20 Best Things to do on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, For Travellers in 2025

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Located on the West Coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is known as one of the most beautiful islands in Europe.

Rugged landscapes, unique natural landmarks, stunning waterfalls, beautiful beaches, castles… it truly has it all! 

A lot of visitors dream of visiting it and that is definitely something you should do!

There are so many things to do on Skye, you will be spoilt for choice.

In this article, you will discover the best things to do on the Isle of Skye. This includes the famous sites as well as food recommendations and underrated attractions.

So, are you ready? Let’s get started! Here are the most beautiful places to visit in Skye. You will find below the full list as well as tips and tricks to make the best of your visit.

1. Old Man of Storr

Located in the northern part of the island, the Old Man of Storr is the most famous landmark on Skye.

It’s also the most visited place!

You can easily get there by car. It’s only a 10 minutes drive from Portree.

There is a large car park where you can leave your vehicle. It is a pay and display. You can take either 4 or 6 hours but 4 hours is more than enough.

The Storr is the rocky hill and the “Old Man” is the large pinnacle that sticks out. 

It is truly a beautiful place and you will be surprised by how unique and stunning it actually is!

To get to enjoy it the most, you need to go on the walk up to the hill behind the Old Man of Storr.

It is a 2-hour walk and the path is very well maintained. However, it’s important to note that it’s not an easy hike. It can be quite steep so you need to be prepared.

Ultimately, it’s not a long hike which means that most people can do it but you shouldn’t be expecting a stroll in the park.

Once you reach the top and get to enjoy the views over the Old Man, the Storr, the lake and the coastline, it will be all worth it!

It’s so beautiful!

If you are into photography, make sure to bring all your gear!

💡 Pro tip: This location can get insanely busy. Get there early to avoid the crowds. If you can park there before 8AM you will enjoy the place almost to yourself. 

🌧️ What if it’s rainy? You can see the Storr from the road and the carpark. If the weather is not nice (rainy or foggy) it may not be worth going there. The easiest way to know is just to look for the Old Man of Storr.

You can see it from the road then you will be able to have a decent view from the top as well.

If you can’t see it from the road or carpark, it’s not worth going as you won’t see anything at all. Keep driving to the waterfalls.

2. The Quiraing

Located in the central part of the Totternish peninsula, the Quiraing is not only one of the most beautiful places to see on Skye but also home to a fantastic hike.

The road to the Quiraing is quite narrow and bendy. You can get there with ease, even with a motorhome but you need to be careful and make good use of the passing places.

Once you get there, you’ll see a carpark. This is where you should be leaving your vehicle. If it’s full, keep going and you may find a spot a bit further up but it’s not ideal.

It’s a pay and display so don’t forget to take your ticket.

In terms of walking, this is a pretty rough path. It’s not as well maintained as the Old Man of Storr. Make sure you are wearing good walking shoes!

You’ll also find a little food truck on the side. Grab a bite if you are hungry because it’s quite a long walk.

This is one of the rare places on Skye where you will find a circular walk. If you have 4 to 6 hours ahead of you, that’s well worth your time and effort.

It boasts some of the most incredible views on the island. If not, you can either go up the hill to get the views of the Quiraing or start the walk down and go back the same way.

If you do choose to complete the whole hike, you will discover fantastic views of coast, Lewis and Harris as well as the Quiraing and the Valley.

💡 Pro tip: The car park is not that big. Make sure to get there early so you can easily park and enjoy your walk.

Wear good walking shoes, waterproof if possible as the end of the path is quite muddy.

If you have binoculars, it’s a good place to take them so you can see the other isles better.

🌧️ What if it’s rainy? If it rains or if it’s foggy, you should avoid it. Not only will it get very muddy but you will need good visibility to truly enjoy the views.

You can still go up to the carpark and see if you can start the walk but it’s not worth doing the full loop as you need clear weather to see the other islands.

3. Fairy Pools

Located at the foot of the Black Cuillins, the Fairy Pools are one of the most impressive places to see on Skye.

They are made of a succession of rock pools, fed by waterfalls, themselves coming from the water flowing down the mountains.

This is quite an unexpected sight. Most photos you will find on the internet show the same pool (this one is located at the top and is actually one of the last). Although it is, for sure, the most beautiful, it doesn’t show you how big and long the fairy pools actually are!

