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Westerners and other outsiders were permitted for the first time in over half a century to visit Kamchatka, one of the most mysterious regions of the former Soviet empire. Kamchatka isn’t the easiest place to get to, but that’s what makes it so special.

Below we’ve revealed some of the peninsula’s most spectacular natural attractions, proving that Kamchatka is the ultimate adventure travel destination.

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Kluchevskoy Nature Park

Included in the UNESCO World Heritage site – “ Volcanoes of Kamchatka “, Klyuchevskoy Nature Park in Eastern Kamchatka, covers an area of 376,000 ha with Eurasia’s most grand and active Klyuchevksaya group of volcanoes in its centre. It consists of 13 volcanoes, including 4 active: Klyuchevskay Sopka, Plosky Tolbachik, Besymyanny, Ushkovsky; and 9 extinct ones: Kamen, Krestovsky, Ostry Tolbachik, Ovalnaya Zimina, Ostraya Zimina, Bolshaya Udina, Malaya Udina, Sredny, and Gorny Zoub.

With Kamchatka’s largest river running through it, the park is unique for its dense concentration of giant volcanoes over a relatively small area, attracting scientists, photographers , trekkers and mountain climbers from all around the globe. Getting to the park is not so easy, with a full day drive (550 km /10-12h) from Paratunka to Kozyrevsk village, with overnight there in wooden cabins or in tents; and additional short drive (2-3h) on the next day in order to reach Klyuchi village. The route is on unsealed and bumpy roads, but it really worth it!

Located in the centre of Klyuchevksoy Nature Park,  Kluchevskaya Sopka volcano  (4,750m) is the highest in Eurasia. With its steep, symmetrical cone, covered with snow throughout the year, it’s one of the park’s most photogenic sites. It is a cone-shaped volcano, that can be climbed from all sides. The tours organised only for experienced alpinists are usually 7-10 days duration (including transfers to the park and back), and they include not only ascending Klychevsakaya Sopka volcano but also trekking the glaciers.

Recent Klyuchevskaya eruptions took place in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015, offering amazing photo opportunities and breathtaking views.

Tolbachik volcano, its lava fields and the “Dead forest”

Another volcano, located inside Klyuchevskoy Nature Park is  Tolbachik,  one of the most photogenic volcanoes of Kamchatka. Tolbachik is a volcanic complex, consisting of two volcanoes: Plosky (flat) and Ostry (sharp). Although the most recent major eruption took place in 1976, minor eruptions occurred in 2012 and 2013. Daredevil photographers positioned near the crater were able to capture awe-inspiring images of the spurting lava.

The 1976 Great Eruption devastated the forests at the base of Tolbachik. Today, the area is known as the Dead Forest, an eerie wasteland skeleton-like trees that looks like a scene straight out of Mordor.

The following tours offer a visit to Klyuchevskoy Nature Park: Trekking volcanoes of Kamchatka from North to South,  Kamchatka’s Critters and Craters  and Kamchatka – The Lost World . All of them have just several guaranteed departure per year (July-August), so keep it in mind when planning to join one of them, as they get sold out quite quickly.

Esso village and reindeer herders

Located 520km from Petropavlovsk and nestled in a valley surrounded by mountain ridges and evergreen forests, Esso is one of the best places to get acquainted with the lives of Kamchatka’s local people. Esso’s gorgeous scenery has led to it being described as the ‘ Switzerland of Kamchatka ’. It’s a laidback place, populated by about 2,500 people, with hot thermal pools and a network of hiking trails extending into the neighbouring Bystrinsky Nature Park.

Located relatively close to Klyuchevskoy Nature park, the village is a good “stop” on a tour, to relax in hot thermal pools after a long stay in the wild and trekking active volcanoes.

From here, the groups can reach reindeer herders by helicopter. It takes 1 to 2 hours (based on the reindeer herders current location) of picturesque flight, after which a group may spend 2-3 hours (or even a day) in the camp to see the semi-nomadic way of life of indigenous Kamchatka people. Have a look at the Kamchatka’s Critters and Craters tour  or Kamchatka – The Lost World tour which includes this experience.

Valley of Geysers

Home to the second-largest concentration of geysers the world, this valley’s bizarre scenery appears thoroughly prehistoric, with around 90 steaming geysers that periodically expel huge volumes of hot water in spectacular skyward jets. Only accessible by helicopter, and requiring guides and a network of boardwalks to provide a safe passageway between the frequently erupting vents, this natural gem remains a virtually untouched region of raw geothermal power.

