Oban is Scotland's seafood capital and the main ferry gateway to the Inner and Outer Hebrides – a bustling harbour town where fishing boats unload fresh catches daily and ferries depart for Mull, Iona, Barra, and beyond. The town combines Victorian architecture, one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, dramatic coastal views, and easy access to some of Scotland's most beautiful islands. Whether you're passing through on your way to the islands or making Oban your base for exploring Argyll, this guide covers the essential attractions, from McCaig's Tower to the distillery, plus day trips to castles and the Highlands.
McCaig's Tower
McCaig's Tower is Oban's most distinctive landmark – a Colosseum-like circular monument perched on Battery Hill overlooking the bay. Built between 1897 and 1900 by local banker John Stuart McCaig, the tower was intended as a memorial to his family and a way to provide work for local stonemasons during the winter months. The structure was never completed, but the impressive stone circle remains, offering panoramic views over Oban Bay, the harbour, and the islands beyond. The tower is free to visit and open to the public year-round, accessible via a steep but short walk from the town centre.
The views from McCaig's Tower are among the best in Oban, taking in the harbour, the ferry terminal, and on clear days, the mountains of Mull and the distant peaks of the Inner Hebrides. The tower's elevated position makes it an ideal spot for sunset views, and the surrounding gardens provide a peaceful escape from the busy harbour below. The monument's classical design, inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, creates a striking contrast with Oban's Victorian architecture and the natural beauty of the surrounding coastline.
Oban Distillery
Oban Distillery is one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, established in 1794 – before the town of Oban had fully developed around it. The distillery sits in the heart of the harbour town, squeezed between the seafront and the cliff behind it, creating one of Scotland's most compact and atmospheric distillery sites. As a member of Diageo's Classic Malts collection, Oban produces a perfectly balanced single malt that bridges Highland fruitiness and island maritime character, making it a gateway whisky to the Western Highlands and Islands.
The distillery offers tours and tastings year-round, with the small size meaning you see everything up close – from the traditional copper pot stills to the maturation warehouses. The visitor centre shop often has exclusive bottlings and distillery-only expressions. During construction in the 19th century, workers discovered a cave containing Mesolithic human remains dating to around 4,500 BC, adding to the site's historical significance. For more information, see our Oban Distillery guide.
Seafood capital
Oban is Scotland's seafood capital, with fishing boats bringing fresh catches daily to the harbour throughout the year. The town's position on the west coast, surrounded by rich fishing grounds, means that lobster, crab, langoustines, scallops, and a variety of fish are landed fresh each day. The harbour is a working port, and you can watch fishing boats unload their catches, creating an authentic maritime atmosphere that sets Oban apart from many other Scottish towns.
The town is home to numerous shellfish bars, seafood restaurants, and fishmongers, with many establishments serving seafood that was caught the same day. Ee-Usk restaurant, located on the North Pier, is particularly renowned for its fresh seafood and harbour views. The Oban Seafood Hut, a small green kiosk on the pier, serves fresh langoustines, crab, and oysters to take away – a local institution that has become a must-visit for seafood lovers. The annual Oban Seafood Festival celebrates the town's fishing heritage and brings together local producers, chefs, and visitors for a weekend of fresh seafood and entertainment.
Ganavan Sands
Ganavan Sands is a beautiful sandy beach located just north of Oban, offering stunning views across the bay to the Isle of Mull and the mountains beyond. The beach is family-friendly, with soft sand, shallow waters, and plenty of space for children to play. The views from Ganavan Sands are spectacular, particularly on clear days when you can see the distinctive outline of Ben More on Mull and the smaller islands dotting the sea. The beach is easily accessible by car or a pleasant coastal walk from Oban town centre.
Ganavan Sands is popular with locals and visitors alike, especially during the summer months when the weather is warmer. The beach has parking facilities and is part of a larger coastal area that includes walking paths and viewpoints. The combination of sandy beach, clear waters, and dramatic island views makes Ganavan Sands one of the best beaches in the Oban area, and it's an ideal spot for a picnic, a walk, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery. The beach's position facing west means it's also a good spot for watching sunsets over the islands.
