The Ultimate Isle of Skye Itinerary: 10 Fun Things to Do on Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful areas in the Scottish Highlands that should be on every bucket list! It has lush green landscapes, tall cliffs, cascading waterfalls, fun hiking trails, and stunning views. And if you want to know about the best things to do on the Isle of Skye, you are in the right place!
The Isle of Skye was at the top of our Scotland bucket list, so we planned our itinerary around it. We spent a few days exploring everything on our itinerary, and it was perfect!
If you want to visit the Isle of Skye, you are in the right place! I created this in-depth guide to have everything you need to know about the best things to do in the Isle of Skye to add to your bucket list.
Get your hiking boots, rain jackets, and cameras ready!
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In This Guide:
Isle of Skye At a Glance
HOW MANY DAYS | At least 2-3 days
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Late spring or early fall
WHERE TO STAY | Portree or the northeast coast
CAR NEEDED | Yes, I recommend renting a car to have flexibility on your trip.
Planning Your Trip to the Isle of Skye
Before we dive into the best things to do, here are a few things you should know when planning your trip!
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive at the popular trailheads early. The Isle of Skye has over 600,000 visitors a year, and the popular hiking trailheads fill up quickly, especially during peak season. We arrived at the Old Man of Storr around 9 AM, and the parking lot was almost full! I recommend arriving at the popular trailheads early in the morning to secure a spot and enjoy the trails with fewer crowds. Trust me, it is worth the early wake-up call!
Pack a rain jacket and warm layers. The Isle of Skye is known for its moody weather, with about 265 days of rain a year. The wettest seasons are autumn and winter, while April, May, and June tend to be the driest months. We visited in May, and it only rained one day during our week in Scotland.
Pack food and water while you are exploring. Most attractions on the Isle of Skye are remote, with very few restaurants and stores near them. I recommend packing food and water you will need while exploring and hiking for the day. Some popular parking lots and trailheads have small coffee and food trucks, too.
How to Get to the Isle of Skye
CLOSEST AIRPORTS
The best airports to fly into when you visit the Isle of Skye are Glasgow and Edinburgh. Both are about a five-hour drive to the Isle of Skye, but they have the most flights into Scotland. We looked into flying to other airports, such as Inverness, but they had limited flights, and they were significantly more expensive.
We flew into Edinburgh and spent our first day in Scotland exploring the city. I highly recommend it since Edinburgh is a stunning city with incredible architecture. It is a great way to start your trip in Scotland to get settled in before heading to the Isle of Skye.
BY CAR
I also recommend renting a car to explore the Isle of Skye because it gives you flexibility during your trip. You can easily pick up your car from the airport and head to the highlands. We picked up our car after spending a day in Edinburgh, which helped us save some money.
If you rent a car, be prepared to drive on the left side of the road. Unlike most of Europe, the United Kingdom drives on the left side, which is the opposite for us. You get used to this quickly, but it is good to keep that in mind if you plan to rent a car.
Also, most roads on the Isle of Skye are one lane. We did not expect most roads to be one lane, and it was interesting. The roads have two-way traffic, but you have to pull over to let others pass because they are so narrow.
BY BUS
If you are not renting a car, you can get to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh or Glasgow by bus. I still recommend renting a car because it is easier to get around, and you can stop at beautiful locations along the drive to the Isle of Skye.
From Glasgow, you can take the Citylink bus to the Isle of Skye. The bus ride is over six hours long, with only a few services per day.
From Edinburgh, you will take the Citylink bus to Glasgow and change over to another to take you to the Isle of Skye. The total travel time is about 7-8 hours, and it will take you most of the day.
Where You Should Stay on the Isle of Skye
Although the Isle of Skye has a few towns with accommodations, I recommend staying on the eastern side since most of the best things to do are there. You will have less travel time, allowing more time to explore!
Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye with the most accommodations, restaurants, and stores. It is a great place if you want to stay near the hustle and bustle.
If you want a quieter area, I recommend staying anywhere north of Portree along the coast. We stayed near Brothers Point and Old Man of Storr, which was perfect for our trip since it was close to many of the attractions on our Isle of Skye itinerary.
Isle of Skye Hotels
Isle of Skye Campgrounds:
Isle of Skye Itinerary: Best Things to Do on Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is huge, extending to over 639 square miles, and it has many things you could add to your itinerary. In this guide, I include a few of my favorite things to do in the Isle of Skye that are must-adds to your itinerary.
Get ready for an epic trip through beautiful landscapes!
Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash behind. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw away your trash. If they do not have trash bins, you should take your trash with you and dispose of it once you find one.
Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is arguably the most popular hike in the Isle of Skye because the views along the trail are absolutely stunning, making it a must-add attraction to your Isle of Skye itinerary. It was one of our favorite hikes in the Isle of Skye because the rock formations and mountains were breathtaking along the trail.
The trailhead is just 15 minutes north of Portree and at the beginning of a beautiful scenic drive along A855. The 3.4-mile Old Man of Storr Loop gains most of its elevation in the first mile, but the trail is well-maintained and has many stone steps to help.
