Port Charlotte
About About this youth hostel
Housed in a former distillery warehouse in the centre of the village, Port Charlotte Youth Hostel sits next to a safe sandy beach and boasts wonderful sea views. This spacious and friendly hostel offers a range of accommodation from comfortable private rooms to spacious shared dorms. None of the rooms are en-suite but there are ample shower and washroom facilities available.
WiFi is free for all guests and other facilities include: a large comfortable and cosy sitting room with stunning views of the Bay of Loch Indaal, a laundry, drying room, and secure cycle storage for up to 30 bikes. The hostels also has onsite parking for up to six cars and it is possible to park on the adjacent roadside. Basic provisions, confectionery and soft drinks along with pizza and ice-cream are available to purchase at reception.
‘Wee Breakfast’ and 'Heat & Eat Pizza available (Please remember to pre-book breakfast)
The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.
Why stay?
- Fantastic beachside location
- Whisky lovers paradise!
- Sunrise over the Paps of Jura
- Friendly team with expert local knowledge
- RSPB nature reserve on the doorstep
Please remember to book your ferry before you travel.
For more information on the hostel, accessibility and the local area please click here
Port Charlotte Youth Hostel
Facilities & Services
Season
March to September (RentaHostel available)
Reception Hours
08:00-10:00 and 17:00-21:30
Check in
17:00 - 21:30
Check out
By 10:00
Access Hours
Late arrivals and access outside opening hours available by prior arrangement.
Amenities
Free Wifi
Family Rooms
Lounge/TV Room
Drying Room
Bike Store
Free Parking (nearby or onsite)
Private Rooms
Catering
Laundry Room
Towel Hire
Shopping Nearby
Guest Reviews
22/04/2025
Wonderful stay with my walking group. Hostel was very accommodating and we had a brilliant time. Thank you!M
22/04/2025
Wonderful stay with my walking group. Hostel was very accommodating and we had a brilliant time. Thank you!M
18/04/2025
Islay for me is a great place for walking and cycling on my Brompton folding bike. Not too many hills; a good bus service covering all of the main arterial roads on the island; lots to see; and the wonderful Port Charlotte hostel.Andrew Dickson
18/04/2025
Islay for me is a great place for walking and cycling on my Brompton folding bike. Not too many hills; a good bus service covering all of the main arterial roads on the island; lots to see; and the wonderful Port Charlotte hostel.Andrew Dickson
14/04/2025
Truly loved my stay at Port Charlotte Hostel. Lorna and Karl were so warm and welcoming, full of local knowledge that made the trip extra special. The seaside location is peaceful and beautiful, and the hostel itself feels like a home – clean, cosy, and so well cared for. Grateful for such a lovely experience.Ailidh
14/04/2025
Truly loved my stay at Port Charlotte Hostel. Lorna and Karl were so warm and welcoming, full of local knowledge that made the trip extra special. The seaside location is peaceful and beautiful, and the hostel itself feels like a home – clean, cosy, and so well cared for. Grateful for such a lovely experience.Ailidh
08/04/2025
Wonderful hosts. Helpful and kind. A warm welcome and everything you could possibly need or want for a visit to beautiful Islay.Lynda
08/04/2025
Wonderful hosts. Helpful and kind. A warm welcome and everything you could possibly need or want for a visit to beautiful Islay.Lynda
08/04/2025
Great and well organised hostel with great facilities and very friendly and knowledgeable wardens.YES
08/04/2025
Great and well organised hostel with great facilities and very friendly and knowledgeable wardens.YES
08/04/2025
Great and well organised hostel with great facilities and very friendly and knowledgeable wardens.YES
03/04/2025
Brilliant stay. Lovely hostel and made to feel very welcome . Thank youYes
03/04/2025
Brilliant stay. Lovely hostel and made to feel very welcome . Thank youYes
03/04/2025
Brilliant stay. Lovely hostel and made to feel very welcome . Thank youYes
28/09/2024
An excellent base to explore IslayJhurd
28/09/2024
An excellent base to explore IslayJhurd
26/09/2024
This is an outstanding place to visit. Comfortable, clean, spacious. But most of all, the way you are treated by Karl and Lorna is second to none. Thank youRichard Duncan
26/09/2024
This is an outstanding place to visit. Comfortable, clean, spacious. But most of all, the way you are treated by Karl and Lorna is second to none. Thank youRichard Duncan
23/09/2024
Fantastic location, wonderful hosts, great value.NO
23/09/2024
Fantastic location, wonderful hosts, great value.NO
23/09/2024
Beautiful location, friendly staff, spacious lounge, very clean.No
23/09/2024
Beautiful location, friendly staff, spacious lounge, very clean.No
23/09/2024
Beautiful location, friendly staff, spacious lounge, very clean.No
19/09/2024
A very well-run, comfortable and well-located hostelBonnie
19/09/2024
A very well-run, comfortable and well-located hostelBonnie
19/09/2024
Port Charlotte has just become my new favourite hostel! I'll definitely be back for another visit next year.Ang
19/09/2024
Port Charlotte has just become my new favourite hostel! I'll definitely be back for another visit next year.Ang
15/09/2024
First classPeter
15/09/2024
First classPeter
14/09/2024
From the way the staff check up to ensure you're comfortable and making the best of your time shows they're not just good at what they do but clearly passionate about giving the guest the very best.They provide all necessary information and often go the extra mile; Carl thanks for the ride you arranged to get me to the ferry.X
Reasons to visit
With endless white sandy beaches, towering cliffs and an RSPB nature reserve, Port Charlotte is the perfect base for families, outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts to explore and discover Islay.
Finlaggan, three miles from Port Askaig, features the tumbledown ruins of houses and a chapel on an islet in a shallow loch marking what remains of the stronghold of the Lords of the Isles. The setting is beautiful and the history fascinating!
Islay is probably best known as the home of some of the world's best Scotch whisky. With nine active distilleries, the island is a pilgrimage for whisky lovers. Take time to explore them all, but don't forget to pace yourself!
Islay is known for its fine food with fresh seafood a popular choice for most visitors. Other attractions not to be missed include:
- Museum of Island Life
- Kildalton Cross
- Kilnave Cross
- The American Monument
- Machir Beach
- The Round Church
- Outback Art Gallery
- Islay Ales Microbrewery
Enjoy a birds eye trip!