Vacation Rentals in Shetland Islands

Searching for a place away from the crowds where peace reigns? The small islands of Shetland are one of the most remote areas of Britain and boast some of the most stunning scenery in the UK. With a Viking heritage, this destination nestled between Norway and mainland Scotland offers the best vacation rentals in both charming village lanes and crystal clear coastlines. Made up of some 100 different islands, you'll find plenty to do and see on this vacation.

Offering a warm welcome, Shetland accommodation guarantees a Scottish getaway like no other. You can enjoy a wide range of wonderful vacation rentals. The accommodation is exceptionally spacious and immaculate with all the necessary amenities such as comfortable bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The rentals also feature picturesque gardens to enjoy the morning sun and stunning sea views that will leave you breathless.

With miles and miles of coastline, Shetland offers all kinds of beaches. From stretches of white, golden sand to stony beaches that form breathtaking scenery against the turquoise-green water. Highlights include St Ninians on the southwest coast of Shetland, which is the destination's most famous beach, linking the mainland with St Ninian's Island; Spiggie Beach in the southwest of Shetland; Breckon Beach in the north of Yell and West Sandwick Beach in the west of Yell (Scotland's Beach Award winner); Minn at the southern end of West Burra. Beautiful and tranquil, you will be impressed to see how the light reflects off the bottom of the crystal clear waters of these beaches during the summer.

Shetland is great terrain for walkers and offers some of the best coastal walks in the UK. At any time of year, you'll enjoy spectacular coastal scenery on the cliffs and quiet heathery hills that give you the rare opportunity to discover ancient historic sites and amazing geology. Some of Shetland's best walks and hikes include the self-guided trail exploring the volcanic landscape of Eshaness where you can see the remains of a once active volcano; the self-guided trail to the Shetland Ophiolite which takes you to the bottom of an ancient ocean; the Hermaness National Nature Reserve trail which leads to the cliff top of Toolie, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean.

As well as hiking, Shetland offers many quiet roads perfect for cycling. You'll find a variety of bike hire shops offering electric, road, and mountain bikes for you to venture out into the beauty of the islands. Over 1,000 miles (1,609.34 km) of road are waiting to be explored. Although the islands are mostly hilly, cycling is one of the best ways to see Shetland. You can also find other activities such as rock climbing. This activity will take you over wild seas and crags of all kinds. There is nowhere else in the UK where it is possible to climb on as many types of rock as in Shetland.

Shetland's extensive and accessible coastline offers endless opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Best of all, you don't need a licence to paddle in Shetland. Activities such as kayaking allow you to explore sea caves, deserted beaches and uninhabited islands, as well as view wildlife from the water. Activities such as surfing allow you to take advantage of the adrenaline rush of both the Atlantic and the North Sea swells. While paddle surfing is great for those lazy days when you want to paddle the freshwater lakes. Exceptional underwater visibility also makes Shetland a perfect place for scuba diving.

During Shetland's winter, you shouldn't miss out on seeing the stunning Northern Lights. Check the skies on all clear nights; wrap up warm with several layers of clothing; take a flask of hot tea or coffee for the cold nights; and dazzle as this exceptional spectacle of bright-green lights unfolds across the landscape. As Shetland is closer to the North Pole than any other part of Britain, it is the best place to see the Northern Lights.

Up Helly Aa is a series of twelve fire festivals held from January to March that you definitely have to experience. Celebrate Shetland's Viking heritage, watch as hundreds of torch-bearing 'guizers' lead a procession through the streets of Lerwick to burn a Viking ship, and have fun with squad themes ranging from men dressed as Stormtroopers to Vikings. Up Helly Aa's various festivals will take you back 1,000 years to when the Vikings ruled the islands.

Because its waters are on the migration route from Norwegian waters to the Caribbean, Shetland is one of the best places to see marine animals in the UK. Take a guided tour with Shetland Nature, Shetland Wildlife or Shetland Photo Tours, keep your eyes peeled for pods of killer whales hunting off the coast, the huge tail flukes of humpback whales sticking out of the sea, and the largest population of otters in Europe. Undoubtedly, Shetland offers a world-class wildlife experience unforgettable.

Shetland's cuisine is well-known for its freshness and first-class environmental credentials. On vacation try Reestit lamb soup, one of Shetland's signature dishes; boiled fish and boiled tatties, smothered in plenty of Shetland butter; Mince and Tatties, a dish made with minced beef, carrots, and onions, served with buttered mashed potatoes; Krappin an' Stap, a dish consisting of a mixture of fish, porridge, and fish livers. Most of these dishes are simple, but with great flavor!

Shetland's famous ponies are one of the most striking features of the islands. You'll find these beautiful creatures roaming everywhere, from grazing by the roadside on the hills and moors to strolling along the beaches. These ponies are usually owned and cared for by local farmers and can be seen especially in the West Mainland, Scalloway, Tingwall, Dunrossness, and Unst Island. Riding lessons for children are also offered during the local agricultural fairs in August.