Iona, Historic island in Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Iona is a small island off Scotland's west coast in Argyll and Bute, covering roughly 1.5 square miles. Sandy beaches alternate with meadows while steep rocky cliffs mark the coastline facing the Atlantic.
Columba founded a monastery here in 563, from which Christianity spread across Scotland. Vikings raided the place repeatedly later before Benedictine monks built a new abbey during the Middle Ages.
The name comes from the old Gaelic "Ì Chaluim Chille," meaning island of Columba, still used by locals today. Visitors often see sheep grazing freely among the old ruins while fishermen tie up their boats at the small harbor.
The journey requires two ferry connections: first from Oban to the Isle of Mull, then from Fionnphort to the eastern side. Wind and waves can make the crossing choppy in bad weather, so travelers should plan accordingly.
The rock formations are among the oldest in Europe, formed over 3 billion years ago. Green-streaked marble veins run through some stone blocks along the coast and are found nowhere else.
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