One Scottish region has been named as among the best travel destinations in the world by National Geographic for 2025.
On Tuesday, the legendary publication shared its annual list of the Best of the World destinations for the year ahead. The prestigious guide celebrates the top places and experiences and is written by Nat Geo Traveler editors from around the world.
The Outer Hebrides was named by the travel authority as one of its Best of the World destinations for 2025. It is the only UK destination to be included in the guide.
National Geographic singled out the island chain off the west coast of Scotland for its breathtaking landscapes and unique heritage. It also highlighted visitor experiences along the Hebridean Way and the Hebridean Celtic Festival.
The Outer Hebrides has long attracted tourists from all around the world, who are drawn to its stunning beaches and coastline, jaw-dropping scenery, and crystal-clear waters. The region is also renowned for its culture, wildlife, friendly locals, and food and drink.
The group of islands is no stranger to global accolades, with West Beach on Berneray being included earlier this year on the Lonely Planet’s list of “100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches”. The Outer Hebrides was also featured in Conde Nast Travellers 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in the Best Islands in the UK category at the start of October.
(Image: VisitScotland)
Meanwhile, the region is set to star in the new BBC series An t-Eilean. The upcoming crime drama, due to air in 2025, tells the story of four siblings returning to their family home following the death of their mother.
National Geographic wrote: “The Oscar-nominated Banshees of Inisherin showcased Ireland’s western isles. Now An t-Eilean (The Island), a highly anticipated Scots Gaelic–language BBC drama series, will give Scotland’s Outer Hebrides a starring role, highlighting its dramatic landscapes and Celtic heritage.
“Explore the ancient archipelago along the Hebridean Way, a nearly 200-mile walking and cycling route that traverses 10 islands, passing silvery beaches, whisky distilleries, wildflower-bedecked machair grasslands, and neolithic monuments like the 5,000-year-old Calanais Standing Stones. In July, the annual Hebridean Celtic Festival celebrates Gaelic language and music in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.”
Meanwhile, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar llr Kenny Macleod commented: “The inclusion of the Outer Hebrides as the only UK destination in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list is an honour that everyone in our communities should be proud of. In the Outer Hebrides we are blessed with stunning natural landscapes, rich culture and deep history.
“While these factors draw visitors from around the world the inclusion on this list is a recognition of people as much as place and would not be possible without the hard work of all stakeholders in the local tourism sector. The work of VisitScotland and Outer Hebrides Tourism to responsibly market the Outer Hebrides as a location for visitors should particularly be praised.
“Alongside this promotion the increase in community ownership across the Outer Hebrides has allowed our communities to create their own visitor infrastructure and ensure localised benefit is received when individuals visit our islands. With the continued work of our communities and the receipt of necessary investment I have no doubt that the Outer Hebrides will continue to be considered as one of the best destinations in the world.”
(Image: VisitScotland)
Chief Executive of Outer Hebrides Tourism Sarah Maclean added: “We are delighted that National Geographic has recognised the Outer Hebrides as one of the best destinations in the world. It is such as special place—one of the few remaining places in the world where you will hear Scots Gaelic spoken among awe-inspiring landscape shaped by the power of nature.
“In 2025 we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to share, enjoy and respect the outstanding beauty and unique Hebridean of our islands.”
More information about National Geographic’s Best of the World can be found on its website. Meanwhile further details about the Outer Hebrides can be found on VisitScotland.
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