​​​​Scotland's Bizarre Beach Airport Is One Of The World's Most Unique With A Runway Disappearing At High Tide

There are so many unforgettable activities you can't skip on a trip to Scotland, from sampling whisky and touring ancient castles to visiting "Harry Potter" and "Outlander" filming locations. Exploring some of the country's scenic islands (like the Isle of Mull, a pristine paradise of cliffs, beaches, and mountains in the Inner Hebrides) is also a must. For a truly unique arrival experience, book a flight to Barra in the Outer Hebrides. The island is home to the only airport in the world where they have scheduled landings on the beach at Traigh Mhor.

The Outer Hebrides are located off the northwest coast of Scotland. Barra is the second-most southerly inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides; Vatersay is the southernmost inhabited island in the chain. You'll need to hop on a boat or plane to reach Barra. CalMac ferries run from Oban on the mainland to Castlebay in Barra; the journey takes just under five hours. If you're road-tripping in the Outer Hebrides, you can board the ferry from Eriskay on Uist to Ardmhor in Barra, which will take about 40 minutes. But the best way to get here is to catch a Loganair flight from Glasgow so you can experience this super-cool beach landing for yourself. Flights take about an hour and 10 minutes on average.

Catching the flights arriving and departing on the beach runway is one of the best experiences in Barra. The runway disappears at high tide, so flights are scheduled around the ocean's movements. If you're visiting Barra Airport, be aware of safety measures in place. There is no public access to the beach when the wind sock is flying. Similarly, there's no beach access when the strobe light is on at the air traffic control tower — this means a plane is about to land. These measures keep everyone safe. While popular for visitors, the airport also provides crucial services for island residents.

Outside the airport, Kisimul Castle is one of Barra's top attractions. It dates back to the 15th century and is located on a rocky island in the bay. A short five-minute boat ride is required to access the historic building, which is the only medieval castle left in the Outer Hebrides. Check the official Kisimul Castle website before planning a visit, as the site may be closed for conservation work.

Be sure to visit some of Barra's stunning beaches, too: Tangasdale for its beautiful stretch of sand and blue water, Seal Bay to see the seals, or Cleit Beach to avoid the crowds. If you want to explore more unique spots in the Outer Hebrides, make a trip to see the world's best standing stones on this Scottish island.