The Outer Hebrides has been hailed as one of the world’s top travel spots for 2025 by National Geographic.
The iconic magazine has unveiled its Best of the World list, spotlighting must-visit locations and experiences for the coming year, as chosen by Nat Geo Traveler editors globally. The Scottish archipelago is the only UK destination to grace the prestigious guide this year.
National Geographic praised the islands off Scotland’s west coast for their awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural heritage, while also recommending the Hebridean Way and the Hebridean Celtic Festival as visitor highlights.
Known for its spectacular beaches, dramatic vistas, and crystal-clear waters, the Outer Hebrides draws tourists from across the globe. It also boasts a reputation for its vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, warm hospitality, and gastronomy.
The island chain is no stranger to international recognition, as Berneray’s West Beach was featured in Lonely Planet’s roundup of the 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches earlier this year.
Additionally, the Outer Hebrides earned a spot in Conde Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards under the Best Islands in the UK category at the beginning of October.
The region is also set to become a TV star with the new BBC series An t-Eilean. The crime drama, which will hit screens in 2025, revolves around four siblings who return to their family home after their mother’s death, reports the Daily Record.
National Geographic has praised the upcoming show and said: “The Oscar-nominated Banshees of Inisherin showcased Ireland’s western isles. Now An t-Eilean (The Island), a highly anticipated Scots Gaelic–language BBC drama series, will give Scotland’s Outer Hebrides a starring role, highlighting its dramatic landscapes and Celtic heritage.”
They suggest exploring the ancient archipelago via the Hebridean Way, a nearly 200-mile walking and cycling route that takes you past silvery beaches, whisky distilleries, wildflower-covered machair grasslands, and neolithic sites like the Calanais Standing Stones.
The annual Hebridean Celtic Festival in July celebrates Gaelic language and music in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Cllr Kenny Macleod, expressed pride in National Geographic’s recognition, stating: “The inclusion of the Outer Hebrides as the only UK destination in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list is an honour that everyone in our communities should be proud of. In the Outer Hebrides, we are blessed with stunning natural landscapes, rich culture and deep history.”
The leader of the local authority, Councillor Uisdean Robertson, added: “While these factors draw visitors from around the world the inclusion on this list is a recognition of people as much as place and would not be possible without the hard work of all stakeholders in the local tourism sector. The work of VisitScotland and Outer Hebrides Tourism to responsibly market the Outer Hebrides as a location for visitors should particularly be praised.
“Alongside this promotion, the increase in community ownership across the Outer Hebrides has allowed our communities to create their own visitor infrastructure and ensure localised benefit is received when individuals visit our islands. With the continued work of our communities and the receipt of necessary investment, I have no doubt that the Outer Hebrides will continue to be considered as one of the best destinations in the world.”
Chief Executive of Outer Hebrides Tourism Sarah Maclean added: “We are delighted that National Geographic has recognised the Outer Hebrides as one of the best destinations in the world. It is such as special place-one of the few remaining places in the world where you will hear Scots Gaelic spoken among awe-inspiring landscape shaped by the power of nature.
“In 2025 we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to share, enjoy and respect the outstanding beauty and unique Hebridean of our islands.”
More information about National Geographic’s Best of the World can be found on its website. Meanwhile further details about the Outer Hebrides can be found on VisitScotland.
