Isle of Skye

Travel Guide
Isle of Skye which includes a lighthouse, rocky coastline and mountains
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 Storr, a tall, gnarled pinnacle set on a rocky slope. Nearby is the Quiraing, 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 Castle, are also big draws for history enthusiasts.

Most visitors use the island’s largest town, Portree, 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.

Dunollie Hotel
Dunollie Hotel
3 out of 5
Broadford, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The price is ¥25,141 per night from May 22 to May 23
¥25,141
per night
May 22 - May 23
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Isle of Skye. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
6.6/10 (740 reviews)
"Nice place."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Dunollie Hotel
Isle of Skye Guest house
Isle of Skye Guest house
3 out of 5
Kyleakin Roundabout, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The price is ¥58,047 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
¥58,047
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Isle of Skye. Enjoy free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Skye ...
9/10 Wonderful! (115 reviews)
Isle of Skye
"The Guest House was easy to find, located just over the bridge of Isle of Skye. Plenty of parking. No service staff on hand. Continental breakfast supplied in room. Overall a pleasant stay. Our room was spotlessly clean & a comfortable bed."

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2024

Isle of Skye Guest house
Kings Arms Hotel
Kings Arms Hotel
2 out of 5
King Street, Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The price is ¥26,041 per night from Jun 11 to Jun 12
¥26,041
per night
Jun 11 - Jun 12
Stay at this hotel in Isle of Skye. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.2/10 (664 reviews)
"A great hotel on the river bank, beside the Skye Bridge, great food and prices, bonus of a great Scottish breakfast, favourite Island and the drive from Glasgow is pretty spectacular..."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

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, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Isle of Skye. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Magpie and Giant MacAskill Musuem are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"This a beautiful location right near the ocean. We could sit on the porch and watch the sunset over the mountains and ocean. The apartment was well stocked and smelled amazing. We LOVED the bathroom. Perfect romantic getaway!!!"

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Ardcana
House Of Juniper - The Cabins
House Of Juniper - The Cabins
3 out of 5
The Cabins, Lower Harrapool, Broadford, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Isle of Skye. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a bar/lounge. Popular attractions Magpie and Isle of Skye Market Square ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"Everything about this property was amazing. The staff was super friendly and made check in a breeze. The cabin itself was very spacious and comfy. It had everything we would need to make a basic breakfast and a minifridge for supplies for hiking. They also had an amazing restaurant attached to the ..."

Reviewed on Apr 8, 2024

House Of Juniper - The Cabins
Kinloch Ainort Apartments
Kinloch Ainort Apartments
3 out of 5
Kinloch Ainort, Sconser, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Stay at this apartment in Isle of Skye. Enjoy free parking, balconies, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Am Basteir and Raasay Ferry are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"Watching the sheep was an unexpected plus"

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

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

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
18
" "5 - Excellent 81.81818181818181%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 13.636363636363637%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 4.545454545454546%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 14, 2019

We wish we had researched more how far away some of the main attractions of Isle of Skye were from the ferry terminal. The public transportation was very limited in November, so we wish we had rented a car instead of relying on the buses.

5/5 - Excellent

Pg739
Sep 19, 2019

I loved it, it is really wonderful. However there are a million of mosquitoes. Have i known about them i would have brought a repellent. AT THE STAFFIN FOSSIL MUSEUM THE STAFF ARE RUDE, DO NOT GO THERE.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 28, 2019

Also, Armadale, Dunvegan, Dunscaith, Castle Camus, Eileen Donan, the Iron Age Farm, Highland Life Museum, were all terrific. Could not find the Fairy Glen. Friendly people! Great trip! Glad we came!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 11, 2019

We spent two full days touring Skye and feel that 4-5 days are needed. Skye is beautiful and there is so much to see that to have any downtime, a longer visit is necessary. I would certainly see Dunvegan Castle and Neist Point, and Old Man of Stor

5/5 - Excellent

Jan
May 8, 2019

Beautiful views but roads can be tricky, even the two lane ones. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use the passing places correctly as they should only be used on the side you're driving. It's unsafe to cross to the opposite side as it blocks the flow of traffic.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 8, 2019

Gorgeous! Breathtaking beauty every which way you look!

Cities near Isle of Skye