With its giant volcanic columns, Fingal’s Cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa looms out of the water like something from a mythical story.

It’s hard to believe that nature could craft something like this and a trip to see it in person is one of the highlights of a visit to Scotland. Not only does it provide a captivating view of the ocean waters, its walls are made of symmetrical, hexagonally jointed basalt columns formed from ancient lava flows and cooled by pressure, said to be shared with Northern Ireland's iconic Giant's Causeway.

Planning a trip? Here are 5 things to know before you go:

• You can visit Staffa from any of the following ports - Fionnphort, Ulva Ferry, Iona, Tobermory, Oban and Kilchoan.

• Book in advance. Tickets are popular and go quickly.

• Be prepared it might be too choppy to step onto the island – the summer months give you more chance of the boats being able to get close.

• Staffa is also famous for puffins so from April to July you’ll see them darting in and out of the water around you.

• Pack warm clothes – no matter the time of year it can get cold on the boat