The water is crystal clear, blue and the waterfalls are so pretty. But the thing that truly makes it unique is the range of mountains in the background.

You can get there by car. There is a carpark just in front of the walking path. It costs £5 per car and there is no limit of time.

In terms of walks, you will find a few. The most popular one goes up to the top of the fairy pools and all the way back down. It takes about 2 hours to complete.

Alternatively, you can do a bit of a longer loop which will take you at the bottom of the mountains and through the fields. This is much more scenic and well worth the effort but will take around 4 hours.

💡 Pro tip: Wear good walking shoes as the path is quite rocky.

If you want to swim, you may want to consider wearing a wetsuit. The water is beautiful but it is also quite cold.

🌧️ What if it’s rainy? You can visit the Fairy Pools when it rains or when it’s foggy. Although you may not be able to see the top of the mountains and how blue the water actually is, it’s still worth visiting with bad weather.

4. Neist Point

Neist Point is the most westerly point on the isle of Skye. It’s incredibly uniquely shaped and home to a beautiful lighthouse, Neist Point Lighthouse.

You can easily get there by car. It takes 1 hour from Portree. Once you reach the end of the road, you’ll find parking spots on both sides. Parking here is free!

As you step out of the car, you’ll have two options. You can either walk up the hill on the right hand side. This will bring you to a cliff with fantastic views of Neist Point and the lighthouse.

On the left hand side, you’ll find the beginning of the walk. It goes down, along the cliff and then to the lighthouse.

This is a fantastic walk and it only takes 2 hours (although you can even do it in less time). It’s very beautiful and you can truly appreciate how tall the cliffs are.

A lot of visitors only go up to the viewpoint but that’s a mistake you shouldn’t make. The walk is very much worth it.

Pro tip: Neist Point is known to be a fantastic sunset spot. It looks even prettier during the golden hour. 

To make the best of your time, head there about 3 hours before sunset so you have time to walk down to the lighthouse and come back to admire the sunset from the top.

🌧️ What if it’s rainy? This is a good place to visit when it rains or when it’s foggy. Make sure to pack a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. 

It will probably be quite windy as well but you should still be able to see everything.

5. Fairy Glen

Located just above the village of Uig, the Fairy Glen is one of the most unique places you can see in the UK.

Although Skye is known for its long history with the fairies (we will talk about that more with Dunvegan Castle), there are actually no legends about fairies here.

It was named as such just because it’s very unique and looks pretty magical.

As you walk around, you’ll feel like you’re in some sort of mystic place. It’s just beautiful and relaxing.

The landscape features waves and layers. This is a geological oddity that you will find in other places on the island.

You can easily get there by car. The road is in good condition. The carpark is fairly large but you have to pay.

You can take 2 or 4 hours at the Pay and Display Machine. 2 hours should be more than enough.

From the carpark, follow the path to the stone circle.

Although the stone circle is often shown in photos, it was actually created in 2013 and is good for photos, but not authentic.

As a matter of fact, you might not even find any stones here when you visit but the waves are still a cool thing to see.

💡 Pro tip: Make sure to walk up to the top of the main rock as the views from there are absolutely stunning.

If you get there before 9AM, you will get to enjoy the place to yourself!

🌧️ What if it’s rainy? This is actually a very good place to visit when it’s foggy or even when it rains.

Of course being outside when the weather is not nice is never great but these landscapes look even more mystical with a bit of fog!

6. Talisker Bay

Not only is Talisker Bay one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland but it’s also a bit of a hidden gem!

If you want to stay away from the crowds and discover a very unique and unusual place, this will be perfect for you!

Located only 15 minutes drive from Talisker Distillery, this beach is made of both white and black sand.

The sand mixes in a very peculiar way, creating waves of shades. It’s so pretty and incredibly unique. There is just no place quite like it.

The road to go down to Talisker is quite narrow but it’s less busy than the ones in the northern part of the island.

Once you reach the farm, you can park and walk down to the beach. Only 5 cars can park there but if it’s full, you can drive a bit back up and you’ll find some spots on the side.

From there it’s about 45 minutes walk to the beach.

💡 Pro tip: Take a picnic there. There are loads of spots where you can sit and if the weather is nice, it’s a very good spot for a meal.

Also, there is nothing where you can buy food or drinks so make sure to be prepared.

READ MORE: 4 Best Isle of Skye Beaches that you must see

7. The Coral Beaches

The Coral beaches are located on the edge of Loch Dunvegan, about 15 minutes drive from the castle.

