An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do on the Isle of Skye
Last Updated on 29th January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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Eilean a Cheo, the Island of Mist, or better known to many as The Island of Skye is a Hebridean treasure with dramatic landscapes that are so dreamy you feel as if you must be in a movie!
The Isle of Skye is the perfect destination for those who love nature, history, mythology and legends. It’s a haven for adventurers and inspires all those who visit. Read on in this guide for an insider’s top travel tips and the best things to in Skye.
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Why is the Isle of Skye so famous?
This other worldly island is brimming with folklore! Legends say the Isle of Skye was once a land of Giants and home to mischievous fairies, the enchanting landscape is scattered with hidden, curious treasures that will take your breath away.
The history of Skye is also a point of interest for many as the 16th century Battle of Glendale was fought here between the Scottish clans of the island. Skye is in fact home to 7 castles, inviting visitors to learn the rich historical past and stories of the once powerful families who inhabited the island.
As you can probably imagine, Skye has also provided inspiration for a lot of poetry, novels, songs and films.
Truly a wonder of the world, there’s a lot to love about the Island of Skye!
How much time do you need in Skye?
Ideally the minimum amount of time you want on the island is probably 2 days, this will give you just enough time to explore the main sights and get a real feel for the beauty of the natural landscape, the local villages and all that Skye has to offer!
However, if you are a person who loves to walk, to fully appreciate the island you’re best to spend up to at least 5 days dedicated to exploring the main sights and hiking through the grassy Scottish hills.
So to answer, anywhere from 2-5 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Skye.
Do I need my own transport?
To be honest, if you can, the best way to get the full experience of your trip is by car. This just means you’ll have full freedom to move around and come and go as you wish to each destination on the island. Check car rental comparison prices here.
If this is not an option for you, it’s still very much possible to travel without your own transport! The cheapest and easiest option to get to the island itself is by bus. Then while on Skye, (although there are buses on the island, they aren’t that frequent) you are best to rely on taxis, there are a couple great and affordable options on the island, but be sure to call in advance.
How to get to Skye?
The Island of Skye is actually connected to mainland Scotland via Skye Bridge, so there are many different ways to get to get to the destination. But no matter how you decide to travel there, be prepared for quite a lengthy journey.
The recommended options mentioned here are based on the idea that you would be travelling from either the cities Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Here are a few options dependant on what mode of transport is accessible to you:
Public transport:
There are no trains to the island, so the nearest point you can travel to would be Mallaig station, from here you can take a ferry which only takes 30 minutes (the ferry makes around 9 crossings a day). However, the train journeys from either Edinburgh or Glasgow to Mallaig do take between 5-6.5 hours, so bear this in mind.
The easiest way to travel is by bus! From Edinburgh there is no direct bus so you would need to travel to either Glasgow or Inverness- expect the travel time for a bus to Skye to be anywhere between 4-5 hours.
If you are wanting to hire a car once you reach the island, there is actually a service on Skye called Morrison Car Hire, but it’s recommended to book this in advance if doing so.
By car:
Driving to the Isle of Skye from anywhere can be quite the journey, but luckily very scenic!
From Edinburgh or Glasgow, the drive is roughly 5.5 hours, so make sure to be ready with snacks and Scottish highland tunes to get you buzzed for your travels to the island.
Take a guided tour:
If you want to visit the Isle of Skye but want all of the details taken care of for you, then you can also book a guided tour from Inverness or Edinburgh. These will typically work out as more expensive than if you had planned a trip yourself, but will mean that you won’t have to work out transportation or accommodation.
- Iona, Mull, and Isle of Skye: This five day tour from Edinburgh includes a guide, ferry fares, transportation, and Bed and breakfast accommodation.
- Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye: If you’d like to see the Outer Hebrides as well as the Isle of Skye, then book this six day tour from Edinburgh. Included is a guide, a seat in a touring bus, and Bed and breakfast accommodation (5 nights).
- Isle of Skye and Hogwarts Express 4-Day Trip: Fans of Harry Potter will want to book this trip which includes the chance to ride of the iconic Jacobite steam train,
3 nights accommodation, and lots of amazing photo opportunities. - Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour with Accommodation: This enchanting tour include stops at some of the most beautiful places in the Scottish highlands, including Glencoe, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, and the 5 Sisters of Kintail.
