Things to do in Isle of Skye

Activities, attractions and tours

Isle of Skye showing mountains, a bay or harbour and tranquil scenes
Isle of Skye which includes rugged coastline, mountains and a lighthouse
Isle of Skye which includes a pebble beach, a beach and tranquil scenes
Isle of Skye which includes mountains and tranquil scenes
Isle of Skye showing a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
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Top places to visit

1. Portree Harbour

Portree Harbour is a sheltered, calm space lined by rows of pastel-colored storefronts and fringed by gentle green hills. Embark on boat trips to nearby islands from the pier and enjoy fresh seafood dishes at one of the family-owned establishments lining the harbor.
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Portree Harbour showing a coastal town, boating and a lake or waterhole

2. Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle is one of the most iconic attractions on the island. Its image can be seen on postcards and promotional materials for Skye. Discover oil paintings and precious heirlooms and take boat trips out on to the loch.
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Dunvegan Castle which includes tranquil scenes, heritage architecture and a festival

3. Talisker Distillery

Whisky is part of Scottish culture and Talisker is one of the country’s most famous whisky producers. Find out how the popular beverage is crafted here on Skye during a guided tour of the distillery. At the end of the tour, taste the beloved golden elixir and purchase a few exclusive bottles to bring home.
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Talisker Distillery featuring heritage elements, street scenes and mountains

4. Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is a 165-foot (50-meter) tall rock pinnacle set on an elevated position on the Trotternish Peninsula. The rock is a local landmark and on clear days, its protruding form can be seen from miles around. Follow a path up to the foot of the Old Man. From here, admire views that extend out across the sea to the islands of Rona and Raasay and south toward shimmering lochs, Portree and the dark stone peaks of the Black Cuillin range.
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Old Man of Storr which includes a monument, tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

5. Quiraing

Lace up your hiking boots for a walking adventure through the strange, otherworldly terrain of the Quiraing. Jagged rocks, craggy cliffs and odd-shaped ridges jut up from the grassy slopes. The elevated parts of the terrain offer spectacular panoramic views that extend over the high cliffs and out to sea.
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Quiraing which includes tranquil scenes and mountains

What to do in Isle of Skye

Popular places to visit

Portree Harbour featuring a bay or harbour and boating

Portree Harbour

Observe fishing boats coming ashore and dine on fresh seafood in a waterside restaurant at this picturesque harbor.

Portree Harbour
Dunvegan Castle which includes tranquil scenes, heritage architecture and a festival

Dunvegan Castle

Set on a basalt outcrop overlooking Loch Dunvegan, this historic fortress has been home to the chiefs of a prominent Highland clan for eight centuries.

Dunvegan Castle
Talisker Distillery featuring heritage elements, street scenes and mountains

Talisker Distillery

Tour a working whisky distillery and sip a dram of the smoky yet sweet single-malt Scotch produced here.

Talisker Distillery
Fairy Pools

Fairy Pools

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Fairy Pools during your travels in Minginish.

Fairy Pools
Old Man of Storr which includes a monument, tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

Old Man of Storr

Hike up a sloping path to reach this craggy volcanic spire, one of the natural icons of the island.

Old Man of Storr
Quiraing which includes tranquil scenes and mountains

Quiraing

Beloved by hikers, this unusual landscape is dotted with fractured rock formations, shimmering lochs and a hidden grassy plateau.

Quiraing
Isle of Skye which includes a lighthouse and rocky coastline

Neist Point Lighthouse

Learn about the local history of Glendale with a stop at Neist Point Lighthouse. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Neist Point Lighthouse
Kilt Rock showing rocky coastline and views as well as a family

Kilt Rock

Watch water plummeting down the sheer rock edge into the ocean below at these dramatic sea cliffs.

Kilt Rock
Duntulm Castle

Duntulm Castle

After visiting Duntulm Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Duntulm. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Duntulm Castle

Areas of Isle of Skye

Portree showing rugged coastline

Portree Town

If you're spending some time in Portree Town, Somerled Square and Portree Harbour are top sights worth seeing.

Portree Town
Talisker Distillery

Carbost

If you're spending some time in Carbost, Talisker Distillery and Isle of Skye Oysters are top sights worth seeing.

Carbost
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Photo by Richard Dorrell (CC BY-SA)

Edinbane

Be sure to enjoy the restaurants and waterfront views while you're in Edinbane, and make a trip to Skeabost Golf Course if you have time to see some sights in the nearby area.

Edinbane
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Breakish

While Breakish isn't home to many top sights, Isle of Skye Market Square and Skye Bridge are some notable places to visit nearby.

Breakish
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Milovaig

While Milovaig may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Neist Point Lighthouse and Claigan Coral Beach.

Milovaig
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Photo by Neil Parley (CC BY)

Halistra

While Halistra may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Claigan Coral Beach and Coral Beach.

Halistra

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Isle of Skye worth visiting?
Isle of Skye offers an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local culinary flavours, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Isle of Skye?
Once you've visited key attractions like Fairy Pools and Faerie Glen, spend some time exploring Isle of Skye's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Isle of Skye?
Fairy Pools is one of the top tourist attractions in Isle of Skye and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Isle of Skye?
Three days will be enough time to tick off popular city sights, like Fairy Pools, Sgurr Alasdair and Sgurr na Banachdich. The average stay in Isle of Skye is two days. If you have the time to extend your holiday, Portree isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Isle of Skye with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our ideas for what to do in Isle of Skye with kids.

What to do in Isle of Skye for adults?
Talisker Distillery and Isle of Skye Oysters are just a couple of the things to do in Isle of Skye. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Isle of Skye?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Isle of Skye is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Sgurr Alasdair is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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