With its eight distilleries - Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Caol Ila, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Kilchoman - it is easy to see why Islay is probably most famous for its whisky.
The Port Charlotte Hotel is a lively venue which does meals and often has live traditional music on Wednesday and Sunday evenings from 8:30pm onwards. There is a beer garden at the back. Even if you are not a whisky drinker, ask to see their whisky menu - a remarkable list of different bottlings from the island's distilleries. If you want to try - beware, as some of the rarer ones are as much as £50 a dram!
In Port Ellen, the White Hart Hotel has a bar and pool table - you can also take your drinks outside to the grassy area across the road.
The Islay Ale Brewery opened in 2004.
The Port Askaig Hotel is one of the island's oldest inns and has picnic tables at the front.
An Tigh Seinnse, 11 Queen Street, Portnahaven PA47 7SJ, â An Tigh Seinnse. Cosy bar and restaurant serving local food. Child and pet! friendly, outdoor seating. edit