The road is not the best here. Make good use of the passing places and be very careful with the pot holes when you get to the carpark.

The carpark is not that big and try to stay near the entrance if your car is low.

From there, you can start a 45 minutes walk to the beaches.

Although they are named coral beaches, you won’t find any coral here. That said, the beaches are so beautiful that you may think you are in Australia for a second.

The first one is quite small but pretty. The beach itself is not made of sand but of shells.

The second beach is much bigger and the part with the clear blue water much longer and wider.

It’s absolutely stunning! You truly have a hard time believing you are in Scotland here. Apart from the temperature, you could truly think you are in the Caribbean.

To enjoy the views even more, walk up the hill behind the beach. From the top, you will get beautiful views of both beaches.

🌧️ What if it’s rainy? It is better to visit it on a nice day however, you will be able to see the difference in blues even when it rains or if it’s foggy.

The darker parts of the water are created by the presence of seaweed and not because of sand. For this reason, you can perfectly see the shades of blues even when the weather is not too nice.

8. Portree

Portree is the main town on Skye as well as one of the prettiest small towns in Scotland. It’s where you will find most B&Bs, restaurants, bars as well as the visitor centre.

It’s the most convenient place to stay on the island.

As a visitor, make sure to walk down to the quays and then to Bosville Terrace where you can find the colour house viewpoint.

Portree Harbour is very colourful and incredibly pretty. No matter which time of the day you visit, you will love the view from there.

You will find many souvenir shops here as well so if you want to bring back something from Skye, it could be a good place.

In terms of food, the Isles Inn is a traditional pub located on the main square.

They serve delicious fresh food (including local seafood such as Skye Scallops or mussels) and it’s very reasonably priced.

The staff is very friendly and dogs are welcome!

9. Dunvegan Castle

Located only 30 minutes from Portree, Dunvegan Castle is the perfect place to visit if you’d like to learn more about the history of Skye and the clan McLeod.

It has been home to the chiefs of the clan McLeod for over 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.

This is one of the rare paying attractions on Skye. It costs £12 to visit the gardens and £14 for both the castle and gardens. Parking is free.

If you are travelling with a dog, you can visit the gardens but won’t be allowed to go inside the castle. It’s also important to note that it’s one of the best things to do on Skye with kids.

The castle itself is particularly pretty and well preserved (which is not the case of all the other castles on Skye). You will find a fantastic collection of books in the library and beautiful portraits of the chiefs.

There are explanations all around the rooms but you will also find members of staff who will share more stories with you.

Make sure to check out the fairy flag in the living room and read about the legends.

The gardens are also beautiful and include several waterfalls.

💡Pro tip: Make sure to visit the Rhododendron gardens. There is a path going under the trees. It’s very pretty and looks like the Dark Hedges (one of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland).

10. Mealt Falls & Kilt Rock

Located on the Trotternish peninsula, 30 minutes drive from Portree, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are one of the most famous viewpoints on the island.

Kilt Rock was named as such because the shape of the cliffs as well as the pleats created by the rocks look like someone wearing a kilt. How very Scottish!

Mealt Falls is also very famous and quite unique. These stunning waterfalls fall in the sea!

You can easily get there by car. There is a free car park and a viewpoint. A lot of people choose to camp here so you may find quite a few cars there even if you come early.

Ideally, make sure to visit as early as you can. It’s a quick stop but you will need it to be quiet to truly enjoy the views.

The viewing platform is pretty small.

In terms of photography, this is one of the best places to photograph on the island. If you have a drone, it can come in handy however, you are not allowed to use it during the nesting period.

Drones are disruptive and that’s something you should comply with.

Finally, you’ll notice that the waterfalls emit a pretty singular sound.

You can choose to just go to the viewing platform or opt for the walk to Lealt Falls.

11. Talisker Distillery

Who says Scotland, says whisky! The Isle of Skye is no exception. If you want to discover what an authentic whiskey from Skye is like and how it’s made, head to the Talisker Distillery.

This is a great activity for foodies!

The Talisker Distillery offers two guided tours (£15 and £25). One includes more tastings than the other but no matter what, you will get to try some delicious Talisker whiskey.

The guide will tell you everything you need to know about whiskey and how it’s made. You will walk around the distillery and finish on a high note, the tastings!

