Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Orkney Islands?

Q: Is one day enough time in Orkney Islands?

One day is usually not enough time to see everything in Orkney Islands such as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and the beaches, the hiking, the restaurant scene, and the gorgeous scenery. Because of everything to see and experience, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside at least 3 or as many as 7 days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your adventure in this archipelago.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Orkney Islands?

Many travelers spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Orkney Islands during their visit. After all, the serene archipelago has plenty to explore such as the beaches, the hiking, and the restaurant scene.

The Orkney Islands are an island chain off of the northeast coast of Scotland. The landscape is mostly rolling hills and there are hundreds of miles of sandy beaches. You'll also find some interesting archaeological sites on the islands, some of which date back thousands of years.

Do you have one or two days to visit Orkney Islands? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Orkney Islands?

One day is usually not enough time to see everything in Orkney Islands such as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and the beaches, the hiking, the restaurant scene, and the gorgeous scenery. Because of everything to see and experience, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside at least 3 or as many as 7 days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your adventure in this archipelago.

How to spend a day in Orkney Islands

The beautiful beaches await you in Orkney Islands, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

The public transit in Orkney Islands is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the archipelago quite easily and affordably. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Orkney Islands?

With a weekend, you'll probably feel rushed to experience the outdoors to its fullest extent. You really need more time to appreciate the gorgeous scenery that this archipelago has to offer. Many visitors stay for at least 3 or as many as 7 days to see everything such as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and the beaches, the hiking, the restaurant scene, and the gorgeous scenery. If you have a weekend or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're visiting.

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland

How to spend 2 days in Orkney Islands

With a weekend (two to three days) in Orkney Islands, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the archipelago has to offer.

Known for it's hiking, Orkney Islands sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Orkney Islands is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Stunning beaches and beautiful countryside make this landscape truly breathtaking.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Orkney Islands, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.