The views of the massive surrounding mountains along the first half of the trail are breathtaking. And the views also help distract you from the elevation gain!
Once you are at the trail junction, I recommend hiking to the base of the Old Man of Storr first and leaving the best views for last. The views from every side of the rock formation are stunning, and you can get an up-close and personal view of the huge rock formations.
The trail then continues to Storr Lookout Point (my favorite viewpoint), where you can enjoy the views and a snack before making the descent. It seemed that most people only hiked to the Old Man of Storr and did not continue to the final lookout, so it is a nice area to enjoy the views with fewer crowds.
Because the Old Man of Storr is a popular hike, the parking lot fills up early. We arrived at 9 AM, and it was almost full, so I recommend arriving as early as you can to secure a parking spot and enjoy the trail with fewer people. If you are up for an early wake-up call, this trail is stunning at sunrise, and you will likely only share it with a few people.
If you want a longer hike, you are in luck! You can also make the hike longer by hiking 5.3 miles to the top of The Storr. We heard from a few hikers that the hike was strenuous but stunning!
Lealt Falls
Continuing north on A855, you can visit many roadside attractions. Lealt Falls is a beautiful waterfall, just north of the Old Man of Storr, making it a perfect thing to add to your Isle of Skye itinerary. And the best part? It has various viewpoints of the waterfall for you to enjoy.
The most accessible viewpoint is near the parking lot on a platform overlooking the top of the falls. I recommend hiking the trail towards the ocean because it has another platform with stunning views overlooking the surrounding cliffs and water. The An leth-allt viewpoint is worth the short walk!
If you want to hike to the bottom of the waterfall, you can continue descending along the path past the platform towards the ocean. The trail continues into the gorge, where you get incredible views of the falls! The trail is steep, but if you are up for the hike, it is a beautiful viewpoint.
We did not hike to the bottom of the waterfall because the trail was slippery from recent rain, but we could see the waterfall from the trail just past the platform. The entire area near Lealt Falls is breathtaking, so no matter how much you hike, you will be in awe of the views.
Brothers Point
Brothers Point is another beautiful hike on the Isle of Skye, offering stunning views overlooking the ocean, cliffs, and lush landscape. The parking lot is just north of The Glenview and fills up quickly because it can only fit a handful of cars. I recommend hiking it in the morning or late afternoon to avoid most crowds. We hiked it after dinner and only saw one other hiker!
The 2-mile hike to Brothers Point is a little tricky because it is not well-marked, but it is worth the trip! The trail also passes through private property, so please be respectful.
The first section of the trail follows along a driveway towards a gate, where you will see a sign pointing toward the trail leading to the rocky beach. I loved this section of the trail because there were so many baby sheep when we visited!
The trail then travels towards the ocean and follows along the rocky coastline. Soon, there is a warning sign you will pass as you start to ascend the grassy trail. This section of the trail was incredibly muddy and wet, so I recommend having waterproof shoes.
The last section of the trail travels up a steep incline before reaching the viewpoint overlooking Brothers Point. It is one of my favorite views along the trail! You can either turn around here or continue hiking to the end of Brothers Point.
We decided to hike to the top of Brothers Point, which was well worth the effort for the stunning views! While we stopped at the top, we saw someone continue to the tip. Either way, you will fall in love with the views and see why it is one of the best things to do in the Isle of Skye.
Mealt Falls
Just north of Brothers Point is another stunning roadside attraction. Mealt Falls is a 180-foot waterfall cascading off a huge cliff into the ocean, and yes, it is as beautiful as it sounds!
And the best part? You can see the waterfall from the parking lot. The viewpoint is easy to get to and offers a view of the water cascading off the cliff. The viewpoint is not great for photos, but it is stunning nonetheless.
After you visit the viewpoint of Mealt Falls, I recommend walking to the other side of the parking lot to enjoy the views looking south, too.
An Corran Beach
An Corran Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern coast of the Isle of Skye and has an interesting history. The sandy beach sits at the base of the rocky cliffs, offering breathtaking views, and since it is a lesser-known attraction in the Isle of Skye, it is a great spot to escape the crowds.
But that is not the best part! If you visit during low tide, which I highly recommend, you can see dinosaur footprints in the rocks! And if you are lucky, you may see the seals and dolphins that frequent this area along the coast.
If you want to learn more about the Dinosaurs, you can visit the Staffin Dinosaur Museum, just north of Mealt Falls. It has many dinosaur fossils, making it fun for the entire family!
The Quiraing
If you are looking for one of the most beautiful hikes on the Isle of Skye to add to your itinerary, the Quiraing is perfect. It is a fun hike with stunning views overlooking the highlands, and although it is not easy, the views make the effort worth it! It was my favorite hike on the Isle of Skye because the views were unmatched.
The Quiraing trailhead is off a road that was a bit of an adventure to drive because it is one lane, which is not conducive to the crowds the area sees. Because we started the hike later in the day, the traffic near the trailhead was awful. I recommend starting the hike early in the morning to avoid traffic.