Although it’s worth going at any time, this is a particularly good activity on a rainy day.

12. Eat seafood at the Oyster Shed

This is another activity for foodies. Located just a couple of minutes drive from Talisker Distillery, the Oyster Shed is the perfect place for people who love seafood. 

This small local business actually belongs to an Oyster farmer who provides takeaway dishes to visitors. You can buy freshly harvested oysters as well as other foods.

It is not a fancy restaurant. You will find outdoor dining but it is takeaway.

It’s very authentic and if you like trying local produce, that’s the best place to do so!

13. Lealt Falls

Located between the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls are an excellent place to stop by on your way up the Trotternish peninsula. 

You will find a free car park on the side and a path leading to the viewing platform. From there you can look at the waterfalls.

You will also find the walking path going up to Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. If you are up for a few hours walk, it’s well worth it.

14. Sligachan Bridge

Sligachan is another small town on the Isle of Skye. It’s home to a nice pub and is somewhere you will drive through on your way to Portree.

You will find on the side of the road the Sligachan Old Bridge which is the one that was used initially.

Now, a new bridge has taken its place but it’s still worth stopping by.

Firstly, the bridge is historical.

Secondly, you will find a walking path there that goes up to a war memorial and the views over the Cuillin mountains from here are absolutely fantastic. 

If you want to, you can either start a walk to the Fairy Pools from here!

Parking at the pub is reserved to customers but you will find more spots on the side of the road behind it.

15. Elgol & Loch Coruisk

Elgol is located in the southern part of the island, near the Cuillin Mountains. 

Although it’s not as often mentioned as some other landmarks on Skye, it is one of the best places to visit.

You will enjoy stunning views over the Cuillin Mountains, eat delicious seafood and discover beautiful landscapes.

But the best thing to do in Elgol is going on a boat trip to Loch Coruisk. 

There aren’t any roads going to Loch Coruisk so the only way to get there is by foot or boat.

It is a beautiful place and one of the island’s best kept secrets! 

16. Armadale Castle

Located in the southern part of the island, near the ferry terminal, Armadale Castle is an interesting place to visit.

It is now a ruin but it used to be the home of the clan Donald, Scotland’s largest and most powerful clan.

Unlike Dunvegan Castle which is still inhabited, you won’t get to see a castle in such a good state here. That said, it is still in a way better state and shape than Caisteal Maol.

The visit includes both the castle and the gardens.

Due to its location, try to visit it on your way to or from the ferry.

17. Rha Waterfalls

The Rha waterfalls are rarely mentioned in Skye travel guide, yet they are very pretty and definitely deserve a place in this article.

They are located in the small village of Uig and the perfect stop on your way to Fairy Glen.

They are quite hard and the short walk to the falls is lovely. There is plenty of wild garlic and flowers.

You can also get pretty close (or even swim if you are very brave!).  As it’s not as well known as Leat or Mealt waterfalls, you usually have the place for yourself! This is pretty refreshing as Skye is quite a busy place.

HOW TO GET THERE: If you are driving from Portree, drive past the road to Fairy Glen until you reach the police station of Uig (super small!). 

There is a little car park here that can fit about 5 or 6 cars. Park here and up the road until you reach the sign about the walk and waterfalls.

From there, it’s a 5 minutes walk to the waterfall. It’s very easy but there are stairs.

18. Caisteal Maol

Caisteal Maol is located near the Skye Bridge. It’s a good first stop on the Isle of Skye as it’s only 5 minutes drive from the bridge. 

It is a ruined castle so you shouldn’t expect something fancy like Dunvegan Castle. However, it is a nice walk to get there. You can park in the small town of Kyle and take the walking path to the castle.

From there, you can enjoy the views of the mainland and Skye bridge.

You will also find a couple of cafes and a chippie in Kyle if you want to grab food.

READ MORE: 9 Castles on the Isle of Skye That You Should Visit

19. The Skye Museum of Island life

Located in the northern part of the Trotternish peninsula, the museum of Island life is one of the best things to do on Skye for families.

You should be able to spot it from the road as it’s made of several traditional houses.

These old-fashioned thatched cottages are a rare sight in the highlands but 100 years ago they were very common.

Inside, you will discover reconstruction of what life was like. This includes accessories but also scenes of day-to-day life on the island.

It is very interesting and if you’d like to learn more about the history of Skye and its people, that’s the best place to do so.

