Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Orkney Islands?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Orkney Islands?
Many travelers spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Orkney Islands during their visit. After all, the natural 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 weeks 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 week enough time in Orkney Islands?
One week is more than enough time to see everything in the area. Many visitors prefer to spend three to seven days here, so you'll be able to relax at the beach, get out into nature, sample the delicious cuisine, and take in the beautiful scenery at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the region.
How to spend a week 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.
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.
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Orkney Islands.
After you've explored most of Orkney Islands, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Orkney Islands.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Orkney Islands, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Orkney Islands.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Orkney Islands. Plenty of amazing options are available.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Orkney Islands.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Orkney Islands.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Orkney Islands?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see pretty much everything here. You can move at your own pace spend extra time enjoying the beaches, the hiking, the restaurant scene, and the gorgeous scenery. You could also use the area as a base for exploring other nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region, too.
Orkney Islands, Scotland
How to spend 2 weeks in Orkney Islands
With 2 weeks in Orkney Islands, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the archipelago has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this archipelago looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Orkney Islands, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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