THE ISLE OF SKYE
The Isle of Skye, “The Misty Isle,” is Scotland’s most iconic destination, a dramatic landscape of ancient mountains, shimmering lochs, and jagged coastlines. It’s a true wilderness.
This island is a tapestry of natural wonders and powerful folklore, where Gaelic culture endures amidst some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery. It promises adventure and soul-stirring views at every turn.
Most Popular Attractions
The Trotternish Peninsula (North Skye)
Old Man of Storr: A towering rock pinnacle famous for its dramatic, misty silhouette and relatively challenging hike.
The Quiraing: A spectacular landslip featuring bizarre, beautiful rock formations like “The Prison” and “The Table.”
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls: A sheer cliff face resembling a pleated kilt, where a waterfall plunges directly into the sea below.
The Fairy Glen: A miniature, magical landscape of grassy, conical hills and tiny valleys, popular for short, whimsical walks.
Broch of Leacan: The remains of an ancient Iron Age roundhouse, offering a glimpse into Skye’s prehistoric past.
Duirinish & Waternish Peninsulas (West Skye)
Neist Point Lighthouse: A dramatic, cliff-edge lighthouse offering some of the best sunset views in all of Scotland.
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens: The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan Macleod.
Coral Beach: A stunning, white-sand beach near Claigan, made up of pieces of sun-bleached coral-like algae.
Skye Museum of Island Life: A cluster of preserved thatched cottages near Kilmuir, illustrating island life in the 19th century.
Dun Hallin & Dun Gearymore: The ruins of two impressive Iron Age brochs, commanding views over the western coastline.
The Cuillin Mountains & Central Skye
The Fairy Pools: A series of crystal-clear, icy cold waterfalls and pools in the shadow of the Black Cuillin mountains.
Sligachan Bridge: An old stone bridge offering an iconic photo opportunity with a stunning, rugged view of the Cuillins.
Glenbrittle Beach: A black sand beach with views of the Cuillins, a popular spot for campers and wild swimmers.
Loch Coruisk: A remote and dramatically beautiful freshwater loch accessible via a boat trip or a challenging hike from Sligachan.
Sleat, Strathaird & Minginish Peninsulas (South Skye)
Talisker Distillery: Skye’s oldest and most famous working whisky distillery, offering tours and tastings.
Armadale Castle & Gardens: The atmospheric ruins of the ancestral home of the MacDonalds, surrounded by lush gardens.
Camas Daraich Beach: A stunning white-sand beach near Elgol, famous for its views across to the island of Rum.
Point of Sleat Lighthouse: A walk to this lighthouse on the southernmost tip of Skye offers views back towards the mainland.
Portree Town & Hubs
Portree Harbour: Famous for its row of brightly painted houses along the waterfront, making for an iconic Skye postcard view.
Somerled Square: The central square of Portree, the commercial heart of the island with shops and restaurants.
Aros Centre: A cultural and arts center just outside Portree with a cinema, theater, and history exhibition.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Old Man of Storr: Conquer the iconic rocky pinnacle and surrounding geological formations. The walk offers some of the most dramatic views on the island.
Explore the Fairy Pools: Walk along the River Brittle and swim (if you dare!) in the series of crystal-clear, cold pools and waterfalls set against the backdrop of the Cuillin Mountains.
Trek the Quiraing: Drive the scenic loop road and hike the dramatic landslip, featuring unique rock formations like The Prison, The Needle, and The Table.
Visit the Fairy Glen: Wander through this enchanting, miniature landscape of grassy, cone-shaped hills, or “elf mounds,” near Uig, which looks like something from a fantasy novel.
Go Whale and Wildlife Watching: Take a boat trip from Portree or Elgol to spot seals, dolphins, minke whales, sea eagles, and puffins in their natural habitat.
Discover Dunvegan Castle & Gardens: Tour the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years, and explore its beautiful formal and water gardens.
Walk to Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls: View the sea cliff, which resembles a pleated tartan kilt, and watch the waterfall plummet into the Atlantic Ocean below.
Sample Whisky at Torabhaig Distillery: Take a tour and tasting at the island’s newest operating distillery, located on the Sleat Peninsula in the south.
Experience the Magical Loch Coruisk: Take a boat from Elgol to this remote, dramatic freshwater loch nestled deep within the inner ring of the Black Cuillin mountains.
