St. Columba’s Bay (Camas Cuil an t-Saimh)

St. Columba’s Bay, or Camas Cuil an t-Saimh (though this Gaelic name can also refer more broadly to the “Bay of the Peaceful Retreat” on the west coast), is one of Iona’s most profoundly significant and evocative sites, located at the island’s remote southern tip. It is historically revered as the place where St. Columba and his fellow monks are said to have first landed in 563 AD, bringing Christianity to Scotland and forming the spiritual heart of the island. The bay’s isolation and the journey required to reach it contribute to its powerful, pilgrimage-like atmosphere.

Unlike Iona’s more famous white shell-sand beaches, St. Columba’s Bay is distinctive for its smooth, colourful pebbles. These include a rich array of local stones, most notably the beautiful green serpentine and green marble found on the island, alongside granite, basalt, and quartz, polished smooth by the constant action of the waves. Visitors often spend time here quietly searching for these unique stones, particularly the “Tear-drops of St. Columba” – small, green, polished pebbles that are believed to have a special significance, though collecting is generally discouraged to preserve the site.

The approach to the bay involves a memorable walk through the island’s rugged southern landscape, past deserted crofts and ancient fortifications, further enhancing the sense of journey and arrival at a sacred place. With views extending towards the Garvellachs and Scarba, it’s a place of deep tranquility and historical resonance, inviting quiet contemplation on the origins of Iona’s spiritual legacy. It remains a powerful destination for pilgrims and visitors seeking to connect with the island’s earliest Christian roots and its enduring sense of peace.