It’s also worth noting that it’s a cheap thing to do on the isle of Skye as the entrance only costs £5.

20. Loch Ainort

Loch Airnort is both one of the most famous attractions on Skye and one of the most unknown. How so? Well, every visitor sees it as the main (and only) road from the Skye Bridge to Portree goes around it.

Yet, not many people stop to truly admire the place.

This is a mistake you shouldn’t be making!

Loch Airnort is one of the most beautiful things to see on Skye. As you drive along the road, you will love the views. There are also several places where you can stop for a bit. Make sure to do that, particularly near the waterfalls.

Luib is a small village by the loch. It’s the best place to stop. From there, you can enjoy the views of both the loch and Scalpay island.

Maps of all the attractions on Skye

How to get to the Isle of Skye

The best ways to get to the isle of Skye is by car or with a guided tour.

By car. You can take your own vehicle or rent one on the mainland (see fares) and take the Skye Bridge. It’s entirely free. Alternatively, if you are near Mallaig, you can also take the ferry to Skye.

With a tour. If you can’t visit with a car or don’t want to plan the whole trip, opting for a local tour is the best option. Here are the ones you should consider:

• Day tour from Inverness. If you are in Inverness, going on a day tour to Skye is well worth it. This one packs a punch and is a great value for money. It includes Eilean Castle, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. See prices here.
• 3-day tour from Edinburgh. This includes the famous attractions on Skye (Quiraing, Kilt Rock and Neist Point) as well as some beautiful places in the Highlands (Loch Ness and Glencoe). It’s a small group tour run by one of the best tour companies in Scotland, Rabbie’s. See prices here.
• 3-day tour from Glasgow. This is another Rabbie’s tour but this time from Glasgow. It’s basically the same as the one above but from Glasgow instead of Edinburgh. See prices here.
• 5-day tour of both Isle of Skye and Mull. If you have a bit more time to spare and want to hit two stones with one bird, you can opt for a 5-day tour from Edinburgh which includes both the Isle of Skye, the unspoilt Isle of Mull and Iona. See prices here.

Where to stay on Skye

The best place to stay on Skye is Portree. It’s the main town on the island and that’s where you will find most B&Bs as well as the restaurants.

It is a convenient place to stay as it’s pretty central and you can easily get to all the places to visit on Skye.

Here are some recommendations of places to stay in Skye:

• For backpackers: Portree Youth Hostel is located near the main square. It’s all yellow so you really can’t miss it. The rooms and facilities are very nice and the views unbeatable! See prices here.
• Mid-range: Portree Guest House is a very nice B&B with breakfast included within walking distance from the town centre. There is a garden and free parking. See prices here.
• For couples: The Portree Hotel is a beautiful hotel located on the main square. Their rooms are gorgeous, making it the perfect place for a romantic getaway. They also have a restaurant downstairs. See prices here.
• For families: Quayside Apartment is an absolutely stunning 3-bedroom flat with a stunning bathroom (and freestanding bathtub!). The home decor is the perfect mix between traditional and modern. In terms of location, you’ll be on Quays Street, next to the colourful houses of Portree Harbour. See prices here.

If you’d rather going for a more unique place in a quieter location, these properties will be better for you:

• Storr Apartment is the perfect romantic getaway near the Old Man of Storr. The flat is beautiful, a perfect mix between rustic and modern and the views are stunning. See prices here.
• Dunvegan Camping Pods are perfect for people who want to try glamping on Skye. See prices.
• Sea Loch View is a stunning and modern house with 2-bedrooms. The views over the loch are fantastic. See prices.
• The Old Post Office is an incredibly stunning old post office that was converted into a beautiful self-catered accommodation on Skye. See prices.

In conclusion, if you want to spend a lot of time exploring and have easy access to restaurants, opt for Portree.

If you want a relaxing holiday with great views, opt for somewhere more remote.

You may also be interested in:

• How to Get to the Isle of Skye (Scotland): Self-Driving, Tours & Public Transport
• 4 Best Isle of Skye Beaches that you must see
• 9 Castles on the Isle of Skye That You Should Visit
• 19 Best Things to do on the Isle of Arran, Scotland
• 7 Best Staycations in Scotland
• 12 Prettiest Small Towns in Scotland
• Scotland Outdoor Bucket List: the best Outdoor Activities in Scotland