Things to Do, Where to Stay & Getting There

The Isle of Skye is Scotland's most famous island, a place of jagged mountains, sea cliffs and Highland legend. The largest of the Inner Hebrides, it is linked to the mainland by the Skye Bridge and packed with the kind of scenery that fills postcards: the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, the Fairy Pools and the brooding Cuillin ridge. With the colourful harbour town of Portree at its heart, Skye delivers a few days of dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife and island life.

Scotland’s most iconic island

Skye rewards slow exploration. Walk up to the Old Man of Storr or through the otherworldly rock formations of the Quiraing, cool off at the Fairy Pools beneath the Black Cuillin, or watch the sun drop from Neist Point lighthouse. History runs deep here too, from Dunvegan Castle, seat of Clan MacLeod and said to be the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, to the clan story at Armadale in the south. The Cuillin's twelve Munros make the island one of the great challenges for hillwalkers and climbers.

Most visitors reach Skye across the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh, though the Mallaig to Armadale ferry makes a scenic alternative. Portree, the lively capital, is the natural base, with Broadford a quieter option in the south. Roads across the island are largely single-track, so allow plenty of time and take the passing places steadily, as our guide to [LINK: driving in Scotland → /guides/driving-in-scotland] explains. Round off a day with fresh island seafood or a dram at Talisker, Skye's oldest working distillery. Keep your eyes open for sea eagles overhead and otters, seals and dolphins around the coast.

Our guide brings together the island's must-see sights and the best places to stay and eat, so you can make the most of your time on Skye. To fit it into a wider trip, see when to come in our ‘best time to visit Scotland’ guide and shape a route with our Scotland itinerary planner.

Discover more about the Isle of Skye

•      Glencoe to Skye road trip: the scenic drive from the Highlands across to the island.

•      The Fairy Pools: crystal-clear pools and waterfalls beneath the Cuillin.

•      Coral Beach: a white-shell beach with turquoise water near Dunvegan.

•      Armadale Castle: clan history and gardens in the south of the island.

Where to eat on Skye

•      Gasta, Portree: relaxed island dining in the heart of the capital.

•      Monkstadt 1745: exclusive and set menu dining in a traditional lodge

•      The Ferry Inn: Cosy spot overlooking Uig harbour

Places to stay on the Isle of Skye

See all Isle of Skye accommodations

Private Tours of Skye

Skye is a lot larger than most people realise. If you want to see the best of the island and some off-grid spots, having a guide can be useful.

Adventures around Skye and Explore Skye Tours provide tailored itineraries and transfers from Inverness.

When it comes to beds, our cottages in Scotland page includes island favourites, and the dedicated Skye accommodation and budget accommodation guides go deeper.