Martyrs Bay is very near the Ferry Pier on Iona. From the top of the pier, turn left past the cafe and the long stretch of sand on your left is Martyr's Bay (Port Nam Mairtear).The beach shelf is very gradual here and it is a popular place for paddling or swimming as the tide comes in over the sand on a sunny day. The rare corncrake are often heard, and occasionally seen here, in the beds of flag iris. The beach is named because of the killing of 68 monks here by the Vikings in 806 AD. This beautiful beach has stunning views over the Sound of Iona to the Isle of Mull and to the small tidal island of Erraid.
