Mystical mountains and historic cities in Scotland
Whether you want a cultural city break, or remote country walks, Scotland is full of vacation possibilities for all sorts of travelers. Pick Scotland vacation rentals such as city-center apartments, and you can explore historic Edinburgh or artistic Glasgow, both full of museums, galleries and world-class restaurants. Enjoy the Scottish countryside by planning a mountain hike, or simply visit one of Scotland's remote islands to enjoy a traditional way of life, with abundant natural beauty manifested by the lakes, hills and peaceful beaches.
Visit Edinburgh Castle
As you wander around Edinburgh, the castle is almost always in sight, sitting atop a hill and seemingly watching over the city. Edinburgh Castle has architecture that dates back to the 12th century, with impressive turrets and towers giving it an imposing look. Enjoy views across Edinburgh from outside the castle, before stepping inside to see beautifully preserved rooms such as the Grand Hall, with its oversized paintings and shiny suits of armor. Take a guided tour and you'll be able to access areas from the servants' quarters to the makeshift jails, where prisoners of war were kept.
Spot the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland's iconic lake
Surrounded by rolling green hills, Loch Ness is a vast, serene lake where the famous monster is said to live, just under the murky waters. Take a guided boat tour to appreciate some of the natural beauty of the area, and spot sights such as the ruins of Urquhart Castle which overlook the lake. Close to Loch Ness, there are plenty of traditional Highland villages, where you'll find Scotland vacation rentals and endless hiking trails. Challenge yourself with a hike up Meall Fuar-mhonaidh, a hill walk that takes about 7 hours, rewarding you with panoramic lake views.
Chilly winters and short summers in Scotland
When you think of Scottish weather, you may assume it's always cold and wet, but Scotland has 4 distinct seasons. True, the winters can be long, but Scotland gets up to 20 days of snow in the cities, and up to 100 days in the Highlands, which has made it an emerging ski destination. March to May brings milder weather, although you'll need waterproofs if you are enjoying outdoor activities. The most popular time of year to book Scotland vacation rentals is between June and August, with the high altitude meaning long sunny days, with a comfortable heat.
Lush green hills and rocky beaches in Scotland
Scotland has a mountainous landscape, including the snow-tipped peaks of Ben Nevis, and is known for its rolling green hills and large lakes. Just off the coast are 1000s of islands – some are only inhabited by wildlife, such as Handa Island, home to around 100,000 seabirds in the summer. Scotland also has an impressive coastline, with sandy beaches such as Saltcoats Beach in North Ayrshire, where 100s of meters of shallow water make it ideal for swimming. Or visit Sandwood Bay beach to the northwest, which is so remote that you'll often enjoy the slightly pink sands completely alone.
Traveling to and around Scotland
The nearest airport is in Edinburgh Airport (EDI), located 49.4 mi (79.5 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Glasgow International Airport (GLA), which is 44.2 mi (71.1 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, Crianlarich Station, Upper Tyndrum Station and Rannoch Station are the main stations in the area. It's easy to get around Scotland by catching a ride on the metro at Hillhead Station, Kelvinbridge Station or St Georges Cross Station.
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