The Shetland Isles Voted Top Tourist Destination
The magical Shetland Islands, off the north coast of Scotland, have recently been voted one of the world's top tourist destinations.
Even though the UK's most northerly group of islands appear to be very isolated, travellers can reach Shetland from Aberdeen Sumburgh Airport. However, it should be remembered that air travel is highly weather dependant. Possibly one of the reasons that Shetland is still so beautiful and relatively untouched is its geographical position, stuck out in the Atlantic and exposed to everything that nature chooses to throw at it.
If you ever had an interest in whale watching or maybe getting in touch with your spiritual self by communing with otters, seals and puffins, then you have come to the right place. Do not be too surprised if you should spot a fully rigged sailing ship on the horizon. The 'Tall Ships Race' is an annual event in the Shetlands and these amazing craft drop anchor at Lerwick before heading out to sea and their final destination of Stavanger in Norway.
The Shetlands have been inhabited for a very long period of time and travellers who are interested in the lives of our earliest ancestors should go and visit the 4,000 year old Jarlshof settlement and the Shetland Museum, which is also nearby. The Vikings are celebrated at the annual 'Lerwick Fire Festival' in January. This is the world's biggest event of its type, which concludes with a longboat that has been dragged through the streets as part of the procession, being burnt in the harbour.
Highland and Island hospitality is famous and there are many beautiful guesthouses to be found, all offering great value for money.
