The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland's most visited destinations. When I was there for the first time (and I've been back) very few people ventured there. A couple of years later, little had changed. The longest of the Inner Hebrides, in the west of Scotland, is an island that boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. Like me, many are drawn to the island's history, walks, exceptional nature and great hospitality. Even the sheep seem to smile as we pass by.
Located on the west coast of mainland Scotland, Skye combines breathtaking and desolate landscapes, smooth and intoxicating whisky, fabulous waterfalls, deep and beautiful lakes, and awe-inspiring mountains. Skye is one of Scotland's most popular tourist destinations and was once voted the fourth best island in the world by National Geographic magazine.
None of the times I've been there have I seen the scenery repeat itself, such is the unpredictability of the weather in Scotland. However, it has always remained breathtaking. And as I shiver as I write these lines, I'm sure you'll fall in love with the inimitable beauty of the Isle of Skye. I sometimes wonder how nature has created landscapes as beautiful as these. And I promise myself that when I return to Scotland, the Isle of Skye must be on the itinerary.
What not to miss on the Isle of Skye
Film locations
The intensely rural scenery, sometimes green or brown, has captured the attention (and imagination) of filmmakers and film directors. There have been clan wars, Jacobite rebellions and wars of thrones. There are places like Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Neist Point (among others) that have been used to shoot films and series. They are fascinating places to photograph in Scotland.
Just some of the films and series shot on the Isle of Skye
- Game of Thrones
- King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
- Transformers: The Last Knight
- Snow White and the Huntsman
- Highlander
- 47 Ronin - The Great Samurai Battle
- Macbeth
- Stardust
- Prometheus
- Waves of Passion
You could watch one of these films on the sofa to admire the scenic landscapes of this region of Scotland, but much better than that is to go and see them in person. TV series and films have put the island on the tourist map. Fortunately, these popular waves are short-lived and this territory is still magical.
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Wildlife
The Isle of Skye is home to an abundant variety of wildlife - on land - such as deer, wild cats and mink. At sea, there are cruises to go seal watching, dolphin watching, otter watching and, of course, whale watching. In Rubha Hunish, you can see several species of whales and orcas. In the air, keep an eye out for golden eagles, sea eagles or white-tailed sea eagles. Less wild are the Scottish sheep and cows, but no less interesting.
Neist Point
Neist Point is one of the most visited and photographed places on the Isle of Skye. One of the films in which this area appears is in Waves of Passion, by Lars von Trier. It's a peninsula where a lighthouse stands, in the westernmost part of the island. In Neist (pronounced Neest), they say, the sunset is fantastic. Here you'll find stunning views of the sea and the Outer Hebrides, in an area known as "The Minch". The cliffs are home to numerous bird colonies and, if you're very lucky, you may spot whales and dolphins.
Neist Point is around 80 kilometres from Broadford, while Portree is around 50 kilometres away.
Elgol
Elgol is located on the south-west coast of the Isle of Skye and is one of the places where very few people come. However, the extensive sea views, unpopulated by tourists, and incredible landscapes persuade anyone. Loch Coruisk and the Cuilin mountain range add the finishing touch to an area of extreme beauty. The best views are to be found between Broadford and Elgol.
It lies in a fertile valley facing the Cuillin and Loch Scovaig, in what must be one of the most enchanting locations. The view is considered the best in all of Scotland.
Charles Tait
From Elgol you can take a boat trip to Lake Coruisk, in the heart of the Cuillin mountain range.
The Fairy Glen
Fairy Glen is a magical place with lush, green hills. There is also a small lake, a ruined castle and a beautiful valley. These hills are thought to have been created by landslides, while legend has it that magical fairies live there.
Time has sculpted unusual geological formations and this led film producers to use the area for filming the movie Stardust. Whether you believe in science or fiction, this is a strange place that you really must visit on the Isle of Skye. To get to Fairy Glen, head towards Uig and you'll find this scenery along the road between the villages of Sheader and Balnaknock.
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod, was built in the 13th century and has been inhabited by the same family ever since. Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. As well as the castle, you can visit the extensive and verdant gardens. In the coastal area - around the castle - there are resident seal colonies.
To get to Dunvegan Castle, drive from Portree for about half an hour on the A87 and A850. If, like me, you're a fan of castles, then you have to visit the 10 most beautiful castles in Scotland.
