Staffa, Volcanic island in Inner Hebrides, Scotland
Description
Staffa is an uninhabited island in the Inner Hebrides, where the entire coastline features dramatic hexagonal basalt columns. These stone formations reach heights up to 42 meters and define the island's rugged character.
History
The island was inhabited until around 1800, when residents departed due to harsh winter conditions and isolation. Archaeological traces of old stone structures remain scattered across the landscape, telling the story of past settlement.
Culture
Fingal's Cave has drawn artists and musicians for centuries, inspiring creative work through its natural setting. Visitors today experience the sound of waves echoing through the cave, creating a memorable sensory experience.
Practical
The island is accessible only by boat, with services running mainly from May through September from nearby islands. Landings are only possible during calm weather, so visitors should plan flexibly and monitor sea conditions.
Did you know?
Fingal's Cave is one of the largest sea caves in the British Isles, remarkable for its regular basalt columns that seem almost architectural. The name derives from Gaelic mythology, referring to a legendary warrior whose story became intertwined with this striking natural site.
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Scotland offers visitors a wide range of historical sites and natural landscapes. This collection moves through castles that have watched over towns and valleys for centuries, through moorlands and mountains in the Highlands, along lochs, and to coastlines where the sea meets rock. It also includes...
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British Tertiary Volcanic Province
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