Isle of Skye

Travel Guide

Isle of Skye featuring a bay or harbour, tranquil scenes and a pebble beach
Isle of Skye showing mountains, a lighthouse and rugged coastline
Isle of Skye showing tranquil scenes, a pebble beach and a beach
Isle of Skye featuring tranquil scenes and mountains
Isle of Skye which includes a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

From mist-shrouded mountain peaks to plunging sea cliffs and moss-carpeted valleys, this windswept Scottish island is a place of wild, rugged beauty.

Despite its popularity, the Isle of Skye manages to retain a remote, away-from-it-all feeling. Relish the quietude on uncrowded hiking trails, explore evocative castle ruins and marvel at the dramatic coastline from a kayak. Come evening, feast on fresh seafood and retreat to a cozy pub for a warming dram of Scotch whisky.

The Norse called this place “sky-a” (cloud island), referencing the mysterious mist that seems to stubbornly cling to the peaks of the Black Cuillin. Admire the jagged mountains from afar or tackle the climbing trails. Most climbing routes here are not for the inexperienced be prepared to scramble up scree and traverse narrow ridges.

Skye’s top attractions are natural sights. Head to the Trotternish peninsula at the north of the island to photograph the Old Man of StorrOpens in a new window, a tall, gnarled pinnacle set on a rocky slope. Nearby is the QuiraingOpens in a new window, an otherworldly landscape dotted with crags and unusually shaped slabs of volcanic rock. Further south near Glen Brittle are the famous Fairy Pools, a series of colorful streams and waterfalls.

For insight into Skye’s history and culture, wander around the preserved thatched croft houses at the Museum of Island Life. The exhibits here chronicle life on Skye in the late 19th century and touch upon the tale of Flora MacDonald, who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie flee to Skye after the Jacobite defeat at theBattle of Culloden. Skye’s old fortresses, among them the ruined Duntulm Castle and the majestic loch-side Dunvegan CastleOpens in a new window, are also big draws for history enthusiasts.

Most visitors use the island’s largest town, PortreeOpens in a new window, as their base. Choose from a selection of harbor-side seafood restaurants here and mingle with locals in a lively pub.

Weather on Skye can be changeable, so come prepared for rain, shine and everything in between. Access the island via the Skye Bridge or by ferry. Buses do serve the island, but renting a car will give you much more freedom. Single-lane roads do exist here, but regular passing places make them easy to navigate. Leave the mainland behind to discover the delights of Skye.

Where to stay in Isle of Skye

Portree which includes rugged coastline

Portree Town

If you're spending some time in Portree Town, Somerled Square and Portree Harbour are top sights worth seeing.

Portree Town
Talisker Distillery

Carbost

If you're spending some time in Carbost, Talisker Distillery and Isle of Skye Oysters are top sights worth seeing.

Carbost

Skinidin

While there might not be top attractions in Skinidin, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Dunvegan Castle and Skye Silver Gift Shop.

Skinidin

Edinbane

You might want to take some time to explore the restaurants and waterfront views in Edinbane, and Skeabost Golf Course is a top sight to see in the surrounding area.

Edinbane
Red Skye restaurant in Broadford offers great quality, fresh, local produce in a cosy restaurant just off the main road heading into Broadford from the Skye Bridge.  Well worth a visit.  An added bonus is the staff are so friendly and helpful!

Breakish

Though Breakish might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Isle of Skye Market Square and Skye Bridge.

Breakish
One of the main building stones of Scottish #culture is whisky. Whisky isn't just a drink, but it's also a tradition, social move and display of character. "Tell me what whisky you likeamd I tell you what kind of person you are". Here is a view of the new whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye, called Torabhaig.

Teangue

Teangue is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Torabhaig Distillery and Traigh a' Chnuic.

Teangue
Dunollie Hotel

Dunollie Hotel

3 out of 5
Broadford, Strath, Scotland
The price is CA $336 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
CA $336
CA $403 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Strath. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (933 reviews)
"Lovely staff and hotel."

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

Dunollie Hotel
Isle of Skye Guest house

Isle of Skye Guest house

3 out of 5
Kyleakin Roundabout, Kyleakin, Scotland
The price is CA $359 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
CA $359
CA $430 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Kyleakin. Enjoy free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Skye Bridge ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (277 reviews)
"Nice and quiet"

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Isle of Skye Guest house
Kings Arms Hotel

Kings Arms Hotel

2 out of 5
King Street, Kyleakin, Kyleakin, Scotland
The price is CA $305 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
CA $305
CA $366 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kyleakin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
6.4/10 (851 reviews)
Overnight pre-ferry
"Perfect for an overnight stay en route to the ferry. Has a public and hotel bar and short walk to a few other options."

Reviewed on Jun. 29, 2025

Kings Arms Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ardcana

Ardcana

3.5 out of 5
23 Lower Breakish, Strath, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Strath. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Magpie and Giant MacAskill Musuem are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"This property is amazing. Just as pictured. It is a bit remote as it is off the main roadway a bit but that is part of what I loved. The views from the porch were gorgeous. I only had one need to contact the property manager about a question but was responded to very quickly. Would absolutely stay ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 26, 2025

Ardcana
Cosy caravan in central location on the Isle of Skye.

Cosy caravan in central location on the Isle of Skye.

Isle of Skye
Stay at this vacation home in Strath. Enjoy free WiFi and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Isle of Skye Market Square and Giant MacAskill Musuem are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
A Caravan, But Comfortable And Convenient
"The Caravan is in a good location, in an easy walk to town. Yes, it has a view of the driveway, as in the photos, but you can also see the bay and mountains beyond. The heating is excellent, the beds are comfy and we felt very good here. The kitchen is reasonably well-equiped and is a bonus, as there ..."

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Cosy caravan in central location on the Isle of Skye.
Kinloch Ainort Apartments

Kinloch Ainort Apartments

4.5 out of 5
Kinloch Ainort, Sconser, Sconser, Scotland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Sconser. Enjoy free parking, balconies, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Am Basteir and Raasay Ferry are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
"Wonderful stay and great host, apartment had everything we needed and a great view."

Reviewed on Jun. 18, 2025

Kinloch Ainort Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Isle of Skye

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 78%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 22%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Loved our visit there and plan to be back again for a longer stay.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderful relaxing time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

There is a lot to do, and if you like walking and a bit of hiking it's definitly the place to go. The fairy pools were beautiful and if you're daring enough (and love the cold) you can jump in and enjoy the water :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Simply jaw-dropping scenery all around the edges of the Island, and beautiful rolling hills throughout the central areas. Portree was much too busy with tourists, despite being pretty early in the season, so we avoided the town.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Wonderful scenery and historic sites but also very busy at the key scenic locations.

Cities near Isle of Skye