The several flights a week, organized from a helipad located close to Paratunka village, take place from July to September. You will join other travellers, boarding MI-8 helicopter. The tour duration is appx 8 hours on which you will not only enjoy a scenic trek in the valley but also will land in Uzon Caldera for breathtaking shots of steaming vents. Almost all tours in Kamchatka includes this site, however, it usually marked as optional, due to quite a high price (approx US $650pp).

Kurilskoye Lake

Kurilskoye or Kuril Lake  is a crater lake at the southern tip of Kamchatka Peninsula. The lake and its surrounds are renowned among wildlife lovers as being the largest spawning ground for sockeye salmon in Eurasia. As millions of salmon swarm the lake between July and September, hundreds of brown bears take the water to gorge themselves on the fishy feast. The phenomena give visitors the opportunity to observe the bears at a remarkably close range.

There are a couple of options, which allows you to visit the lake and enjoy brown bears watching:

1. Day-tour with a combined group of travellers by MI-8 helicopter

The 5-hours tour has a fixed number of stops (Kuril lake, the caldera of Ksudach volcano, Khodutka hot springs) and includes meals and bathing in hot springs.

2.  Multi-day stay on the lake

For travellers who desire to immerse themselves in the kingdom of brown bears, the option of staying at the Kuril lake’s base camp might be worth considering. This is possible by securing one of the package tours, such as The Kingdom Of Brown Bears , Critters and Craters or Kamchatka – The Lost World , which usually consists of 16 people and also include trekking active volcanoes and other activities.

Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes

Located on the Pacific ‘Rim of Fire’, Kamchatka is home to over 300 volcanoes. Mutnovsky is one of the most active. Near its 2,322m summit is a nest of merged craters and brilliant blue glacial lakes. On a hike to the summit, you will see hissing fumaroles surrounded by bright yellow sulphur crystals.

At the foot of Mutnovsky volcano is one of Kamchatka’s hidden jewels, the Mutnovsky ice caves . A group of photographers found these caves by chance in late 2012.  The caves can be explored in Summer month, but it highly depends on the weather and snow conditions, as sometimes the “gates” to the caves can be covered by heavy snow, not allowing travellers to enter these fairytale sites.

North of Mutnovsky is Gorely, another extremely active volcano known for its striking turquoise lake of hot sulphuric acid. Both volcanoes can be submitted via moderately strenuous, full-day hikes.

Because of they’re geographical relatively, trekking of both volcanoes is usually combined in 2-3 days tour. The scenic route to the volcanoes takes about 4-5 hours by 6WD truck from Petropavlovsk or Paratunka, with an optional stop at Vilyuchinsky Pass and at a majestic waterfall at Opasny Canyon.

Check out the Trekking volcanoes of Kamchatka tour  or Kamchatka – The Lost World tour in order to hike Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes.

Avacha Bay, Starichkov Island and Russkaya Bay

In addition to the trekking and  wildlife watching tours , which take you into the wilderness of Kamchatka, there are also several essential Kamchatka seaside trips that any passionate traveller should take.

Stunning Avacha bay (or Avachinskaya) is considered to be among the largest and most beautiful bays in the world, offering the picturesque panorama from the sea, fairly close to the capital of the peninsula.

Located close to Avacha Bay, a very small and rocky Starichkov Island, is a splendid natural wonder, which houses massive bird colonies that have determined its designation as a nature reserve.

South of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is scenic Russkaya Bay, a narrow fjord-like bay with a rugged, rocky coastline backdropped by snowy mountain peaks. Russkaya is one of the most pristine pockets of Pacific wilderness in the area and is home to an incredible variety of marine mammals including whales, orcas, sea lions and otters.

Russkaya Bay is best experienced by a full day cruise from Petropavlovsk seaport. You first pass Avacha Bay and enjoy the bird life at the Starichkov Island, before heading to Russkaya.

Hot springs

Fed by the thermal energy of Kamchatka’s volcanoes, hot springs are dotted across the peninsula, particularly in the south of the peninsula. Many of them enjoy picturesque settings, nestled in forested alpine valleys or surrounded by towering peaks. The warm waters of these natural spas are rich in minerals. Bathing in them is said to have health benefits such as improving circulation and metabolism, nourishing the skin and providing relief from ailments such as arthritis and high blood pressure.

