Every Highlands adventure is different, whether you’re building out your own itinerary or joining a group tour.
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Regardless, you’re likely to stop in three places: Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and Glencoe. All three offer rugged beauty, but Glencoe is often dubbed the ‘full Highlands package’ for a few reasons. First, you can (in theory) visit as a day trip from Edinburgh, so long as you have plenty of energy and aren’t afraid of long bus rides. Second, it’s got that rugged mountain scenery that the Highlands are famous for.
Glencoe also offers history, as the area is home to the Massacre of Glencoe site, which dates back to the late 1600s. It’s the tip of the iceberg when it comes to local history, legends, and myths in Glencoe—a deep dive into its history also sheds light on the entire Highlands region.
Typically, visitors pass through Glencoe while on a tour. You’ll stay the night, maybe two days, and then move on. But if you’re making your own itinerary to road trip through the Highlands, I recommend giving yourself a few days to rest, delve into its culture, and appreciate the rugged views.
Before you book a hotel, check out these best Airbnbs in Glencoe, Scotland—they pack a punch when it comes to scenery, atmosphere, and Scottish tastes. I’ve included a few picks located in nearby Ballachulish.
[This article is part of TravelAwaits new Airbnb and Vrbo recommendation series. We dig into listings to identify the crème de la crème of Guest Favorites, Superhost listings, and hidden gems to make finding the perfect rental for your next trip a breeze.]
Best Airbnbs in Glencoe, Scotland for your Highlands adventure: short list
- Best Glencoe pick overall: Kentra Cottage
- Most budget-friendly: Glencoe Pod
- Most modern setup: Glencoe Ettive Cottage (or The Old Dairy)
- Best classic cottage: Yatter Whaup House
- Best design: Braehead Cottage
- Best for large groups: Quarterdeck Gardens
- Most romantic: Hawthorn Lodge
- Most historic stay: Bothy of Ballachulish House
- Best private garden: The Old Dairy
Best Airbnbs in Glencoe, Scotland for your Highlands adventure
Kentra Cottage
With a central location within Glencoe, an abundance of wood features, and a full kitchen ready for cooking meals, you’ve got all the elements of a comfortable stay. The open living room and kitchen setup is perfect for slow mornings, while the small patio outside gives you another place to sip on your tea or coffee before heading out on an adventure. If you’re beat after a long day, the bathroom has a large tub.
Glencoe Pod
Glencoe has a pod property where you can rent a small tiny-home style ‘glamping pod’. Though compact, the unit is modern, comfortable, and come with a functional kitchenette and a private bathroom. Out front, there’s a sitting area where you can enjoy partial mountain views. Best of all, you’ll save on this rental compared to other Airbnbs in Glencoe—without sacrificing quality.
Glencoe Ettive Cottage
Most Airbnbs in the area are older cottages that have been refurbished. If you’re looking for cottages that have been fully remodeled with modern features, you’ll feel comfortable at this two-bedroom rental. The interior has been almost fully updated, with a modern kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. Despite the updates, you’ll still know you’re in the Highlands—there’s a backyard where you can relax with partial views, and a wood-burning fireplace in the living room.
Yatter Whaup House
If you want a classic cottage that will transport you back in time, this three-bedroom has the charm you’re after. There are historic features throughout, along with select antiques, balanced with modern features. The rooms are large and comfortable, all with ensuite showers. Plus, the upstairs sitting room offers dramatic views of the area, letting you unwind at one of the most handsome cottages around Glencoe.
Braehead Cottage
Yatter Whaup House will transport you back in time with its natural charm, but if you want a more designer-forward stay, go with Braehead Cottage. The interior is rich with Scottish tastes that are both warm and bold. The three bedrooms are also large, letting you unwind with a group without feeling crowded. There’s also a small patio out back for taking you morning tea.
Quarterdeck Gardens
Speaking of large groups, Quarterdeck Gardens has three bedrooms and space to fit seven guests with a double room. There’s a spacious living room where everyone can unwind, along with a separate utility room where everyone can get their laundry done. The garden out back also offers partial views of Loch Leven, and there’s also space for two cars for easy parking.
Hawthorn Lodge (Ballachulish)
Head to Hawthorn Lodge if you’re in town with a romantic partner. The yurt-style single-room lodging has a claw-foot tub next to the window when you’re in the mood for a soak, along with spa-caliber robes for afterwards. There’s a tiny kitchenette, a bathroom with underfloor heating, and lush green views in every direction. The interior is also a treat, with wood slat vaulted ceilings.
Bothy of Ballachulish House (Ballachulish)
Many Airbnbs in Glencoe have historic features—the area is home to many cottages, cabins, and units that date back centuries. But if you want history, head to the Bothy of Ballachulish House. It’s a Highland house that dates back to the mid-1600s and was once the home of a famous Scottish Jacobite soldier named Allan Breck. He was born and raised in the home before going on to become a suspect in a murder that would inspire famous novels like 1886’s Kidnapped. Kind of a big deal, especially if you’re into Scottish literature.
The Old Dairy (Ballachulish)
If you like to maximize your time outside and feel that karma will spare you from the many rainy days common to Glencoe, this home gives you an excellent setup. The two-bedroom detached cottage offers two double rooms, plus a cozy and lovely kitchen-living room with a modern, fresh design. The backyard also has lovely furnished gardens where you can enjoy some solitude and, if visiting during the spring and summer, flowers.
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