Ferry gateway to the islands
Oban is Scotland's main ferry gateway to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, with CalMac ferries departing regularly for Mull, Iona, Barra, Tiree, Colonsay, and other islands. The ferry terminal is right in the heart of the town, making it easy to combine a visit to Oban with a trip to the islands. The most popular route is to Mull, with multiple sailings daily taking around 45 minutes to reach Craignure. From Mull, you can take a bus and another ferry to Iona, the spiritual home of Scottish Christianity and one of Scotland's most sacred sites.
The ferry journey itself is part of the experience, offering stunning views of Oban Bay, the surrounding coastline, and the islands ahead. On clear days, you can see seals, dolphins, and seabirds, and the approach to Mull reveals the island's dramatic mountains and coastline. Barra and Tiree are further afield but offer unique experiences – Barra has an airport where planes land on the beach at low tide, while Tiree is known for its white sand beaches and windsurfing conditions. Colonsay is a smaller, quieter island perfect for those seeking peace and solitude. Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer island adventure, Oban's ferry connections make it the perfect starting point.
Dunstaffnage Castle
Dunstaffnage Castle is a 13th-century royal castle located just three miles north of Oban, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking Loch Etive and the Firth of Lorn. The castle was built by the MacDougall lords of Lorn around 1260 and later became a royal stronghold, playing a significant role in Scottish history. The castle's strategic position made it an important defensive site, and its ruins today include substantial walls, towers, and a gatehouse that give a sense of its former strength and importance.
Dunstaffnage Castle is particularly famous for its connection to Flora MacDonald, who was imprisoned here in 1746 after helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to Skye following the Battle of Culloden. The castle is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and is open to visitors, with the ruins offering dramatic views across the loch and surrounding countryside. The castle's position on a rocky outcrop, surrounded on three sides by water, makes it one of Scotland's most atmospheric castle sites. The short drive from Oban makes it an easy addition to any visit to the area, and the combination of history, architecture, and stunning natural setting makes Dunstaffnage Castle well worth the trip.
Day trips from Oban
Oban is an excellent base for exploring Argyll and the surrounding Highlands. The most popular day trip options include:
- Inveraray Castle – historic seat of the Duke of Argyll, with beautiful gardens and lochside setting (45 minutes)
- Fort William – outdoor capital of the Highlands, with Ben Nevis, Glencoe, and the West Highland Way (1.5 hours)
- Loch Lomond – Scotland's largest loch, with Trossachs National Park and scenic villages (1.5 hours)
- Mull and Iona – ferry day trip to Mull's dramatic coastline and Iona's historic abbey (ferry from Oban)
- Glencoe – one of Scotland's most dramatic glens, with mountains, waterfalls, and historic sites (1 hour)
We offer private tours that include Oban and the surrounding area, with a dedicated driver-guide and luxury vehicle for door-to-door transport from your accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
- How many days do you need in Oban?
- One to two days covers the main attractions – McCaig's Tower, Oban Distillery, the harbour, and seafood restaurants. Oban is also the perfect base for day trips to Mull, Iona, and other Hebridean islands. Add a third day if you want to explore Dunstaffnage Castle and the surrounding area, or take a ferry to one of the islands.
- What is Oban famous for?
- Oban is famous as Scotland's seafood capital, with fishing boats bringing fresh catches daily to the harbour. The town is also known for Oban Distillery (one of Scotland's oldest, established in 1794), McCaig's Tower (a Colosseum-like monument overlooking the bay), and as the main ferry gateway to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, including Mull, Iona, Barra, Tiree, and Colonsay.
- Can you visit Mull and Iona from Oban?
- Yes, Oban is the main ferry port for Mull and Iona. CalMac ferries run multiple times daily from Oban to Craignure on Mull (45 minutes), and from there you can take a bus and another ferry to Iona (the spiritual home of Scottish Christianity). Day trips to Mull and Iona are very popular, though staying overnight allows more time to explore Mull's dramatic coastline and wildlife.
