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8 Amazing Things to Do on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

ByZara Aitken

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Planning your first trip to the Isle of Skye and wondering which highlights deserve a space on your Skye itinerary? With jaw-dropping landscapes, rugged coastlines, and famous landmarks like the Old Man of Storr, there are so many amazing things to do on the Isle of Skye that it can be tricky to decide which spots to visit and which to miss.

I’ve visited Skye myself and experienced everything on this list, both the iconic sights and a few lesser-known gems that help you to escape the crowds.

Whether you’re chasing dramatic hikes, peaceful lochs, or cultural highlights, I’ve pulled together the best things to do in one place, with practical details like parking and route tips to make planning easy. (Hint: If you only see one thing in Skye, make it the Quiraing – it’s truly spectacular).

Let’s dive into the best things to do on the Isle of Skye!

Zara and her friend Becky stand at a wooden counter in the Talisker Whisky Distillery on the Isle of Skye. They are tasting whisky in small glasses while listening to their tour guide explain the tasting notes.

Take a Tour of the Talisker Whisky Distillery

Everyone knows that Scotland is famous for whisky, so it would be a crime not to visit at least one distillery on your trip to Scotland.

Talisker is the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye and therefore offers plenty of history and heritage to boot.

The guided tour, which includes a chance to taste the whisky, lasts 1 hour and costs £22 per person. Even if you’re not much of a whisky drinker (like me), it is still interesting to learn what goes into crafting this popular drink.

Talisker also offers longer tasting sessions, one-off live music events and experiences, so check the website before your visit to see what’s on.

The distillery tours sometimes get booked up especially during busy seasons, so it is important to book your tour at least 2-3 days in advance.

Book your Talisker distillery tour here.

Zara walks down a remote gravel road on the Isle of Skye. She is holding a skateboard in one hand and is wearing jeans and a t-shirt with a Vans logo. She is surrounded by epic mountains and is bathed in golden sunlight.

Visit the Stein Inn, the Oldest Inn on Skye

When I picture evenings on the Isle of Skye, it most definitely includes savouring a single malt next to a roaring open fire in the corner of a cosy old inn.

So, when we stumbled across the Stein Inn, an 18th-century inn, which happens to be the oldest on the island, I thought all my dreams had come true!

Not only is this inn cosy beyond belief, the food is pretty great too and the staff couldn’t be friendlier. The menu changes daily, offering up seasonal produce and some of the freshest seafood around. And for the whisky lover, they have a bar stocked with over 130 different single malts! Impressive!

Dunvegan Castle, a large castle on the Isle of Skye, sits on a river bank towering over the surrounding countryside. It's a bright, sunny day and the sky is blue and cloudless.
A pale blue sign which reads 'Round Garden, Dunvegan Castle and Gardens' sits on a metal gate which marks the entrance into a beautiful landscapes garden at Dunvegan Castle. It's a sunny day and you can see blurry figures of people in the gardens in the background.

Visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

Dunvegan Castle continues to be used today as the home of the Chief of the clan MacLeod, as it has been for the last 800 years.

I have always been enthralled by the history of the Scottish clans and found it fascinating to hear some of the stories from the guides situated around the castle.

The castle itself is a beautiful building surrounded by lovely scenery and pretty gardens. You can pay for a boat trip to see the seals, but we were lucky enough to see them from the castle itself and managed to get quite close on the banks below the castle.

In 2025, an adult ticket for the castle and gardens costs £17.

Book your tickets to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens here.

An epic landscape scene of the Quiraing in the Isle of Skye. Rugged peaks mark the edge of a cliffside overlooking a vast valley. It's a partly-coudy day with patches of blue sky peaking through.
Epic scenery on the Quiraing on the Isleof Skye. Grassy slopes and rugged cliffs make up the Trotternish Ridge in Scotland beneath a partly-cloudy sky.

Hike The Quiraing

Hiking the Quiraing is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Skye. If you only see one thing on the Isle of Skye, make sure it’s The Quiraing – the scenery is truly spectacular and it’s one of the most incredible places I have ever been.

You don’t have to be an avid outdoors enthusiast or a seasoned hiker to hike the Quiraing, as it’s a fairly easy route to complete and only takes half a day. You do need some sensible clothes and a good pair of shoes.