Most popular hot springs in Kamchatka are Malki, Verkhne-Paratunskie, Vilyuchinskie, Nalychevo and Khodutka . The last one is the most beautiful and wild one it can be reached only by helicopter on the Kingdom of Brown Bears tour . Others hot springs are included in most Kamchatka tours , after half-day trekking and hikes.

Avachinsky volcano

Towering above Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Avachinsky (2,741m) is one of five volcanoes visible from the city. Amazingly, it is one of the most active volcanoes in the region, although its recent eruptions have been small and posed no threat to the townspeople. With its perfectly conical shape, Avachinsky is considered one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Kamchatka. The climb to the top is relatively straightforward and can be achieved in a day, making it popular with local and visiting hikers in good weather. On a clear day, the view from the summit is a breathtaking panorama over the Petropavlovsk chain of volcanoes.

The hike is very long and challenging (up to 10h), however, no special skills or gear is involved. Usually, groups stay at the base camp at the foot of the volcano for overnight, with a training hike to Camel mountain on the first day and Avachinsky volcano ascending on the second day. However, this hike also can be done just in 1 day, after which you get back to the hotel and rest in the hot thermal pool. Check the Kamchatka Discovery tour  or Trekking volcanoes in Kamchatka from North to South tour , which include the Avachinsky volcano ascending.

Vachkazhets Mount

Located in 80km to the west of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Vachkazhets included in the system of the Uzhno-Bystrinsky range. Vachkazhets and its surroundings are among the most beautiful spots in Kamchatka, telling a story stretching back to ancient times when Vachkazhets was a one-cone volcano before exploding and dividing into three parts. You will be able to take in the scenic surrounds and appreciate the serene quiet at a picnic lunch during the trek.

Khalaktyrsky (Black) beach

A remote Siberian territory sounds like the last place on earth to emerge as a surf destination, but that’s exactly what’s happening at Khalaktyrsky Beach, a vast expanse of black sand with monumental volcanoes in the background.

The waves here can reach an epic 5.5m. In summer, Khalaktrysky transforms into a surf camp of tents and open fires, as hardcore wave chasers brave the frigid +10C degree water in search of the perfect break. A few brave souls even surf the snow-covered beach in winter, when the ocean temperature is a bone-chilling 2C. Despite this, it’s becoming a new destination for world-renowned surfers.

Winter sports

If you are an experienced skier with a taste for the extreme, then you would have a field day during the winters of Kamchatka. The action starts with an airlift to the volcanic region in a Russian MI-8 helicopter. When you get to the skiing destination, you would touch down in the middle of nowhere and get a free ride down the active volcanoes. If you are up for more adventure, you can ski into the crater of Mutnovksky volcano, with all the terrific vents seething around you.

There are several departures for heli-skiing tours about 7-10 days duration in total, which can be combined with backcountry-skiing or even sailing-backcountry.

For adventurers who prefer more of a “calmer pace” of travelling, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy snowmobiling and dog sledding around the beautiful natural landmarks of Kamchatka. Check the Winter Adventure in Kamchatka tour , if you are looking for this experience.

Kamchatka Travel Guide – Logisistics

How to get there  .

Kamchatka is a relatively remote place, this is why it has such a rich wildlife and wilderness environment. The only way to get to Kamchatka is by air. The airport of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is about 20 km from the capital in the village of Yelizovo. The airport receives daily direct overnight flights from Moscow and occasional flights from Russian major cities like St Petersburg, Vladivostok and Khabarovsk. During summer months there are occasional international direct flights operate from Tokyo, Japan (July) and Anchorage, Alaska (July – August). Check Aeroflot and S7 airlines to find the best connections.

Best time to visit

Summer is the best time to visit Kamchatka for trekking tours, photography tours and wildlife watching. Choose any time from the beginning of July until mid-September.

During the winter and spring, the bears would be in hibernation making it impossible for you to see them do their thing. However, during this season, you have a chance to see the rich landscape in all its natural beauty by embarking on skiing, heli-skiing or other winter adventure tours around Kamchatka. If you don’t scare of below-zero temperatures choose January – April for your winter adventure in Kamchatka.

Shoulder season months: end of October-December and May-mid-June, are not recommended for travelling.

Hope you enjoyed reading this article and you found it useful. If you ready to embark on Kamchatka adventure , just choose one of our scheduled group tours . For more information about Kamchatka or travelling to Russia in general, please contact us at [email protected] .

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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