The Isle of Skye in Scotland literally translates to “the island in the clouds” and is perhaps Scotland’s most beautiful island. For centuries, the island has attracted visitors with its mysterious legends and landscapes. Viewpoints such as the Old Man of Storr, the Fairy Pools, and Fairy Glen make you wonder who all lives on this island. Whether you believe in legends or not, a visit to the Isle of Skye is a must on any tour of Scotland. Read on to find out what to see on the Isle of Skye, where to stay, and the most beautiful hikes on the island!
Where is the Isle of Skye?
The Isle of Skye is located in the west of Scotland and is part of the Inner Hebrides, a group of islands off the west coast. With an area of over 1,600 km², the Isle of Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides and also one of the most visited destinations in all of Scotland.
How to Visit the Isle of Skye in Scotland
Depending on your itinerary through Scotland, you have two options for reaching the island. The easiest way is via the Skye Bridge, a toll-free bridge that connects the island to the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh. If you’re coming from the south via Fort William, it takes about 1.5 hours to drive across the bridge onto the island.
Another option is to take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale with Caledonian MacBrayne. The crossing takes half an hour and gives you a first glimpse of the island from the water. We took this ferry ourselves and continued our journey to the Isle of Skye via the bridge. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment, as the ferry fills up quickly during peak season.
TRAVEL TIP: Less well-known is the Glenelg ferry, the only ferry in the world that is still manually pushed to transport cars. The ferry from Mallaig to Armadale is often sold out days in advance during peak season, but this small, charming ferry is much less well-known, and you might still be able to get a spot here.
Things to Do on the Isle of Skye: Scotland’s Most Beautiful Island
The name “Isle of Skye” comes from Old Norse and literally means “island in the clouds.” This is because it’s often foggy or rainy there, and the clouds hang low. We were there for two full days and were lucky enough to have good weather on one of them. That’s why we recommend spending at least two full days on the Isle of Skye, so you’ll have some flexibility to adjust your plans in case of bad weather. Read on for the 12 best things to do on the Isle of Skye in Scotland!
1) Old Man of Storr
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do on the Isle of Skye, it’s the hike to the Old Man of Storr. This impressive rock formation rises from the landscape like a black giant and is the island’s iconic landmark. The 5.5 km hike starts at the parking lot and takes you along a well-marked trail with several flights of stairs and a steep climb. Once at the top, you’ll reach a breathtaking viewpoint with the sea in the background. Come early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds, as the parking lot fills up quickly during peak season. Try to plan this hike for a clear day. In bad weather, the clouds hang low and you can barely see anything through the fog.
2) Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools are one of the most magical places on the Isle of Skye. From Portree, the island’s capital, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the parking lot in Glen Brittle, at the foot of the imposing Black Cuillin mountains. The hike is about 2.5 km one way and suitable for most hikers. Along the way, you’ll follow a babbling river that winds through the green grass and, here and there, flows into a turquoise waterfall. For the brave: swimming in the Fairy Pools is possible, but the water is freezing cold, even in the summer!
3) Bog Myrtle Skye
All that walking really works up an appetite! Bog Myrtle Skye is a super cozy little coffee shop where you can enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls, scones, and fresh soup. As you sip a hot cup of coffee in the charming interior, you can take in the views of the Isle of Skye’s landscape and the sea. In addition to being a coffee shop, it’s also a small bookstore where you can come and read a wide variety of books.
4) Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the home of the MacLeod clan for over 800 years. The castle is located in the northwest of the Isle of Skye, about a 35-minute drive from Portree. The castle is beautifully situated on a rocky cliff on the shores of Loch Dunvegan. Inside, you’ll find centuries-old clan treasures, including the legendary Fairy Flag, a flag said to possess magical powers. Visitors can also take boat tours on Loch Dunvegan to spot the seal colony.
Dunvegan Castle Hours: Daily between April 1 and October 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Admission: £17.50 per adult; £15.50 for garden-only admission.
5) Neist Point Lighthouse
Neist Point is the westernmost point of the Isle of Skye and is home to an elegant white lighthouse perched on a dramatic cliff. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the parking lot—with quite a few stairs—but the view of the rugged Atlantic Ocean is more than worth it. Along the way, you’ll pass sheep grazing peacefully and enjoy stunning views of the sea to the left and right. This is also a must-see for birdwatchers: you’ll spot various species of gulls and auks flying around. We visited on a day with bad weather and, unfortunately, didn’t see much, but on a clear day, it looks absolutely spectacular!
6) Quiraing Loop
The Quiraing Loop is another popular hike on the Isle of Skye, and in our opinion, it’s just as impressive as the Old Man of Storr. This hike is 8 kilometers long and takes you past dramatic rock formations, rugged hills, and green landscapes with breathtaking views. The route is slightly more challenging than the Old Man of Storr, as you’ll sometimes have to climb over boulders, step over small waterfalls, and follow narrow mountain trails. This hike is a loop and takes about 3 to 4 hours. We arrived around 10:00 a.m., and it was much quieter here than at the Old Man of Storr!