Visit Neist Point Lighthouse: Drive to the island’s most westerly point for a stunning walk out to the lighthouse, renowned as one of the best places for sunset views.
Browse the Isle of Skye Candle Company: Stop by their workshop in Broadford to see how the candles are made and pick up a unique, island-scented souvenir.
Hike the Cuillin Mountains: For experienced hikers, tackle one of the peaks in the Black Cuillin ridge, such as Sgùrr Alasdair, or opt for a gentler, but still challenging, walk in the Red Cuillins.
Local Tips & Transport
A Car is Essential: Skye is a large island, and its main attractions are spread out. Public transport is very limited and infrequent, so a rental car is highly recommended to experience the island fully.
Roads are Mostly Single Track: Be prepared for extensive driving on single-track roads with designated passing places (or “lay-bys”). Always use these to let traffic pass you or to allow oncoming vehicles by. Never treat them as parking spots.
Fill Up the Tank: Petrol stations are few and far between, especially outside of the main towns (Portree, Broadford). Fill up your car whenever you get the chance, as you don’t want to run out in a remote area.
Parking is Limited: In peak season, popular spots like the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools can have packed car parks. Arrive early (before 9 AM) or late (after 4 PM) to secure a space and avoid the worst of the crowds.
Bus Services: There are local bus services connecting the main towns, but they often run only a few times a day. Check the timetable in advance if relying on them. Citylink buses connect Skye with the mainland cities of Glasgow and Inverness.
Be Prepared for All Weathers: The island is notorious for experiencing four seasons in one day. Always carry waterproof outer layers, even if the sun is shining, and wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. The weather can change in minutes.
Respect the Land: Much of Skye is privately owned, used for crofting (small-scale farming) or sheep grazing. Close all gates behind you, stick to marked paths, and never litter. If you see sheep or cattle on the road, slow down and give them plenty of space.
The Midges: From late spring to early autumn, you will encounter the infamous Scottish midge (tiny biting insects), especially at dawn, dusk, and on still, cloudy days. Bring a strong insect repellent, preferably one containing DEET or a local product like Smidge.
Gaelic Heritage: The Isle of Skye has a strong Gaelic heritage. While everyone speaks English, you will see road signs and place names in Gaelic (e.g., Port Rìgh for Portree). Embrace this unique part of the island’s culture.
Dining Etiquette: Unlike Andalusian customs, dining times are more in line with standard UK hours. Lunch is typically 12 PM to 2 PM, and dinner is usually from 5 PM to 9 PM. Reservations are essential for dinner at all but the most casual pub/cafe, especially in Portree during the summer.
Hidden Gems:
Sligachan Old Bridge: Located at the intersection of the main roads, this beautiful stone bridge with the Cuillins as a backdrop is a fantastic photo spot and a quiet place to start a moderate hike.
The Skye Museum of Island Life: Near Kilmuir, this small cluster of thatched cottages gives a fascinating insight into what life was like for islanders in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Fairy Bridge: Tucked away on the road to Dunvegan Castle, this bridge is part of an old MacLeod legend about a fairy leaving her chief husband. It’s a peaceful spot often overlooked by tourists.
Ferry to Raasay: Take the short ferry ride from Sconser to the neighbouring Isle of Raasay for an even quieter escape, where you can visit its distillery or climb the distinctive flat-topped hill, Dun Caan.
Top Restaurants
The Old Inn [£15-£30] – A classic, award-winning Highland pub in Carbost, popular for its hearty pub grub, open fires, friendly atmosphere, and often hosts live traditional music.
Edinbane Inn [£20-£35] – A welcoming, historic pub offering great fish and chips, Cullen Skink, and local venison in a cosy setting, often with live music at weekends.
Stein Inn [£20-£35] – The oldest inn on the island, located in the picturesque village of Stein, serving traditional Scottish dishes, excellent seafood, and a fantastic selection of whiskies.
Isles Inn [£15-£30] – A relaxed, no-frills pub-style restaurant in Portree known for serving excellent pub grub like haggis and pies, and is a great option for an affordable, central meal.
Sligachan Hotel Bar & Bistro [£15-£30] – A long-standing stop for hikers and climbers near the Cuillin mountains, offering pub fare like hearty fish and chips or haggis, neeps and tatties, with over 400 whiskies in the adjacent bar.
