The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and enchanting destinations, with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and charming towns and villages.
Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or outdoor adventurer, there’s something for everyone on Skye. Our own private Skye Tours from Inverness are certainly one of our most popular tours.
In this article, we’ll highlight 20 of the best places to visit on the Isle of Skye, including natural wonders, castles and historic sites, towns and villages, outdoor activities, and food and drink.
20 Best Places to Visit on Skye
The Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is a natural wonder that towers over the landscape and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It’s a popular hiking destination and one of the most photographed landmarks on Skye.
Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock
“Kilt Rock” is a cliff and rock formation of basalt columns resembling a Kilt on the Trotternish peninsula in the North of the Island. The view point is located overlooking “Mealt Falls” waterfall and there are some stunning views out to sea. Bring your binoculars and camera for stunning views, this can also be a good location to spot Whales and Dolphins out in the Minch so keep your eyes peeled.
The Quiraing
The Quiraing is a unique and otherworldly landscape caused by a massive landslide that’s perfect for hiking, with stunning views of the coast and the surrounding hills. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers alike. Excellent for hiking, photography, nature or just taking in the beautiful views
The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
The Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls that are perfect for swimming, hiking, and photography and located in the Cuillin mountains. They’re one of the most popular attractions on Skye, and for good reason.
Neist Point, Isle of Skye
Neist Point is a stunning cliffside walk with breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. It’s a popular spot for photographers and hikers, and it’s also a great place to see wildlife, including whales and dolphins. We have also heard this is a great spot for fishing on the Isle of Skye.
Talisker Bay, Isle of Skye
Talisker Bay is a beautiful and secluded beach with stunning views of the coast and the Cuillin Mountains. It’s perfect for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or a swim in the sea.
Dunvegan Castle, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye
Dunvegan Castle is one of Skye’s most historic and iconic landmarks, with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. It’s home to the Clan MacLeod, and it’s a must-visit for history buffs and castle enthusiasts.
Armadale Castle, Armadale, Isle of Skye
Armadale Castle is another historic castle that’s worth a visit, with beautiful gardens, a museum, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a great place to learn about Skye’s history and culture.
Skye Museum of Island Life
The Skye Museum of Island Life is a fascinating museum that tells the story of Skye’s rural heritage and the way of life on the island in the past. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in Skye’s culture and heritage.
Duntulm Castle
Duntulm Castle is a ruined castle that’s perched on a dramatic cliff and offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. It’s a great place for a hike and a picnic, and it’s perfect for castle enthusiasts.
Portree, Isle of Skye
Portree is Skye’s “Capital”, largest town and the cultural hub of the island, with a charming picture postcard harbour, colourful buildings, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and pubs. It’s a great place to explore and soak up the local culture. Many of the restaurants and eateries in the centre do not take bookings during peak times but best to try and plan ahead anyway.
Broadford, Isle of Skye, Highland
Broadford is a small town that’s perfect for a quiet getaway, with stunning views of the coast and the Cuillin Mountains. It’s also home to some great restaurants and pubs, and it’s a great base for exploring Skye.
The Staffin Dinosaur Museum, Staffin, Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is not only home to stunning natural beauty and historic landmarks, but it also has a fascinating geological history. The island is one of the few places in the world where dinosaur prints have been discovered and some unique to the area. One has even been named after the Island.
Visitors can see them at the Dinosaur Museum in Staffin. The museum features interactive exhibits that explore the geology and ancient history of Skye, as well as a collection of fossils and dinosaur bones.
Visitors can also take a short hike nearby to see the dinosaur prints themselves, which were made by a variety of dinosaur species over 165 million years ago. It’s a unique and educational experience that’s sure to fascinate visitors of all ages.
Dun Beag Broch
Dun Beag Broch is an ancient fortified tower that dates back to the Iron Age and offers a glimpse into Skye’s rich history. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology and ancient history.
Coral Beach
Coral Beach is a stunning and secluded beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by beautiful scenery. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk or a swim in the sea.
Dun Ringill
Dun Ringill is an ancient ruined fort that’s perched on a hill overlooking the sea and the surrounding landscape. It’s a great place for a hike and a picnic, and it’s perfect for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
Talisker Distillery
The Talisker Distillery is one of Skye’s most famous landmarks, with a rich history and some of the best whiskey in Scotland. It’s a great place to learn about Skye’s whisky making traditions and enjoy a tasting of the “uisge beatha” which translates into “Water of Life”
The Skye Bridge
The Skye Bridge is a stunning feat of engineering that connects Skye to the mainland and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. It’s a must-see for anyone traveling to Skye.