7) Fairy Glen
Looking for a peaceful, accessible hike? Fairy Glen is perfect for all ages. This short 1.2-kilometer hike takes you through a valley full of rolling, green hills. If you look closely, you might even spot a little door leading to a fairy house inside a tree trunk. The short walk takes you to the fairy circles: stones arranged in a circular pattern in the grass.
8) Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
Kilt Rock is one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the Isle of Skye that doesn’t require a hike to reach. The massive cliff face gets its name from the vertical rock layers that resemble the pleats of a Scottish kilt. Right next to the viewpoint, the Mealt Falls plunge straight down into the sea. There’s a spacious parking lot, and you can reach the viewpoint in under a minute. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are also located near the starting point of the Old Man of Storr hike, so you can easily combine these two attractions.
9) Talisker Distillery
You can’t travel to Scotland without trying the national drink: whiskey! The Talisker Distillery, founded in 1830 by brothers Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill, is the oldest distillery still in operation on the Isle of Skye. The whiskey is known for its robust island style with maritime influences. Would you like a guided tour of the distillery, be sure to book in advance. Tours often sell out several days in advance during peak season. If you’d rather not take a tour, you can simply walk in for a whiskey tasting at the bar or browse the gift shop.
10) Visit Portree
End your day in Portree, the colorful capital of the Isle of Skye. The colorful houses along the harbor are one of the most photographed spots on the island. Stroll through the charming streets, visit the local shops, and enjoy a pint on the patio of the local pub overlooking the harbor. Portree is also the best place to have dinner on the Isle of Skye.
11) Skye Museum of Island Life
Curious about what life was like on the Isle of Skye in the past? The Skye Museum of Island Life offers you a unique and authentic glimpse into island life from over a century ago. The museum consists of eight thatched cottages, each with its own story to tell. One of them, the Old Croft House, was still inhabited until 1957. Each cottage highlights a way of life or a traditional craft. Would you like to see a Highland cow? You’ll find one here, too!
12) Timeless Beauty at the Old Sligichan Bridge
The Old Sligachan Bridge is a stone arch bridge built between 1810 and 1818 by the legendary engineer Thomas Telford. With its three arches and distinctive hump, it spans the Sligachan River, with the rugged peaks of the Cuillins in the background. But what makes this bridge truly special is the centuries-old legend associated with it. Hold your face in the ice-cold water of the river by the bridge for seven seconds, then let it air-dry. The result is eternal beauty. Did it work for us? Ask us again in a few decades 😉.
Where to Eat on the Isle of Skye
Haggis, black pudding, and whiskey—Scotland’s most famous dishes are definitely not for the faint of heart. But we found Scottish cuisine to be much better than we expected, and we enjoyed delicious meals every day! Most of the restaurants on the Isle of Skye are located in Portree. If you want to eat here, be sure to make a reservation in advance. During the summer months, some restaurants are fully booked weeks in advance.
These are some of the best restaurants in Portree:
- Duns & Brose: You can make reservations, and they serve delicious sticky toffee pudding!
- Sea Breezes: one of the best seafood restaurants on the island.
- The Isles Inn: a cozy local pub serving traditional Scottish dishes.
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
The best base on the Isle of Skye is its capital, Portree. Thanks to its central location on the island, you can easily get anywhere from here. In Portree , you’ll find plenty of hotels and restaurants. Here are a few options:
- Viewfield House: Stay in a genuine Scottish castle with spacious Victorian rooms.
- The Skye Inn: a cozy Scottish inn located in downtown Portree.
- Skeabost View Pods Skye: cozy cottages in the countryside with their own kitchenettes.
How to Get Around on the Isle of Skye
The best way to explore the Isle of Skye is by car—whether it’s your own or a rental. The island is large, the sights are spread out, and public transportation is limited, especially off the main routes. With your own car, you have the freedom to stop wherever and whenever you want. Be sure to keep in mind the typical Scottish single-track roads: narrow roads with passing lanes where you’ll often have to stop to let oncoming traffic pass. A good offline map on your cell phone is also a must, as the cell service on the island can sometimes let you down.
Would you rather not drive yourself? Daily organized day tours to the main attractions!
Trotternish Loop
Want to see the very best of the Isle of Skye in a single day? Then take the Trotternish Loop. This is an 80-kilometer (50-mile) loop on the northeastern peninsula of Skye. The loop starts in Portree and takes you past the island’s most iconic sights: the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, the Quiraing, and Fairy Glen.
Best Time to Visit the Isle of Skye, Scotland
You can visit the Isle of Skye year-round, but the best time to go is from May through September. That’s when you’re most likely to have dry weather and long, bright days. Keep in mind that the weather on Skye is notoriously changeable. Sun, rain, and fog can alternate within the hour. A raincoat is an absolute must at all times! July and August are the busiest months.
Do you have any questions about the Isle of Skye in Scotland? Let us know in the comments below! Looking for more information for your next trip? Don’t hesitate to contact us at contact or feel free to email info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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