Dulse & Brose [£20-£35] – Located within The Bosville Hotel in Portree, this relaxed, contemporary restaurant is renowned for its innovative use of local ingredients for classic dishes in a cosy setting.
The Dunvegan [£20-£35] – A welcoming restaurant and deli/café in Dunvegan, gaining a reputation for serving good-quality food that offers great value.
The Ferry Inn [£20-£35] – Located in Uig, this spot is halfway between classy and informal, offering high-end food in a relaxed atmosphere with sharing plates and harbour views.
Old School Restaurant [£20-£35] – A Skye institution in Dunvegan, housed in a former schoolhouse and serving hearty Scottish classics and local seafood.
MacKenzies Bakery [£10-£20] – A great spot in Portree for homemade soup, freshly baked bread, pies (including vegetarian options), and baked goods to take away or eat in.
The Coffee Bothy [£10-£20] – Located in Broadford, this small, super-friendly spot is known for its amazing cakes, light bites, and is a favorite with locals.
Birch Cafe [£10-£20] – A stylish and fresh cafe in Portree, known for great coffee, pastries, and a popular brunch menu.
Cafe Arriba [£10-£20] – A Portree favourite known for large, creative breakfasts, good vegan options, and a casual vibe with harbour views.
The Hungry Gull [£10-£20] – Located in Staffin, this café offers lunch, brunch, coffee, cake, and is known for its innovative, vegan-friendly dishes.
Jann’s Cakes (The Red Brick Cafe @ Jans) [£10-£20] – A cafe inside a hardware store in Dunvegan, highly regarded for excellent breakfast, lunch, and budget-friendly prices.
Gasta Port Righ [£15-£25] – Offers authentic, wood-fired pizza and a selection of light bites in Portree, perfect for a casual, tasty meal.
Cafe Cùil [£15-£25] – Located near Carbost, this spot is excellent for lunch, brunch, and dinner, with a local chef offering an innovative menu and famous sea salt brownies.
The Oyster Shed [£15-£30] – A no-frills, incredibly fresh seafood stall/takeaway near Talisker Distillery in Carbost, offering scallops, oysters, mussels, and fries.
The Creel [£15-£30] – A popular, legendary spot on Elgol Pier for simple, ultra-fresh seafood rolls, like their famous squat lobster rolls and scallops.
The Chippy [£10-£20] – The classic fish & chips spot near Portree harbour for a quick, traditional British takeaway experience.
Scorrybreac Restaurant [£40-£60] – A small, intimate, and highly-regarded restaurant in Portree known for its creative, refined Modern Scottish cuisine and tasting menus, offering harbour views.
Loch Bay [£60-£90] – A relaxed, Michelin-starred restaurant in the fishing village of Stein, offering a “contemporary Scottish with a French twist” menu focused on exquisite, locally-sourced seafood.
The Three Chimneys [£70-£100] – An internationally acclaimed restaurant in Colbost known for its “Taste of Skye” ethos, serving seasonal, high-quality Scottish produce, especially seafood and game, in a beautiful location.
Edinbane Lodge [£70-£120] – An historic 16th-century hunting lodge with a casual fine dining restaurant, offering a multi-course “A Taste of Skye” tasting menu showcasing the best island ingredients from local crofters and fishermen.
Kinloch Lodge Restaurant [£60-£90] – An elegant restaurant in Sleat with a focus on seasonal, unfussy Scottish cooking, using extraordinary ingredients from local suppliers and their own kitchen gardens.
Chargrill Restaurant [£30-£50] – Located within The Marmalade Hotel in Portree, this intimate setting is known for its open-flame grilled steaks and locally sourced seafood with scenic views of the Cuillin hills.
Rosedale Hotel Restaurant [£30-£50] – A classy spot in Portree with great harbour views, serving local and seasonal food with a strong emphasis on freshly caught seafood.
West Pier Restaurant [£30-£50] – Located at the Skeabost House Hotel, this elegant restaurant overlooks Loch Snizort and is known for its best-of-Island cuisine, using the finest locally sourced ingredients.
Monkstadt 1745 Restaurant [£40-£70] – Located in Kilmuir, this restaurant in a historic lodge offers a sumptuous dinner tasting menu featuring Scottish, seafood, and vegan cuisine in a cosy, panelled dining room.
Redwood House Restaurant [£30-£50] – A loch-side restaurant near Edinbane, serving fresh seafood and pub classics with stunning views over Loch Greshornish.
