Major city · United Kingdom
Fionnphort
Stay 1 night, or 2 if you want a full Iona day and a beach: this is a ferry pier village of about 80 people, not a base for touring Mull.
Fionnphort is the western tip of the Ross of Mull and the ferry pier for Iona, 10 minutes across the Sound. There is almost nothing here but the crossing, a handful of places to eat and sleep, and Atlantic weather that can cancel sailings for days. Come for Iona and the coast, not for the village.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (many places shut, ferries weather-prone)
- Airports
- GLA · EDI
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Fionnphort999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Fionnphort, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are Atlantic weather cancelling ferries, no mobile signal, and walking the coast path without checking tide times.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 112 EU emergency number · 111 NHS non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGLA Glasgow (Train and bus to Oban, then ferry to Craignure, then bus 96/496 to Fionnphort: allow most of a day.).
- Getting aroundYou need your own wheels between Bunessan and Fionnphort: bus 96/496 runs about four times Monday–Saturday and once on Sunday…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealSeafood dinner, mainBooking essential at the Ninth Wave in season.£16–28 (≈ US$25–40)
- BeerPint in the village bar£5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9)
- Budget bedHostel or bunkhouse bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per room£160 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £80 (≈ US$110) · High £140 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GLA Glasgow (Train and bus to Oban, then ferry to Craignure, then bus 96/496 to Fionnphort: allow most of a day.) · EDI Edinburgh (Longer rail route to Oban via Glasgow; same ferry and bus chain.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Apr
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jun
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest Apr (14). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Fionnphort: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
20 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
16 rd
Mar
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
May
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
14 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
16 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
17 rd
Sep
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
18 rd
Oct
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
20 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
20 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
20 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need your own wheels between Bunessan and Fionnphort: bus 96/496 runs about four times Monday–Saturday and once on Sunday, meeting the Craignure ferries. Visitors' cars are not carried to Iona; park at the free Community Centre car park (about 150 spaces, full by noon in summer) or the pay-and-display by the pier. Bikes cross free.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min pier to pier
Calmac ferry from Fionnphort pier, about 10 min, roughly hourly in season
Abbey, beaches and a car-free island; go early, the last sailings fill.
Staffa and Fingal's Cave
goDoor to door: Half day
Boat trips picking up at Fionnphort and Iona
Weather-dependent; book ahead in summer.
Kintra
goDoor to door: About 40 min walk
2 miles north of the village, on foot or by car
Sheltered beach at low tide; covered at high tide.
Ardalanish
goDoor to door: About 20 min by car
Lane from Bunessan to the south coast
Best beach on this coast, plus the weaving mill (seasonal hours).
Carsaig Arches
cautionDoor to door: About 6 h return
Walk along the beach from Carsaig pier at low tide
4 miles and 3 hours each way; only at low tide.
Tobermory
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min by car
A849 east via Craignure and Salen
Too far for a comfortable return day from here.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Fionnphort pier area
Walk to the Iona ferry in minutes; B&Bs and the community-run bar. Best for a one-night crossing stop.
Bunessan (5 miles east)
The Ross of Mull's only shop and Post Office, hotel with a bar, more B&Bs. Needs a car or the infrequent bus.
Ardalanish and the south coast
Beach, weaving mill and a B&B; self-catering cottages. Quiet, car needed.
Fidden Farm (2 miles south)
Basic seasonal campsite by the shore, May–Sep; portacabin showers.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £80 | £160 |
| Calmac ferry Fionnphort–Iona, return2 × £10 · check | £20 |
| Pay-and-display parking by the pier, 4 hours1 × £4 · £1/hour, cards accepted; check | £4 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £31 |
| Trip total≈ £173 per person per day, bed included | £345≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Mull excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Seafood dinner, mainBooking essential at the Ninth Wave in season. | £16–28 (≈ US$25–40) |
| Seafood takeaway from The Creel | £8–15 (≈ US$11–20) |
| Pint in the village bar | £5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Spar groceries, Bunessan | Mainland prices plus a margin |
| Ferry Fionnphort–Iona, return | About £10 (≈ US$14) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Fionnphort is exposed to the Atlantic: ferries can be cancelled for days in bad weather, and staff may advise non-residents against crossing.
- No mobile signal from any UK carrier in the village (as of 2022): download maps and tickets before you arrive.
- The Community Centre car park fills by noon in summer; do not block residents' drives and lanes.
- Most eating places and the campsite are seasonal: check dates before booking a winter trip.
- Fuel and groceries: Bunessan's Spar is the last proper shop before Iona.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- EU emergency number
- 112
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
FionnphortFionnphort
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
Chun a' chidhe ann am Fionnphort, mas e do thoil eTo Fionnphort pier, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- EU emergency number112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No consulates on Mull: US, Canadian, Australian and Irish embassies are in London; check for the nearest consulate in Edinburgh.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fionnphort → Iona, Calmac: about 10 min, roughly hourly in season, about £10 (≈ US$14) return (check)
- Bus 96/496 Craignure → Fionnphort: about 70 min via Bunessan, four times Mon–Sat, once Sunday (check)
- Parking by the pier: £1 (≈ US$2)/hour, cards accepted (check)
Say or show
- Tapadh leat — Thank you (TAH-pah let)
- Madainn mhath — Good morning (MA-ting vah)
- Mas e do thoil e — Please (mas eh do hull eh)
- Càite a bheil am bàta-aiseig? — Where is the ferry? (KAH-tcheh a vayl am BAH-ta ASH-ek)
- Dè a chosgas e? — How much is it? (djeh a KHOS-kas eh)
- Slàinte — Cheers (SLAHN-tcheh)
No mobile signal in the village (as of 2022): save this card offline.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Fionnphort. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (many places shut, ferries weather-prone) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Pier-to-bed contract: last ferry and bus times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters: pier and village, Kintra, Fidden, Bunessan and Ardalanish.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Iona ferry, Staffa trips, Ardalanish mill, Ross of Mull Historical Centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Storm fixtures so gates A–D can go green when sailings are cancelled.