- Isle of Skye and the Highlands 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh: If a long weekend isn’t enough, then this five day tour will transport you to some of the most beautiful locations in northern Scotland.
- 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: This eco-certified tour from Glasgow will take you to all kinds of Scottish highlights. Highlights of Skye include Kilt Rock, Portree, and the Old Man of Storr.
- Inverness: 2-day Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools & Castles Tour: If you would prefer to travel from Inverness, then this two-day tour will showcase the beauty of medieval castles, charming villages, and majestic mountains.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Generally June is considered the best time to visit the Isle of Skye as it’s not too busy, but still warm, with April and May being probably the driest months.
That being said, Skye is beautiful all year round no matter what the weather, so it really can depend on what you want from your trip and what climate you prefer to explore in.
All the images within this article were actually taken in a trip made in November, although the weather wasn’t always dry it made for beautiful dramatic landscapes and lots of rainbows! As long as you are prepared for all weather types it’s actually fun to experience the full force of nature in Scotland and be surprised with what comes along.
Best Things to do in the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is ample with nature trails, gorgeous views and historic places to visit. This is the idyllic Scottish getaway and will leave you feeling enchanted, wanting to explore more of the country mainland and its isles.
We’ve put together a list of the best things to do and see when visiting the Isle of Skye so that you can make the most out of your trip to this stunning island in Scotland! (also, most things on this list are free!)
Walk to the Old Man of Storr
The first images that will come up when searching Isle of Skye is that of the Old Man of Storr. Recognised as one of the island’s most iconic landmarks, this magnificent formation of rocks is the remains of volcanic activity that forged the Isle of Skye around 2,800 million years ago.
Located on the north of Skye in the area known as ‘Trotternish’, it will come as no surprise that this famous and mesmerising rocky hill face has legends surrounding it.
The most popular legend is that a giant fell and passed away. Laid to rest, the surrounding earth swallowed him up and left his fingers (the rocks) poking out just above the grassy surface.
Of course this is purely just myth, but the narrative that has been passed on from generations to generations and has captivated people for years, connecting them with the rich traditions of this mystical island.
Boasting of spectacular views at the top, this is an absolute must when visiting Skye. Beautiful at any time of the day, but in particular it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sunrise or sunset.
The walk is of moderate difficulty and takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes using the same path up and down with no stops.
Explore the Fairy Glen
Another mythically associated location on the island which is just as magical as the name would suggest, is The Fairy Glen.
‘Glen’ is the Scottish term for a valley. The Fairy Glen of Skye is lush and verdant, filled with curious conical hills, and unexplained fairy circles made of stone. It’s a unique and beautiful pocket of landscape that is an absolute must-see when visiting Skye.
The glen was also a filming location for the critically acclaimed film Stardust (2007) the mythical scenery looks as if out of a fairytale, making it the perfect setting for the film!
The Fairy Glen can be found about a 30 minute drive from the main village Portree, there’s a big car park nearby and the path is an easy walk. You should give yourself at least an hour to explore.
Take a dip in the Fairy Pools
Like the name suggests, these crystal clear pools of mineral rich water are said to contain a certain amount of magic, and also supposedly attract Selkies (known in Scottish and Irish folklore as: mythical seals with shape-shifting abilities).
The path to the Fairy Pools is fairly easy, its a scenic trail through the moorlands with the mountain range of Cuillin Hills surrounding. The walk is probably about 40 minutes without stopping, but you will definitely want to take your time when visiting.
Although the pools of water look inviting , don’t be fooled by the vivid aqua blue allure. The water is fresh from the mountains and absolutely freezing! However, to truly experience the magic of these enchanting pools many people will take a dip, or at least dunk their face in the water (might be best to bring a wetsuit at the ready).
Dunvegan Castle
Close by to the Fairy Pools is the majestic Dunvegan Castle. The ancestral home of the MacLeod clan for over 800 years, this castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in all of Scotland!
