Iona is a small island close to the south-west tip of the Ross of Mull, from where the ferry [cars need a permit] connects. However it is one of the most famous places in the UK, being the first centre of Christianity in the UK. Columba came from Ireland and introduced the Celtic Church here and this preceded St Augustine's founding an English branch of the Roman Catholic Church.

There are beautiful beaches and unspoilt areas on the island but the crowds head for the reconstructed abbey and the ruins of the nunnery. The ancient crosses in the grounds and the museum at the abbey are of particular interest.