Scotland's 'Hawaii of the North' with white sandy beaches and crystal clear water

With hundreds of islands to choose from, there is no shortage of coastal holiday destinations in Scotland.

However, if you are looking to get off the mainland for a little staycation, few places are as pretty as the gorgeous island of Tiree. Boasting some of the highest levels of sunshine found anywhere in the UK, it might be as close as you can get to the Balearics without leaving the country.

According to the Scottish Daily Express, Tiree has even earned the nickname 'Hawaii of the North'. Enjoying more than 1,500 hours of sunshine each year on average, it is not hard to see why.

As luck would have it, May is the sunniest month of the year on the island — seeing around 240 hours of sunshine throughout the month. June is also a top time to visit, as Tiree usually enjoys more than 205 hours of sun spread across the month.

The most western of the Inner Hebrides, Tiree takes advantage of the warming waters of the Gulf Stream. This means that it also benefits from a typically milder climate than the mainland.

Perhaps the best part, though, is that the island is almost midge-free in the summer months. This is thanks to its Atlantic position and windy winters.

Home to a population of around just 650, tourism plays a major role on Tiree alongside crofting and fishing. It is a paradise for watersports, with windsurfing being a particularly popular activity.

Only 12 miles long and three miles wide, the island is a breeze to explore and boasts immaculate white beaches with crystal clear waters. Balevullin, on its northwest coast, is the most popular beach — with its relatively warm waters making it a particular hotspot for surfers.

Visitors have also raved about Tiree on TripAdvisor, with one review dubbing it a "magical place". It goes on to say: "Pace of life is slower, people are friendly to each other, the beaches are simply stunning and among the best, if not the best in the world.

"Great destination to recharge and unwind from modern life."

Meanwhile, another states: "An amazing destination for lovers of peace and quiet and nature. I went there as I love the Scottish island and this was one I hadn't visited. The white sand beaches by the turquoise sea...were stunning."

You can reach Tiree by ferry from Oban, which takes around four hours. Alternatively, flights from Glasgow Airport take around one hour.

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