Cuillin Mountain Range
The Cuillin Mountain Range is divided into two distinct areas. Black Cuillin and Red Cuillin. It's a mountain range made up of 36 peaks stretching along 12 kilometres of ridge and attracts mountaineers from all over the world. These mountain peaks are considered to be the UK's mountaineering excellence, on a par with Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands.
For ordinary people like me, the solution is to enjoy the breathtaking views from below. To reach the Cuillin mountain range, travel towards Elgol. In fact, the best scenery is on the road between Broadford and Elgol.
Old Man of Storr
Old Man of Storr is one of the postcards of the Isle of Skye and is located on the Trotternish peninsula, which stretches for 30 kilometres. It came to prominence when it served as the setting for films such as Ridley Scott's Prometheus. Nearby you'll find a photogenic lake, which is great for photographing in the morning or at the end of the day, when the water is still and reflects the fabulous surrounding landscape. So far I've only seen the "old" (Old Man) from below and in the distance (you can see it from several kilometres away), but I didn't have the chance to go up to admire the natural panorama.
To get to the Old Man of Storr, it's about 20 minutes from Quiraing on the A855 towards Portree.
Quiraing
Quiraing is one of the incredible geological formations on the Isle of Skye and the sunrise there is said to be unforgettable. The area features places such as The Needle, the hidden plateau of The Tabl and The Prison. Situated at the northern end of the Trotternish Peninsula, Quiraing is simply incredible and inspires visitors. Stop the car at the top of the hill on the road between Uig and Staffin, put on some good trainers or walking boots and be dazzled.
To get to Quiraing, head towards Uig from Portree.
Waterfalls
In Scotland it rains... a lot! So it's not surprising that there are waterfalls all over the place. Some stand out, such as Mealt Waterfall (Mealt Falls), RHA waterfall (RHA waterfall), Lealt Waterfall (Lealt Falls) or the Fairy Pools. The latter are my favourites. Not only do they make for a beautiful walk, but they are also surrounded by breathtaking scenery. These are natural crystal blue pools formed in the River Brittle. For the bravest - on a hot day - the cold water can be inviting. Walking from the car park, there are stunning views of the Black Cuillins.
It takes around 30 minutes to reach these sparkling natural pools from the car park.
Northern Lights
Scotland is one of the places in the world where you can see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis can be seen on the Isle of Skye on long winter nights.
Try fresh scallops
Travelling to the Isle of Skye is also a reason to sample the region's cuisine. And this cuisine is closely linked to the sea, particularly oysters and scallops. I particularly liked the latter. The scallops are taken from the deepest waters of the Scottish lochs, where they feed on the best plankton.
Near the Talisker Distillery, you'll find the Oyster Shed, where you can sample excellent local produce. It was here that I tried the best scallops, which come from the lake that you can see in the background as you savour this delicacy.
Whisky
Going to Scotland and not tasting this nectar is a sin. It's like going to Porto and not tasting Port. Single malt Scotch whisky is linked to its place of origin perhaps more than any other British product. As with table wine, water, soil and climate play a crucial role in the character of the whisky.
There are two distilleries on the Isle of Skye. The Talisker distillery, on the banks of Loch Harport, with spectacular views of the Cuillins, and the Torabhaig distillery, in Teangue, Sleat. Drinking a full-bodied single malt whisky is perhaps the perfect way to say goodbye to the Isle of Skye.
Other places to see on the Isle of Skye... and do
- Uig
- Edinbane
- Staffin
- Broadford
- Kyleakin
- Daraich Beds Beach
- Brother's Point (Rubha nam Brathairean)
- Kilt Rock
- Isle of Skye Museum of Life
- Kayaking in the sea
- Attend a bagpipe concert in Portree (on Tuesdays in summer)
Map of the Isle of Skye
Extra information
Itinerary to the Isle of Skye
To suggest an itinerary would be a mistake, as there are so many options and possibilities that it's best to let yourself be lulled by the charms of the landscapes and go where you please. If you see everything I've highlighted in this article, you won't want to leave the Scottish island any time soon. Skye is the largest of the islands that make up the archipelago of the Inner Hebrides, which - together with the Outer Hebrides - spread along the entire west coast.
The quickest way to the Isle of Skye is to use the Skye Bridge, but the most beautiful way is to drive towards Glenelg and then take the short ferry to Kylerhea.
Save time (and money)
If you want to immerse yourself even more in the local culture, optimise your route and even save money, take part in experiences and guided tours on the Isle of Skye. Book the best tours and activities in advance. Skip the queues and get your entrances to monumentsYou'll have more time to enjoy your trip.
