The Isle of Skye, commonly known as Skye, is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.
20 pictures of Skye from Robert Lukeman, Joshua Earle, v2osk and other travelers
To get to Skye, you can drive across the Skye Bridge from the Scottish mainland or take a ferry from Mallaig. If you're coming from further afield, the nearest airports are Inverness and Glasgow, from which you can rent a car or take a bus or train to the island.
Booking a guided tour in advance is a good idea, as the Isle of Skye can be challenging to navigate on your own, especially during peak tourist season. Popular tours include hiking the Quiraing, exploring the Fairy Pools, and visiting the iconic Old Man of Storr.
The costs of visiting Skye can vary, but budget travelers can expect to spend around £50-£100 per day on accommodations, meals, and activities. This can increase if you opt for guided tours or more luxurious accommodations.
The best things to do on Skye include hiking in the Cuillin Hills, exploring the coastal cliffs at Neist Point, visiting the historic Dunvegan Castle, and discovering the unique rock formations of the Quiraing. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about Skye's history and culture at the Museum of Island Life and Skye Museum of Island Life.
For a taste of the local cuisine, try The Three Chimneys, a fine-dining restaurant offering modern Scottish dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. For a more casual experience, visit the Old School Restaurant in Dunvegan, which serves traditional Scottish fare, or Café Sia, a popular spot for wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and local produce.
When it comes to accommodations, Skye offers a range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Consider staying at the Sligachan Hotel, a historic property with stunning views of the Cuillin Hills, or the family-run Skeabost House Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms and an on-site golf course. For a more budget-friendly option, the Skye Backpackers hostel in Kyleakin provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Off the Beaten Path:
For an unusual travel experience on Skye, venture to the remote Rubha Hunish peninsula, the northernmost point of the island. Here, you can hike to the lookout bothy, a small stone hut offering panoramic views of the surrounding sea and mountains. Keep an eye out for marine life, including seals, dolphins, and whales, which are often spotted in the area. This lesser-known spot provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the island's dramatic landscapes, away from the more touristy areas.
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The Isle of Skye is known for its ragged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles. Don´t forget to bring walking shoes with you. One of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Isle of Skye is Quiraing. (Big coach cannot stop at this attraction; it will be replaced by the Neist Point). On our way back to Portree village we stop at the Old Man of Storr. After this long walk you deserve a rest at Portree village. Your tour guide will take you to a typical restaurant in the area to have some lunch. Once you have recovered your energy, we will visit Portree harbour. Our visit to the Isle of Skye would be incomplete without going to Dunvegan Castle & Gardens. PLEASE NOTE: long walks involved MISSING YOU ALREADY!!
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The Quiraing is a landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
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Loch Coruisk is an inland fresh-water loch, lying at the foot of the Black Cuillin in the Isle of Skye, in the Scottish Highlands. Loch Coruisk is reputed to be the home of a kelpie or water horse, a shape-shifting creature that can assume human form.
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Portree is the largest town on, and capital of, the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is the location for the only secondary school on the island, Portree High School. Public transport services are limited to buses.
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The Storr is a rocky hill on the Trotternish peninsula of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The hill presents a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west.
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Carbost is a village on the south-west shore of Loch Harport on the Minginish peninsula on the Isle of Skye and is in the Highland council area.
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Sligachan is a small settlement on Skye, Scotland. It is close to the Cuillin mountains and provides a good viewpoint for seeing the Black Cuillin mountains.
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Loch Torridon is a sea loch on the west coast of Scotland in the Northwest Highlands. The loch was created by glacial processes and is in total around 15 miles long.
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The Isle of Skye is a very popular destination in Scotland. The landscape of Skye in the Scottish Highlands is dotted with ancient castles, colorful villages and shaggy cows. Its legendary beauty puts it on the bucket list of travelers from around the world, especially photo enthusiasts. However, its environment and people have had to deal with mass tourism since before the Covid pandemic, and although visitors are slowly beginning to return to the island, locals remain concerned about the way tourists treat the landscape and the local economy.
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⛰️ Hill spots 🏞️ Loch spots 🌲 Ecoregion spots 🏞️ Waterfall spots ⛰️ Mountain spots 🏖️ Shore spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🌲 Plain spots 🛣️ Road trip spots ❄️ Tundra spots ⛰️ Cliff spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🏖️ Coast spots 🌲 Forest spots ⛰️ Highland spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots 🏞️ Mountain river spotsExplore popular touristic places around Skye