It is bounded to the north by Loch Scridain and to the south by the Firth of Lorne.
The main villages are Bunessan and Fionnphort, with smaller settlements including Ardtun, Camas, Carsaig, Knockan, Pennyghael and Uisken.
Historically the area's main industries consisted of crofting, fishing, kelp, and granite quarries.
The 1945 film I Know Where I'm Going!, directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, was principally shot on Mull, using Carsaig as a headquarters, and references the fictional "Isle of Kiloran", which was based on Colonsay.
[3] Also shot there was The Silent Storm, starring Damian Lewis and Andrea Riseborough.