Isle of Skye

Travel Guide

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

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
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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

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
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Colbost

While Colbost isn't home to many top sights, Skye Silver Gift Shop and Dunvegan Castle are some notable places to visit nearby.

Colbost
Dunollie Hotel

Dunollie Hotel

3 out of 5
Broadford, Strath, Scotland
The price is P10,877 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P10,877
P13,052 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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 (944 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Dunollie 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 P26,709 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P26,709
P32,052 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (272 reviews)
"Good, old be well maintained hotel. A short distance from town-centre."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

The Marmalade Hotel
Kings Arms Hotel

Kings Arms Hotel

2 out of 5
King Street, Kyleakin, Kyleakin, Scotland
The price is P10,040 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P10,040
P12,048 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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 (867 reviews)
"Acceptable"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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
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! (115 reviews)
"We loved our stay at Juniper Cabins. It was clean, quiet, comfortable with delicious(but pricey )food at the restaurant on property. We would recommend."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

House Of Juniper - The Cabins
Armadale Castle Cabins

Armadale Castle Cabins

4 out of 5
Armadale, Sleat, Sleat, Scotland
Stay at this cabin in Sleat. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Armadale Ferry Terminal and Museum of the Isles are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (36 reviews)
"Beautiful view and beautiful property."

Reviewed on May 28, 2025

Armadale Castle 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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