Am Braigh [£30-£50] – The restaurant at the Bracken Hide Hotel in Portree, offering a modern menu that showcases Scotland’s finest local produce in a chic setting with stunning views.
Borodale House Restaurant [£25-£45] – Located within the Isle of Raasay Distillery (a short ferry ride from Sconser), offering delicious locally sourced food, including Raasay venison and fresh seafood, with one of the most scenic views of the Cuillins.
Deli Gasta [£10-£20] – A welcoming, dog-friendly deli in Broadford and Portree, perfect for indulgent picnics or a light lunch, known for its legendary sandwiches and home-cooked feel.
Fish & Chips (Multiple Locations) [£10-£15] – While the Portree “Chippy” is known, almost every village pub or local café will offer their own version of perfectly battered, fresh-caught fish and chips.
Talisker Distillery Visitors Centre [Variable] – While primarily a distillery tour, it’s worth a mention for its history and the fact it’s close to other Carbost food spots, offering a local whisky experience often paired with the island’s foods.
Self Health Food Trailer [£10-£15] – A popular food trailer in Broadford known for its delicious, healthy options, including great vegan dishes.
MacKenzie Stores [£10-£20] – Located in Staffin, this spot is known among locals for offering authentic curries and kebabs, providing a different flavour from the traditional Scottish fare.
Pizza Mia [£10-£15] – Located in Kyle of Lochalsh (just off the island), popular for pizza by the slice, often a great stop before or after crossing the bridge.
The House Over-By at The Three Chimneys [Variable] – Not a separate restaurant, but a sister operation to The Three Chimneys, offering high-end accommodations and a lighter, more casual dining option focused on the same quality produce.
No1 Noodles & Rice [£10-£20] – A budget-friendly spot in Portree offering a good break from Scottish cuisine with a simple menu of Asian-inspired dishes.
Sea Breezes [£25-£40] – Located on the waterfront in Portree, offering fresh-caught and locally-sourced seafood like mussels, scallops, and langoustines, with a lovely seafood platter.
Waternish Farm Shop [Variable] – A place to pick up local produce, including meats and cheeses, perfect for self-catering or a picnic.
Isle of Skye Baking Co. (Portree) [£10-£20] – Known for its wonderful dhal, soups, salads, and especially its sweet treats and large selection of homemade cakes and tarts.
The Galley Cafe [£15-£25] – A local place in Uig with a focus on amazing food, with a personal favourite being the clams, offering an authentic, non-touristy vibe.
Bog Myrtle [£10-£20] – A vintage-chic spot in Struan, popular for its brunch and ‘famous’ Basque cheesecake.
Lean To [£10-£15] – Located in Ashaig, this coffee spot is famed for its great coffee and amazing cinnamon rolls with scenic sea views.
Dunvegan Community Café [£10-£20] – A welcoming community spot in Dunvegan known for its great homemade food.
An Crubh [£15-£25] – A community café in Camuscross, Sleat, serving delicious local food and providing a true local feel.
Amy’s Place [£10-£15] – Located in Torrin, this small spot is highly recommended for cakes and light bites, often with stunning views towards Blaven mountain.
The Filling Station (Edinbane) [£10-£20] – A unique spot in a layby near Edinbane offering amazing burgers with great views.
Burr [£10-£15] – A unique cafe in Kilmaluag, on the scenic northern drive, recommended for its specialty hot chocolates, such as cardamon and rose.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Bar at Scorrybreac: Located upstairs from the restaurant in Portree, this small, intimate spot offers beautiful views of the harbour. It focuses on well-mixed cocktails, often with a Hebridean twist, and an evolving list of rare and classic whiskies.
The Snug (Bracken Hide Resort): A cosy, intimate whisky and cocktail bar at the Bracken Hide in Portree. It reflects the island’s vibrant colours and offers a selection of cocktails, local and international gins, and drams in a welcoming setting.
Spinnakers Bar (Broadford Hotel): Situated in Broadford, this hotel bar features snug corners and retro lighting, creating a warm ambiance with views of the sea and mountains. It offers cocktails, including Drambuie-inspired drinks, and pre-dinner aperitifs.
The Ferry Inn: A cosy and stylish 19th-century inn in the fishing village of Uig. It boasts a popular cocktail menu with original house creations, an extensive gin collection, and a lively bar with a double-sided stove, often featuring live music.