Although you can hike the 4.3-mile loop in either direction, I recommend hiking it clockwise to get the steep ascent out of the way. The steep ascent makes you work for the views, but once you are at the top, you get incredible 360-degree views of the highlands!
The trail follows along the top before descending to another viewpoint on Fir Bhreugach, offering views overlooking the ocean, valley, and surrounding mountains. We enjoyed a snack break here before finishing the loop.
After Fir Bhreugach, the trail descends into the valley before slowly ascending towards a beautiful rock formation called The Prison. Once the trail passes The Prison, the views are breathtaking! Honestly, these were my favorite views along the hike. I could not stop taking photos because I was in awe of the stunning views overlooking the highlands.
If you do not want to hike The Quiraing Loop, you can hike just to the Prison. The 2.5-mile trail is easier than The Quiraing but still offers stunning views overlooking the highlands!
The Fairy Glen
Over 100,000 years ago, a landslide and erosion created this unique area known as the Fairy Glen. You can hike a 1.1-mile loop around the glen and get beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
The trail travels under crooked trees, up hills with sweeping views, and around the Fairy Glen. Even if you are not too into myths and legends, the views are worth the trip!
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Now, it is time to explore the western side of the Isle of Skye!
The Dunvegan Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, and the same family has lived in it for over 800 years! The property is absolutely stunning with its lush environment and gorgeous ocean views.
There is a fee to explore the castle and gardens, but it is worth it to see the beautiful grounds.
If you have time and want an even more fun experience, you can take a seal boat tour! The tour brings you to see the Loch Dunvegan seal colony, and it is a very fun experience if you have time for it when you visit Dunvegan Castle.
Neist Point Lighthouse
Neist Point lighthouse is one of the most famous in Scotland because of its location and beauty. It sits on a stunning cliff on the western side of the Isle of Skye, making it the most beautiful place to watch the sunset over the ocean. Trust me when I say it is stunning and needs to be on your Isle of Skye itinerary!
There are two ways to view the lighthouse: from the cliff and up close and personal.
The iconic view of Neist Point Lighthouse is from the cliffs next to the parking lot, and it will be easy to find since many people will be there for sunset. This area was my favorite because you get an incredible view of the cliffs leading up to the lighthouse. It is breathtaking!
If you want an up-close and personal view of the lighthouse, you can hike the 1.7-mile trail to the lighthouse. The trail descends steep stairs before flattening out as it travels towards the lighthouse, where you can explore the grounds while taking in the gorgeous cliffs and ocean views.
If you have time, I recommend arriving before sunset to have enough time to hike the trail to Neist Point Lighthouse and watch the sunset. Since this is a popular area for sunset, you will not be alone, but the views make it all worth it!
Fairy Pools
I hope you are not over waterfalls because you still have one more place to add to your Isle of Skye itinerary! The Fairy Pools are in the southern section of the Isle of Skye near Glen Brittle and consist of a series of small waterfalls with beautiful mountain views.
The 2.6-mile trail to the Fairy Pools is well-maintained and easy to follow. Most people turn around after the first waterfall, but you can continue further to explore more of the falls and pools in the area. The waterfalls are beautiful after recent rain, and the bright blue pools will take your breath away. The entire area is stunning!
If you want to extend your hike, you can hike a 5-mile loop around the area. It is a great way to escape the crowds, too!
Although the Fairy Pools are beautiful during any season, the best time to visit is after recent heavy rain. When we visited, the water was low. It was still beautiful, but it could be much better after some rain.
Isle of Skye Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend on the Isle of Skye?
I recommend spending at least 2-3 days on the Isle of Skye.
We spent two days on the Isle of Skye, which allowed us enough time to do everything on your itinerary. But we could have extended our stay to 3-4 days to explore even more of the Isle of Skye.
What should I not miss on the Isle of Skye?
A few must-see things on the Isle of Skye are:
Old Man of Storr
Lealt Falls
Mealt Falls
Brothers Point
The Quiraing
Neist Point Lighthouse
I could include so many things you should do, but these are my favorite places I think are nonnegotiables for every trip.
Do you need a car on the Isle of Skye?
Technically, you do not need to rent a car because you can use public transportation, but I recommend renting one for your trip. It is much easier than using public transportation, in my opinion.
Stagecoach is the primary public transportation option for the Isle of Skye. If you decide against renting a car, I recommend staying in Portree since most bus lines start here.
What should I pack for the Isle of Skye?
I recommend packing a rain jacket and warm layers, no matter what time of year you visit.
The Isle of Skye has about 265 days of rain, making it crucial to pack a rain jacket. Although it rains a lot year-round, the wettest seasons tend to be autumn and winter. April, May, and June tend to be the driest months.
We visited in May, and it only rained one day during our week in Scotland. We had beautiful weather while on the Isle of Skye.
If you want to hike in the highlands, you should also have hiking boots, moisture-wicking clothes, and a hiking backpack with food and plenty of water.
If you want to visit the Isle of Skye, you are in the right place! I created this guide to have everything you need to know about the best things to do on the Isle of Skye.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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