There is a pay-and-display car park at the Quiraing, but it gets very full, so it’s best to arrive early to make sure you can get a space. Parking on the grass verges around the Quraing car park is prohibited.

Alternatively, if you’re nervous about hiking alone, you could book this 5-day hiking and yoga retreat!

  • A black and white photo of a male stag in a field on the Isle of Skye. This photo demonstrates the epic wildlife experiences you can enjoy on the Isle of Skye.
  • A seal swims through the ocean with its head poking out of the waves. The deep blue sea is calm around it. This photo shows the kind of wildlife you can see on the Isle of Skye.
A brown highland cow standing in long grass on the Isle of Skye. The cows horns and long shaggy hair are typical of Highland Cattle.

Look Out for Wildlife

There is a vast variety of wildlife on and around the Isle of Skye, which makes it a great destination for animal lovers. You may be able to spot anything from deer, eagles and otters to dolphins, whales, seals and the cute and fluffy highland cattle.

You can book boat trips out to see seals, dolphins and whales, but only at certain times of the year, so check in advance what is available during your visit, especially if visiting outside of the summer months.

Photographers arrange their cameras on tripods on a cliff edge at Neist Point on the Isle of Skye. In the distance, an epic sunset lights up the horizon sending golden rays across the ocean.
A lone person is silhouetted on the top of a cliff against an incredible sunset with hues of purple, red and orange. This photo demonstrates how watching the sunset at Neist Point is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Skye.

Watch the Sunset from Neist Point

Neist Point is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Skye, but it also offers an epic, rugged coastline and a lighthouse perched on the edge of the cliff, which is one of the most famous in Scotland. I saw one of the most incredible sunsets from Neist Point during my trip.

Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to ensure you can get into a good position to watch the show as the sun goes down!

Be sure to wrap up warm because the area is exposed to the elements and it can get very windy.

There is a free car park at Neist Point.

A group of hikers walk on a rugged trail next to a small waterfall at the popular tourist attraction, the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. They are surrounded by imposing mountains which are part of the Cuillin Mountains range.
A lone person sits on a boulder overlooking a small waterfall which descends into a pool of calm, crystal clear turqoise water. This photo shows that the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are one of the best places to visit.

Explore the Fairy Pools

Framed by the imposing backdrop of the Cuillin mountain range, these famous pools draw people from all over the world. These magical pools flow one into the other, complete with beautiful waterfalls and the clearest water I have ever seen!

Spend a couple of hours exploring the area and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding mountains. There are several hiking trails in the area to explore too.

If you’re brave enough, you can even enjoy some wild swimming. I visited the Isle of Skye in October, and it was far too cold to jump into the ice-cold water, although some brave people were swimming when we were there.

There is a pay-and-display car park at the Fairy Pools that costs £6 for cars all day, and public toilets in the car park which close at 5 pm.

An epic sunrise of golden, red and purple colours lights up the morning sky. At the bottom of the image, the distant mountains are silhouetted against the horizon.
A beautiful landscape image of the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye. The image was taken at sunrise, and the sky is illuminated with pastel shades of pink and lilac. In the foreground, the rugged cliffs of the Old Man of Storr dominate the image.

Hike to the Old Man of Storr to Watch the Sunrise

While I’m not a morning person, I did wake up early to watch the sunrise from the Old Man of Storr during my trip. And it was worth it!

Hiking in the dark to see the sunrise from the top of a mountain was an exciting and adventurous experience. It can be hard getting up so early, but sitting on top of an awesome mountain and watching the sun rise over the horizon is such an amazing way to start the day!

There is a pay-and-display car park at the base of the Old Man of Storr trail, which gets busy. If you arrive before sunset, this won’t be a problem, but arriving after 10 am may mean you struggle to find a space.

Four people weaing hiking clothes stand on a hiking trail on a cliffside on the Quiraing in Scotland. They are surrounded by huge rocks and cliffs, which helps to give a sense of scale to the image.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car to explore the Isle of Skye?

Having a car is highly recommended due to the remote location of many of the Isle of Skye’s attractions. Public transport is limited, and many of the best spots, such as the Quiraing or Neist Point, aren’t easily accessible without your own transport.

How many days should I spend on the Isle of Skye?

If you want to explore the Isle of Skye properly, I would recommend 5-7 as a minimum. If you want to hike, explore remote areas, and travel at a relaxed pace,7-10 days is even better.

What is the best time of year to visit the Isle of Skye?