Antlers Bar & Grill: A laid-back bar within a hotel in Portree, known for its friendly, buzzing atmosphere. It offers a selection of hearty pub fare alongside a range of drinks, suitable for a casual evening out.
The Stein Inn Bar: Located in Waternish, this is the oldest inn on Skye (dating from 1790), offering a cosy, traditional interior right on the shore of Loch Bay. While famed for its whiskies and local ales, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for an evening dram or drink.
The MacNaMara Bar (Hotel Eilean Iarmain): A relaxed and friendly bar in Isleornsay that focuses on local produce and drinks. It’s an ideal spot to sample the hotel’s own award-winning Gaelic Whiskies and Gins, often featuring live traditional music.
Gabbro Bar: A local pub at the Broadford Hotel, welcoming to locals and visitors alike. It offers craft beers and whiskies and is known for its regular quiz nights and occasional live music events in a modern, relaxed setting.
Tongadale Hotel Bar: A popular bar in Portree, located on Wentworth Street, offering live music on some evenings and a welcoming spot for a refreshing drink.
The Skye Inn Bar: This venue in Portree features a Great Room with an open fire, a well-stocked bar with local beverages, whiskies, and beers, and a cosy atmosphere to finish the day.
Am Pràban Bar (Hotel Eilean Iarmain): Located in Isleornsay, this is a very lively bar adjacent to the Hotel Eilean Iarmain. It hosts regular evenings of live traditional music (cèilidhs) with local musicians, providing a friendly and authentic cultural experience.
The Old Inn Pub: A classic, award-winning pub in Carbost, on the shores of Loch Harport. It is a favourite for its wide range of local ales and whiskies, traditional pub food, and lively regular traditional music sessions.
The Isles Inn Bar: Right in the middle of Portree, this is a favourite traditional Scottish pub known for being a friendly all-rounder with affordable drinks and a cosy setting.
The Bar at Talisker Distillery: While focused on whisky, this iconic bar in Minginish, nestled by the Cuillin Hills, is an essential visit for sampling Talisker’s renowned drams and soaking in the views of Loch Harport.
The Edinbane Inn: Located between Skeabost and Dunvegan, this restaurant-style pub is known for its quiet atmosphere but occasionally hosts traditional folk music sessions, offering a more rustic experience.
Skye Camanachd Social Club: A dynamic gathering place in Portree, the island’s capital. This venue functions as one of the closest things to a traditional “club” on Skye, known for its lively ambiance, dance nights, sports screenings, and traditional Scottish music events, often open until late (3 AM on weekends).
An Talla Mòr 1820 (Portree): A popular pub and restaurant in Portree that has built a strong reputation for regular live traditional music sessions, concerts, and cèilidhs, providing a vibrant late-night atmosphere often associated with a club.
The Old Inn (Carbost): As noted above, this pub is a major social hub, particularly for its regular lively music sessions that often run until ‘late’ (which is typically around midnight/1 AM on Skye), offering a high-energy, friendly atmosphere.
Seumas’ Bar (Sligachan Hotel): Located centrally in Sligachan, this bar is known for running fun local events, including live music sessions and summer cèilidhs, in addition to being a major whisky bar, making it a very sociable spot that attracts a crowd looking for late-night entertainment.
Lás Port Righ: While primarily a cinema and theatre in Portree, it regularly hosts performing arts events, including national names in music and comedy, providing an excellent destination for evening entertainment and a social buzz.
Portree Community Centre: A large venue in Portree that occasionally hosts major events, concerts, and ceilidh dances, attracting large crowds for a lively, club-like social experience.
Skye Gathering Hall: Built for the Skye Ball and Games, this historic venue in Portree is still used for community events and public gatherings, sometimes hosting large social functions that function as major late-night events on the island.
Skye Accordion and Fiddle Club (Royal Hotel, Portree): Although a club in the social sense, it meets weekly and holds regular music nights featuring professional musicians and local players, offering a great late-night cultural and musical experience.
Talla Chille Mhoire (Kilvaxter, Trotternish): A lively and welcoming village hall in the north of Skye that holds a wide programme of public events throughout the year, including music, talks, food, and cèilidhs, making it a rural social hot spot.
Talla Bhreacais (Breakish): A well-loved village hall in the south, offering everything from live music and Gaelic singing sessions to cèilidh dances, providing a lively community hub for evening entertainment.