The islands and countries just across the English Channel from continental Europe are the most popular foreign travel destination for Americans. But, the area is known by several names and there can be confusion as to what exactly is included under each definition.

Great Britain

Great Britain is the largest island across the English Channel from Europe. It contains England, Wales, and Scotland. The United Kingdom is a nation that includes all the regions of Great Britain, in addition to Northern Ireland. The British Isles includes all of the United Kingdom, the independent country of Ireland, and over 6,000 islands surrounding Great Britain and Ireland. You’ve probably heard of some of these smaller islands such as the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Skye. But, many are uninhabited and difficult to reach.

These islands offer varied landscapes and attractions that appeal to a wide range of travelers. Although it is the most visited, our favorite is Great Britain. It contains the endlessly fascinating city of London, in addition to Edinburgh, Manchester and several smaller, but fascinating cities. The list of attractions from museums, to castles, to cutting edge restaurants and quaint pubs is nearly endless. If you’ve never been, this is the region that contains the sites and monuments that are the most famous in Britain. If you’ve been dozens of times, there is always something new to experience.

Skye Scotland

If you prefer to get off the beaten path, there are several islands known for their natural beauty and seclusion. Although some can take a significant effort to get to. We find that a nice compromise is the Isle of Skye off the Northwest coast of Scotland.

At about 50 miles long, Skye is the second largest island in the Hebrides. Its name is Old Norse and means “Cloud Island”. It’s not unknown, being the third most popular destination in Scotland after Edinburgh and Loch Ness. But, most tourists tend to stick to the capital of Portree or to tours that concentrate in specific areas. It’s easy to escape the crowds and feel as if you have the place almost to yourself.

Portree itself has enough pubs and galleries to keep you busy for the afternoon. But, the real attraction of Skye is its scenery. Perhaps the most dramatic scenery as that at Quiraing, an area of sharp rock formations, steep peaks and greenery that looks like it could be out of a Tolkien novel. You half expect a dragon to fly around a peak at any moment. The area is full of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, that are worthy of days of exploration.

Scotland is not famous for its beaches, but Claigan Coral Beach is a surprise in Skye. It appears to have white coral sand woven among rock formations. The coral is actually sun bleached calcified algae, but for a second you could imagine that you are in a warmer climate. You will remember that you are in Scotland if you attempt to swim in the frigid water. This is not a tropical beach to lounge on, but it makes for another pleasant area to hike.

Skye is easily accessible by car as it is connected to mainland Scotland by a bridge. The island also makes for a pleasant drive between its attractions. Although there is tourists’ traffic, especially on weekends, the drive isn’t scary for those of us who are more used to driving on the right. (As opposed to London, which can be terrifying to navigate by car). There are also daily buses running between Glasgow and Portree if you prefer not to have a car. Give us a call to discuss all that the British Isles have to offer and have Purple Light Vacations help you plan your dream trip to this delightful part of the World.