The Isle of Skye has become an extremely popular destination and as such, tends to be busy all year-round. Spring and Autumn can be quieter times to visit but with Scotland, you always risk bad weather no matter what time of year you visit.

I visited the Isle of Skye in October and had mild, dry weather all week.

Zara and her friend walk down a steep gravel path while being bathed in golden sunlight. In the distance, you can see epic mountain ranges, and lochs.

Is it free to visit most attractions?

Yes – the wonderful thing about the Isle of Skye is that you can easily travel on a budget if you want to primarily see the natural landscapes and scenery. The Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point, and the Fairy Pools are all free to visit. You’ll just need to pay for your parking and your food for the day.

Is Skye good for solo travel?

Absolutely. The Isle of Skye is a safe and welcoming destination for solo adventurers – just be sure to plan ahead and use common sense, especially if hiking alone in remote areas.

What should I wear on Skye?

The weather in Scotland is changeable even in the summer, so it’s important to be prepared and include plenty of layers, lightweight, quick drying clothing and waterproofs in your Isle of Skye packing list. Walking boots are also important!

Isle of Skye Accommodation

If you’re looking for accommodation on the Isle of Skye, here are our top recommendations…

Budget Accommodation

The Old Electric Store – If you’re after low-cost accommodation on the Isle of Skye, your best bet is to look at hostels and guesthouses in Portree. This is a great base to explore the island, however, Neist Point is over 1 hour away from Portree by car. This budget guesthouse offers comfortable rooms and free WiFi in Portree, and offers rooms for only £69 per night.

Broadford Backpackers Hostel – This hostel, located in the South of the Isle of Skye, offers private rooms and dormitory rooms. The hostel offers free WiFi and a shared lounge and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.

Mid-Range Accommodation

Aurora Rural Retreats – this reasonably priced chalet is in a stunning location. You’ll enjoy a terrace and sea views in a dark sky location, perfect for aurora hunting.

Coral Cabins – Located in Dunvegan, these stunning cabins aren’t too far from Neist Point and are located in a beautiful rural location. If you want to immerse yourself in the Scottish highland countryside, these cabins are the perfect choice. Each cabin has a terrace overlooking the sea!

Luxury Accommodation

Dark Skye Cottage – If you’re after something special for your Isle of Skye trip, this stunning coastal property is for you. Only a short drive from Neist Point, this 2-bedroom cottage has incredible views and is ideal for Northern Lights spotting due to its location enjoying fantastic dark skies.

Hame on Skye – This beautiful high-end guesthouse offers cosy rooms, an onsite restaurant, a great location with scenic views over a lake and a highly rated breakfast service.

A Pinterest image showing a collage of 4 photos of the Isle of Skye. The images include a variety of hiking trails, a highland cow and a waterfall on a cliff. The text overlaying the image reads '8 Epic things to do on the Isle of Skye'.
A Pinterest image showing a collage of 2 photos of the Isle of Skye. The images include a the Fairy Pools and Eileen Donan Castle. The text overlaying the image reads '8 Awesome Places on the Isle of Skye, Scotland'.
A Pinterest image showing a collage of 4 photos of the Isle of Skye. The images include a variety of hiking trails, a waterfall on a cliff and the Old Man of Storr. The text overlaying the image reads '8 Best things to do on the Isle of Skye'.

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Zara Aitken is a UK-based travel blogger and the founder of Passport for Living. While sharing her travel stories, hiking guides and travel inspiration online since 2015, she has travelled to over 25 countries and is still counting. She's on a mission to help others travel solo on a budget, promoting adventure travel and authentic cultural experiences along the way.

7 Comments

  1. Thanks for the lovely pictures! My sister and I are so excited to see Isle of Skye May 2018. Our mother’s family were the pipers for the King and had a music College for 300 years on Skye. Your picture are inspirational! Thanks Ruth from California😁

    1. Thank you so much Ruth. That’s means a lot. Wow, your family history sounds amazing! Skye really is one of the most amazing places I have ever been! I can’t wait to go back. Have an amazing time! Zara 🙂

  2. Superb images and narrative! Now I’m even more looking forward to my first visit to Skye this spring. Thank you for sharing,
    Dina x

  3. Great post! and the photos are amazing! Scotland is on my list to return one day! So cool that you visited the Talisker distillery, they have one of my favorite whiskies. 🙂

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