Clan MacLeod is one of Scotland’s most celebrated clans, you can uncover more about the rich history of this family upon your visit to their home. A must-see when visiting is the “Fairy Flag”, one of the MacLeod’s most treasure posessions, this heirloom is made from silk and has many mystical properties attached to it. You can see it, framed for protection, within the castle walls.
A perfect way to spend the afternoon is to stroll around the castle gardens! A stark contrast to the barren moorlands and mountains surrounding, this beautiful kept garden is filled with a diverse range of plants and flowers, as well as a vegetable patch and ornate bridges going over small ponds.
As mentioned previously, there are seven castles on the Isle of Skye, some of which are just ruins but still worth a visit! Here are some of the others to note when visiting:
- Eilean Donan Castle
- Armadale Castle
- Castle Moil
- Duntulm Castle
- Glenelg Brochs
Visit Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
These iconic cliffs are thought to resemble that of a Scottish kilt! The impressive geological formations rise 90m high and from the viewpoint you can watch Mealt Falls gush out of the cliff face into the craggy coastline below.
When visiting, you can park in the big car park just beside the viewpoint, so unlike most of the places in Skye there is no hiking involved to see this view!
Walk along the colourful harbour & dine in a restaurant in Portree
Portree is the main village of Skye (and the largest), whether you are staying in the area or not, it’s worth exploring the colourful harbour and checking out one of the cosy eateries of this charming little village!
The hub of life of the island, Portree is a quaint fishing village with a beautiful harbour nestled between cliffs and hills, making it extremely photogenic!
It’s the perfect place to come and relax after a long day’s hike in the Scottish air, and grab a bite to eat. After all that walking, you’ll be thankful to have a fabulous array of places to choose from when it comes to eating out.
Packed full of the freshest local produce, serving delicious food! Here are just a few suggestions for places you should consider when in Portree:
- Cafe Arriba, for a casual lunch and sea views
- Scorrybreac, a fine dining setting perfect for a treat or a romantic evening
- Dulse & Brose, taste local cuisine in a super cosy setting
Say hello to the local wildlife!
The Isle of Skye is great for wildlife watchers throughout every season. The island’s differing landscapes offer home to a rich ecosystem on land and diverse marine life in the surrounding waters.
You can spot Highland Coo’s wandering the vast grassy expanse, and herds of Red Deer grazing the hillsides, and along the mineral rich streams you are likely to see Otters.
More of a rarity but not uncommon if you are lucky, look up to the sky and you can see Sea Eagles darting between the cliffs, these amazing birds are the largest bird of prey in Britain. You can also spot Golden Eagles!
During the Summer months magical sights of dolphins, seals and some species of whales can be seen from the shore. And less commonly spotted, but not impossible, are orca, humpback and sperm whales.
Imagine a stretch of soft, white sand with crystal blue water gently lapping along the shoreline…not quite how you would envision a beach in Scotland right? This hidden gem of the island isn’t the easiest to reach, but trust us when we say it’s an absolute must-see when visiting the Isle of Skye!
Off the beaten track, the best way to visit Camas Daraich is by parking in the small carpark that is located down a narrow single track road. From here it is about an hours walk along a path (bear in mind there are quite a few hills, so wear good shoes!) which will take you to the most southernly point of Skye.
Keep your eyes peeled! It’s not uncommon to see both Sea Lions and Dolphins in the waters, just some of the marvellous wildlife that Scotland is home to.
Camas Daraich Beach is a completely remote area so come prepared with a picnic on your adventure!
Where to stay in Skye
Thanks to its rural nature, pretty much all of Skye feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy modern life. Here are some of our top picks for where to stay on the island (based on location, affordability, and beauty):
Wild Camping: A fun experience for the more adventurous out there is to go wild camping. There are a myriad of wild camping spots across Skye, though some of the more memorable include Coral Beach and Neist Point. Just follow local rules and leave no trace. Find out more about wild camping in Scotland here.
Kinloch Lodge: Opt to stay in this four-star hotel and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped right back in time thanks to the architecture of this former 17th-century hunting lodge turned family-run hotel and restaurant. Highlights include a spa and wellness centre, free WiFi, and room service. Check prices and availability here.
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