The gorgeous UK seaside town bustling with tourists but most visitors make 1 key mistake

Oban, the bustling Scottish port town often dubbed the "Gateway to the Isles," is enjoying one of its busiest summers yet. But many visitors are making the same mistake. The town's location has always made it a natural point of arrival.

From Viking raiders to Celtic settlers, Oban Bay has seen centuries of traffic. When the Callander and Oban Railway reached the Atlantic coast in 1880, its reputation as a gateway to the Hebrides was sealed. Yet today, while thousands pour through Scotland's busiest ferry port, too few pause to explore the town itself.

Those who do often find themselves surprised.

Oban sits on a vast natural harbour, protected by the island of Kerrara, with sweeping hills creating a dramatic amphitheatre. Across the water, the mountains of Mull dominate the skyline, making Oban one of the most dramatically placed towns on the west coast.

It's not just the scenery that impresses. The town has carved out a name as the "Seafood Capital of Scotland." On Tripadvisor, reviews of the harbour-side seafood stalls are glowing.

One visitor described the seafood shack as "the best meal of our trip," while another noted that the mussels were "so fresh, they tasted like they'd just come out of the sea."

Families praise the variety, platters piled high with lobster, langoustines and crab, while solo travellers highlight the value for money compared to more tourist-heavy destinations.

Beyond the food, the reviews often mention the wildlife. Regular ferry passengers report sightings of seals and porpoises in the bay, with some lucky travellers catching glimpses of otters along the shoreline.

Others point to the whisky distillery tours, the historic McCaig's Tower perched on the hillside, and the easy access to island-hopping cruises.

What emerges from these accounts is a sense of regret that more time wasn't set aside. "Wish we'd stayed an extra night" is a common theme among travellers who assumed Oban was only a transport hub.

For those planning a Scottish getaway, don't just pass through. Whether it's world-class seafood, wildlife encounters, or some of the finest coastal scenery in the country, Oban rewards those who slow down and stay awhile.