Introduction
Tobermory is the one, the row of brightly painted buildings on Mull's harbour front that appears on every Scotland content account and earns its viral status every single time. In person the colours are even more saturated, the setting more dramatic, and the whole place more alive than photographs suggest.
The town is the capital of the Isle of Mull and functions as a working community, not just a backdrop. Tobermory Distillery sits on the waterfront and produces two distinct Scotch malts, tours are excellent. The Isle of Mull Cheese Shop provides the perfect harbour picnic component.
Getting to Tobermory requires a ferry from Oban to Craignure, then a 45-minute drive north. Calgary Bay, a white sand beach of extraordinary beauty, is 30 minutes west and should not be missed.
Getting There
Caledonian MacBrayne ferries run from Oban to Craignure regularly. From Craignure, drive the A849/A848 north to Tobermory. The ferry crossing takes around 45 minutes. Book in advance in summer.
Areas to Know
Main Street runs along the harbour, almost everything worth seeing is here. The distillery is at the southern end of the waterfront. Tobermory is small enough to explore entirely on foot.
