Port Charlotte

There is a phone and post box in the village, and all mobile networks can get reception in the centre of Port Charlotte.

Probably the main reason for visiting Port Charlotte is that the only hostel on Islay is located here. Port Charlotte Youth Hostel is run by the SYHA, and provides cheap comfortable enough accomodation. The key downsides are that it is closed in winter and has an 11pm curfew (a real pity since the local pub doesn't get lively until after 11 at the weekend) - try sweet-talking to the manager. The layout of the hostel also follows the usual pattern of Hostelling International hostels, with large common rooms and lots of separate tables creating a slightly antisocial atmosphere. That said you could do a lot worse than staying here. For any out-and-out whisky fans, the building the hostel is located in is the former Port Charlotte distillery, so staying here is a good way to complete a trip round Islay disilleries past and present.

If you are looking for a hotel, the Port Charlotte Hotel in the centre of the village has a lively bar and tolerable rates. There is another hotel located slightly out of the centre of the village.

Port Charlotte has only one shop, which closes early and doesn't have a wide range of stock, so make sure you buy everything you need from Bowmore or one of the larger villages before you get here if you are intending to feed yourself. If you are planning on eating out, all the hotels can provide dinner for fairly reasonable prices.

Port Charlotte boasts a pub and two hotels to drink in. The Port Charlotte Hotel has a bar open to non-residents. While this is not cheap it has a decent range of beer and occasionally features live entertainment. The local pub meanwhile has a pool table and an interesting jukebox. The locals seem friendly so don't be scared to chat to them.

The Bruicladdich Distillery is a couple of miles along the coast road from Port Charlotte. It is interesting for its use of original equipment as far as possible, and offers tours for around 3 pounds. If you don't want to see the distillery equipment itself, there is still a shop offering a wide range of their whiskies.