Additional tip
Don't forget that you have to drive on the left-hand side of the road. Many are in good condition, but in some places they are narrow and winding. Don't get distracted admiring the scenery (or smiling back at a friendly sheep). In summer, traffic is heavy and there are many foreign drivers who don't have much experience driving on the left-hand side.
How many days to see the Isle of Skye
I could honestly spend a month or two there. Because it's one of those places that cannot, must not, be seen at a breakneck pace. On the map, the Isle of Skye may look small, but there is so much to do. As I know we all have limited time and may only visit once, I'd save at least five days for the Isle of Skye.
Some people rush through a day, but there are ways of travelling for everyone. I prefer to travel more slowly, to see less in order to see more. If you're planning to do some walking and photography, then it's best to opt for five days, which includes a day to get there from Glasgow or Edinburgh and another to get back.
When to visit the Isle of Skye
If the weather in Scotland is unpredictable, it's even more so on the Isle of Skye. You can fly to Scotland in January and be rewarded with a sunny day, or go in August and get soaked like never before. In fact, it's very likely to have all four seasons in one day. It happened to me several times and I loved the island even more. Why is that? Because the rain makes the scenery even greener, and because after the rain the colours and drama are heightened when the sun's rays break through the clouds.
The weather on the Isle of Skye is best between May and September, although you have to expect more people in July and August. I recommend autumn and spring (except for Easter). There are three reasons for this: beautifully coloured landscapes, fewer tourists and cheaper prices.
Whatever the season you're visiting this part of Scotland, prepare your luggage with clothes for all seasons, in particular rain, wind and cold gear.
Internet and Wi-Fi
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Money on the Isle of Skye
It's not guaranteed that there are cash machines all over the island. You'll definitely find them in Portree and Kyle of Lockash, but elsewhere assume there aren't any.
I use the Wise card and the Revolut card to avoid bank fees and commissions. I always travel with both.
Luggage on the Isle of Skye
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How to get to the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is one of the main destinations to visit in Scotland. The international airport is in Glasgow and the nearest local airport is in Inverness. Use this site to find the best flight prices.
Train
The nearest railway station to the Isle of Skye is Kyle of Lochalsh, which is located off the island, very close to the Skye Bridge. To get there (from Edinburgh) you need to change trains at Inverness, which takes around 6.30 hours. See the train timetables.
Ferry
There are three main ferry ports, all operated by the Calmac company, which ply the following routes:
- Mallaig to Armadale
- Sconser to Raasay
- Uig to Lochmaddy (North Uist) or Tarbert (Harris)
You can find full timetables and fares on the Calmac website. There's also the Glenelg Ferry. This is considered the scenic route to take to the Isle of Skye and - if you're not in a hurry - and want to record some of the most beautiful views, this option is a must. This ferry runs between Glenelg and Kylerhea from Easter until October, with fares starting at £15.
Hire a car
If you have your own car, it's much easier. Choose to hire a car with Discovercars. This site allows you to compare prices and, in many cases, you can cancel the rental free of charge up to 48 hours before departure.
It's impractical to visit the Isle of Skye without your own car. The Skye Bridge is the main access to the island and from Edinburgh to Portree (the main town on the island), it will take you around 6 hours. However, take my word for it, it will take much longer.
Firstly, the road has a lot of traffic - even on normal days - and you'll find some amazing places along the way that will make you stop. So count on a full day to get there, without rushing.
As far as Perth you'll get round fine, but from there you'll find narrower, winding roads through the Highlands. Look on the bright side: the scenery is memorable. Before you hit the road, I recommend that you consult the traffic situation in Scotland.
It's over 300 kilometres by car from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye. Many people choose to stop in Fort William, but I prefer to stop with more beautiful scenery around me and take advantage of the picnic areas to relax and comfort my stomach.
Another option is to take a tour from Inverness or Edinburgh. Some of these tours also include stops in the Highlands.
Hotel on the Isle of Skye
The main town is Portree and there you'll find restaurants, cafés, ATMs and hotels. On my trips to the Isle of Skye, I've stayed in several places, such as the An Cnoc Bed & Breakfastin Staffin. Another excellent option is the Jessie's Hideaway.
Other options are always pods, cabins or chalets.
- Skeabost View Pods (9.7)
- Skye Cabins (9.5)
- Spinning Wheel Pod (9.5)
- Creagan Cabin (9.3)
- Flora's Cliff View (9.9)
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