Isle of Skye

Travel Guide

Isle of Skye which includes a bay or harbour, mountains and a pebble beach
Isle of Skye which includes rocky coastline, a lighthouse and mountains
Isle of Skye showing a beach, a pebble beach and tranquil scenes
Isle of Skye featuring mountains and tranquil scenes
Isle of Skye featuring 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 showing rocky 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

Though Skinidin may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Dunvegan Castle and Skye Silver Gift Shop.

Skinidin

Edinbane

Be sure to enjoy the restaurants and waterfront views while you're in Edinbane, and make a trip to Skeabost Golf Course if you have time to see some sights in the nearby area.

Edinbane
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Breakish

While Breakish isn't home to many top sights, Isle of Skye Market Square and Skye Bridge are some notable places to visit nearby.

Breakish
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Colbost

Colbost might not have many top sights, but Skye Silver Gift Shop and Dunvegan Castle are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Colbost
Dunollie Hotel

Dunollie Hotel

3 out of 5
Broadford, Strath, Scotland
The price is €171 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€171
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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 (943 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Dunollie Hotel
Tongadale Hotel

Tongadale Hotel

3 out of 5
WENTWORTH ST, Portree, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Portree. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (796 reviews)
Comfortable stay with complimentary breakfast
"I had a comfortable stay at the Tongadale hotel. It's an old building but well maintained. Room and bathroom were compact but comfortable. One thing to be careful about is the bathroom shower. Make sure you figure out how the hot and cold settings work before using the shower. Breakfast was really ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Tongadale Hotel
The Marmalade Hotel

The Marmalade Hotel

4 out of 5
HOME FARM ROAD, Portree, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €476 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€476
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Portree. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (271 reviews)
"Good, old be well maintained hotel. A short distance from town-centre."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

The Marmalade 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 26 Jun 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! (7 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 27 May 2025

Cosy caravan in central location on the Isle of Skye.
House Of Juniper - The Cabins

House Of Juniper - The Cabins

2 out of 5
The Cabins, Lower Harrapool, Broadford, Strath, Scotland
Stay at this cabin in Strath. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a bar/lounge. Popular attractions Magpie and Isle of Skye Market Square are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (114 reviews)
Lovely stay at The House of Juniper Cabins
"The Cabins are in an excellent location and our stay was very comfortable. Our cabin had a view of the bay which made it that bit nicer! It was very spacious compared to some other similar style cabins we have stayed in before. They were also a reasonable distance apart from one another. It includes ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

House Of Juniper - The Cabins
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.

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