Port Ban beach is perhaps the prettiest beach on Iona. Walk north along the coast from the Bay at the Back of the Ocean, pass through a gate and some small inlets on your left, and reach a track leading to this beautiful white sand beach, sheltered by cliffs on either side. In the summer it is a favourite spot for swimming in the sea when the incoming tide is warmed by the hot sands. The beach slopes very gradually, making it the safest beach for swimming on Iona and a popular spot for families. The beach is covered in shells, and particularly coveted are the tiny cowrie shells which can be found most easily on this beach.
