Whether you live in Scotland or are coming here for the first time, Conde Nast Traveller has rounded up a list of the top 12 best places to visit in the country.
Conde Nast wrote: “The country is home to some of Europe's most dramatic scenery. Mist-shrouded mountains tumble down onto lush green lands sculpted by rushing rivers, mirror-like lochs and heather-strewn moors, which in turn melt into golden sands and sensational seas.
“The mainland is peppered with lonely bothys, crumbling castles and world-renowned hotels, while the smattering of fairytale islands along the coastline are remote escapes where you'll feel as though you're on the edge of the world.”
Keep reading to see which Scottish locations made the list.
9. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye earned a spot on the list. Conde Nast said that its "Mordor-like" mountains, dragon-scale pinnacles and Jurassic-era landslips are now Instagram stars thanks to their sheer good looks. They added there are still plenty of low-key destinations including the day-long hike to Sgùrr na Strì that delivers on the promise of the most spectacular sea-to-sky viewpoint in Britain. Meanwhile the Elgol and Sleat peninsulas to the southwest are pared-back compared to Portree and Staffin. | AFP via Getty Images
10. South Harris
Conde Nast called Harris "utterly hypnotic". They added that Luskentyre Sands, pictured, and those scalloped along its western coast instil a sense of life worth living away from the rest of the world. Conde Nast wrote: "Beyond the machair, Harris is imbued with craftsmanship and community and that’s best discovered on a visit to a Harris Tweed weaver or wool fabric showroom in Tarbert, or indeed at the Isle of Harris Distillery, where sugar kelp and botanicals marry to create a gin that turns steel-grey water into something extraordinary." | Canva/Getty Images
11. Orkney
Conde Nast called Orkney a "North Sea archipelago with a story that no one fully understands". They said it showcases a different strata of history at every turn, from the Mesolithic and Neolithic to the Pictish and Viking. There are 70 islands in total, but recommended for those short on time Mainland and Hoy. | Katharine Hay Photo: Katharine Hay
12. Islay
Islay earned the 12th spot on the list. Currently, there are nine single malt distilleries on Islay (soon to be 10 with Port Ellen) and, from old-timers Lagavulin and Laphroaig in the south to jazzed-up Caol Ila and newcomer Ardnahoe overlooking island neighbour Jura, Conde Nast said it's "unashamedly a whisky drinker’s kind of place". Many distilleries now operate family-friendly tours and cafes. | Open Virtual Worlds