Oban, why does everyone like it?

Pam, I think Oban is a pleasant enough little town, but I wouldn't go there if it wasn't for the ferries to the islands.

I haven't been to Oban, but I've always wondered about it. When my friend & I went to Scotland 20+ yrs ago, we stayed in Ayr with her relatives. We wanted to spend a few days in the Highlands. Almost EVERYONE we asked said we should go to Oban, but we went to Aviemore & Pitlochry instead. I'd planned to continue up by train to Inverness but ran out of money. Glad to know we made the right decision!

Well, for one thing, it's the Seafood Capital of Scotland (self-proclaimed).

Hmmm, I wonder where the Oban lovers are hiding? ; ) I've gotten excellent seafood all over Scotland. I watched a ship with, I think it was prawns, come into the port near Elgol on Skye and had a fantastic Arbroath Smokie at Fishers in Edinburgh. So, I need more reasons.... Pam

It doesn't answer your question at all, but I met my husband in Oban 40 years ago. Two American college kids on vacation...........if you can believe it. All that I remember of Oban is that we attended some huge exhibition of sheep and shearing, etc. I can still also remember the odor. Pam..........how is NY treating you?

I have been posting on this board for a long time and this is the first time I can remember Oban being mentioned. Maybe it is just selective perception and you only thing there are a lot of Oban lovers.

It gets mentioned in the itineraries. Just this week someone suggested added it to a 5-6 day trip to Scotland! NYC is great, but pricey. I need to get my kitchen set up and start cooking in! Pam

rick included a section on Oban in the Scotland guidebook (as part of the southern Highlands). what i'm looking for in my upcoming england/scotland trip is urban sights (2-3 nights each) mixed with low-key, scenic, mellow places with character. this little coast town sounded great to me...! i'm planning to stay one night there between Glasgow and Inverness (heavy sight-seeing at both places). i'm also traveling sept/october, so i'm hoping that will add to the mellowness. :)

Don't know why rick steves likes it so much - it's quite nice ... Best bits nearby for first time travellers: ferries, ion's near, duart castle on mull, tobermory (esp highland games and sheepdog trials if on when visiting. Can see why it's logistically part of a short tour, but there are lots other bits of west coast to consider.
Hope this helps. S

I liked it and didn't expect to - it has a real touristy feel, and that usually puts me off. But it has some attraction (I just can't spell it out!) I did love the nearby attractions, though.

I am going this summer for 2 nights to sample whiskey, and use it as a base for the isles. That's it as far as I know. of course I am hoping for some great Pub Grub there too.

Hi Banni18, If you are going to Oban then take the boat trip to Mull and onwards to Staffa and then onto Iona and back to Mull.....superb trip. Go to Fort William and take the Steam Train to Mallaig. If Oban is a destination, I would stop at Linlithgow Palace, the Falls of Dochart, Loch Awe, and Cruachan Power Station (I know, but it's worth it!), and anywhere else that took my fancy en route.
Climb some mountains. Go seal and dolphin watching. Visit the amphitheatre folly in Oban. Go fishing...there a lots more to see and do in this area....

A couple hours in Oban was enough to get the feel of the place. We took the ferry up from Port Askaig, Islay with a stop at Colonsay. The ferry landed at Oban, we got off, wandered around, bought a return ticket and went back to Port Askaig. Oban whisky is less expensive in Idaho than in Scotland which always seems weird, but the English tax the stuffing out of Scottish whisky and in return don't provide what that tax pays for back to Scotland. If you want an interesting conversation in a bar this is a good subject to ask about. Oban is an interesting Scottish town, but there are lots of them. The western coast that we saw on the ferrry ride up and back looked much like coastal British Columbia.

I am going to Scotland for first time. I don't want to rent a car. We discovered Oban in Rick Steve book. For people who just want to do trains and buses - it's logistically easy. I had a friend who went to Iona and recommended it. Because of our catholic heritage, we are interested in Iona. I love bird watching, marine wildlife and caves. Oban has tours to the isles where we can enjoy these things. I have always wanted to see puffins. Now, I'm going to get my chance! Oban looks like a friendly little town to chill-out.

Oban's ok, but ... Have a look at their new year fireworks on youTube. Mull and iona are good.
S