A view looking along Glen Rosa, Arran / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by uplandaccess

And as much as it might be thought ‘Scotland in miniature’ is an exaggeration or simply marketing hype, the truth is there isn’t much of Scotland you can’t experience when you’re on Arran.

Arran’s Landscape

Starting with the island’s landscape, Arran is a particularly mountainous isle, not only producing some of the country’s best postcard photographs, but offering a fantastic array of walks for experienced and amateur walkers alike.

From leisurely walks to climbing challenges, try setting off from the village of Blackwaterfoot on the west coast and heading north towards Lochranza. It’s a beautiful walk, benefited tremendously by simply looking left – you’ll have an unrivalled view of the stunning Kintyre for the entire journey.

If walking isn’t your thing, what about a relaxing stroll through one of the islands many beautiful villages?

Home to no more than a couple of hundred people each, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be blown away by one of two things – the sheer tranquillity of sitting outside, drink in hand, watching the world go by on an island that seems to be completely removed from any type of hustle and bustle or the simple friendliness of the people who are so proud of their island and love to share its intricacies and delights with everyone.

And if you’re looking for something a little more cultural or historic, how about Brodick Castle, a castle that’s still standing strong after 500 years?

Brodick Castle, Arran / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Magnus Hagdorn

Anyone for Whisky?

Or Arran Distillery, perhaps, if you’re partial to a wee dram? Although having only been established for just over 15 years, Arran Distillery produces some of the country’s finest single malt whisky and is the only distillery in the whole of Scotland that is allowed to use the famed Scottish poet, Robert Burns, on its labelling.

It’s also worthwhile keeping in mind that on top of the island’s ability to provide beautiful walks with stunning scenery, quaint villages to enjoy a relaxing time in and a range of popular attractions, there are also a number of golf courses on the island, courses that have arguably some of Europe’s most favourable backdrops.

The Isle of Arran is one of those destinations that people very often skim over when deciding on where to visit Scotland, as they can feel visiting a more well-known place will be more beneficial to the time they have.

But with so much to see and do and on an island that can at times seem like it’s completely your own, where else in Scotland would you need to go?

Matthew Bettoli writes for Cottages and Castles, who can provide comfortable Arran holiday cottages for your next Scottish holiday.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Luca Sbardella

The whole peninsula is rocky, there are some impressive canyons, such as Androlikou and Petratis, both on the north side of the peninsula. There are many marked hiking trails and climbing routes here. It is worth to see also the water reservoir called Aphrodite’s Baths. According to Greek mythology this is the place where Aphrodite met Adonis.

Part of the peninsula is forested and include about 600 plant species, of which 35 are endemic. For example, you can see wild cyclamen, several species of orchids, the Cyprus tulip, rock roses and more.

The fauna is represented by bats, shrews, foxes, hedgehogs, snakes, vultures, and sea turtles.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by sunrisehomeland

Probably the most beautiful walk on the island of Cyprus, you can enjoy by following Aphrodite Trail – 7.5 km long. Along the way, you can see the remains of a Byzantine monastery of Rigena. The trail leads to the top of Mouti tis Sotiras (370 m). Expect heat and the fact that water can be found only at Castle of Rigena, or when you follow another Adonis Trail, then in the village of Kefalovrysi.

Another trail is Pissouromouttis Trail which is 3km long or Smigiaes Trail with a length of 5km. On both of them you can enjoy magnificent views of the bay Hrysohou and Polis.

All the trails are carefully maintained, marked and accompanied by didactic signs.

If you are just planning your holidays in Cyprus, you should also include this great part of this island.

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