Iona East Beaches

About Iona East Beaches

Iona's east coast, either side of the ferry jetty at Baile Mòr, is a string of small coves of sand and rock looking across the Sound of Iona to Mull. Most visitors come for the abbey and the white beaches at the north end, but sea glass hunters say the shore near the pier is the place to look. One walker's report describes a beach just south of the jetty that the local children knew as the sea glass beach.

Sea glass at Iona East Beaches

Community reports list white, green, amber, seafoam and soft blue glass. The east-side beaches near the pier are the best bets; the island's other beaches are better for pebbles and geology. A walking report also mentions greens and aquamarines from the beach south of the jetty.

Visiting Iona East Beaches

Getting there

Walk south from the ferry jetty along the east shore (from the walking report).

Safety

Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.