The Isle of Steffa and Fingal's Cave

The Isle of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave: When Nature Plays an Artist

Despite the diminutive size of this island in northern Scotland (just 3km around), only a few kilometers from the Isle of Mull, the Isle of Staffa contains a true jewel of nature: Fingal's Cave

Situated in the sea of Hebrides, the tiny island owes its beauty, originality, and even its name (Staffa means "island of pillars" in Old Norse), to its particular geologic formation of columnar basalt structures around its edges. Displaying a surreal landcape thanks to these cliffs, any visit to this island is highlighted by a journey into Fingal's Cave. 

True to the rest of the island, Fingal's Cave is lined by pillars of stone so straight and lined up that they seem to have been man-made. There is a beauty reminiscent of many cathedrals, and is completely the work of Mother Nature. 

If this painted scene pleases your eyes, be sure to lend an ear as well: The melody that the ocean plays against the basalt pillars is just as much a part of the spectacle. The composer Felix Mendelssohn was inspired by the echo of the waves inside these caves when writing his symphony, "The Hebrides." In the same fashion, Jules Verne took inspiration for two of his books from this island. 

Come and find your inspiration by taking a ferry from Ulva, Fionnphort, or Iona.