The Cuillin Mountains
The Cuillin Mountains are Skye’s most iconic landmark, with rugged peaks, steep cliffs, and stunning views. They’re a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and they offer some of the most breathtaking scenery on Skye. Walk Highlands is a great resource for those interested in hiking on Skye.
Skye Boat Trip
Take a trip out to sea and see the Sea Eagles, Seals and if you’re lucky perhaps a whale or dolphin. Skye Boat Trips
Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie, Highland
Although not actually on Skye but a must see stop if visiting or leaving the Island via the Skye Bridge. Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, located on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet in the western Highlands.
The castle has a long and storied history, dating back to the 13th century, and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Today, the castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Highlands of Scotland, known for its stunning location, beautiful architecture, and rich history. It has also been used many times as a film set and very popular for weddings. It is also reportedly one of the most photographed castles in Europe.
Visitors can explore the castle’s interiors, which feature a range of exhibits and displays, as well as enjoy stunning views of the surrounding lochs and hills from the castle’s many vantage points. There is also a takeaway with good quality takeaway on offer.
Accommodation on the Isle of Skye
Accommodation on Skye can be busy during peak season and you can sometimes find it difficult to get accommodation in the Summer months if left to the last minute.
Make sure to plan your trip in advance, often Campsites, Hotels, Guest houses, Holiday Lets and other accommodation can be at capacity during the summer season. If you are struggling for accommodation and Skye is full, why not try some of the other locations with easy access to the Skye Bridge such as Plockton, Kyle of Lochalsh, Dornie or the Balmacara area.
Duisdale House, Isle of Skye
One of our favourite overnight stops on Skye is Duisdale house on the Sleat Peninsula. We regularly have guests staying over during the season. The food is fantastic and the small hotel has a great feel to it. The staff are extremely friendly, knowledgeable on the food and whisky and nothing is too much hassle. We had an absolutely wonderful meal here last September and we can wait to get back!
The Isle of Skye is a magical and enchanting destination that offers something for everyone, from natural wonders and historic sites to charming towns and villages, outdoor adventures, and food and drink.
Whether you’re exploring the stunning landscapes or immersing yourself in Skye’s rich history and culture, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience on this beautiful island.
So pack your bags and start planning your Skye adventure today! Call us on +447950393977 or drop us a note through the contact form today to start planning your trip to Scotland.
FAQ’S
What’s the best way to explore Skye?
Despite what many think, Skye is quite a large Island and not the sort of place you can explore in a day. The best way to enjoy a tour of Skye is with a driver guide, this allows you to kick back and get the most out of your trip, maybe even sampling a wee dram at Talisker or Torbhaig distillery, without having the worry about the strict drink drive laws here in Scotland.
A private tour with a Highland local driver guide also means you don’t have to navigate the windy single track roads we have here in the Highlands.
If a private tour is not in your budget then having your own transport is the next best solution. When visiting Skye and the Highlands you will need a vehicle to get the most out of your trip and visit places of the beaten track.
If you would like to start booking your Tour of Scotland call us on +447950393977 or get in touch through the contact form.
Are Midges bad on Skye?
Midges are a well-known issue on the Isle of Skye and other parts of Scotland, especially during the summer months. These tiny flying insects can be a nuisance and cause discomfort with their bites, which can be itchy and irritating. However, the severity of the midge problem can vary depending on the location, time of day, and weather conditions. Midges like still and humid conditions so if the wind speed is above ⅞ miles per hour then they don’t tend to be a problem.
Some areas of Skye may be worse affected than others, and midges tend to be more active during dawn and dusk, particularly in humid and still weather. Therefore, it is important to take precautions when visiting Skye during midge season, such as wearing long sleeves and trousers, using midge repellents, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak midge times. Overall, midges can be a nuisance on Skye, but with proper preparation, their impact can be minimised.
Can you do the Isle of Skye without a car?
The best way to do Isle of Skye without a car is by using a Private Tour company such as ourselves, the other option is to use a tour company which offers mixed groups with other guests. If you are not booked on to some type of tour or have your own transport then seeing the best of Skye is going to be difficult.
How do I get to Skye?
There are a number of options depending on where you are coming from. We at Venture Highland offer Airport and hotel transfers from all over Scotland to Skye. There is also a train available from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh which is located on the mainland side of the Skye Bridge. Public Bus’s are also available, however, they are unreliable and will restrict what you can see on Skye.