Travel bucket list idea:
Fingal’s Cave
Inner Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Last updated: 24 July, 2024
This eye-catching cathedral-like sea cave, rising 70m over the sea on the uninhabited island of Staffa, is made up of hexagonal columns of volcanic basalt that look as if they could have been moulded in a foundry. It’s a spectacular sight and a rare geological phenomenon.
It was formed by volcanic activity around 60 million years ago, when cooling lava fractured into these distinctive geometric shapes – at the same time and from the same lava flow as the Giant’s Causeway across the water in Northern Ireland.
The cave’s acoustics and the unique, cathedral-like structure have inspired artists and musicians, including composer Felix Mendelssohn. Visitors are drawn by its natural beauty, historical significance, and the chance to witness an extraordinary example of nature’s artistry.
Accessible only by boat, there’s a natural walkway that allows you to wander inside at low tide and experience the acoustics – the sound of waves crashing inside inspired the German composer Mendelssohn to write his Hebrides Overture.
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
Frequency: monthly
When: All year around
Duration: 1 night
Getting there & doing it
To reach Fingal’s Cave, you’ll need to travel to the Scottish island of Mull, accessible by ferry from Oban. From Mull, take a boat tour from Fionnphort or Tobermory to the island of Staffa. Several tour operators offer daily trips, which typically include a scenic boat ride and the opportunity to explore the cave. Tours with Staffa Tours last from 3 hours (departing from Fionnphort or Iona), up to 12 hours from Oban. Tobermory or Ardnamurchan (6 hours) are two other departure point options.
When to do it
Tours generally only operate in the warmer months (April to October), several times a week, and these are the best months to go when the weather is milder and seas are calmer. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide optimal lighting for photography and a more serene experience. Summer months offer longer daylight hours, enhancing the exploration time.
