Welcome to Isle of Skye!
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About Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye is technically part of the Highlands but it deserves its own page to showcase the incredible landscape and incredible experiences. If you are planning a trip to the Highlands, we strongly consider adding some time at the Isle of Skye. We won’t have time to add in the many islands, like the Hebrides, but if you have the time and are adventurous, consider adding in the Hebride Islands, northwest of the Isle of Skye.
The Isle of Skye, or simply Skye (/skaɪ/; Scottish Gaelic: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach, is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island’s peninsulas radiate from a mountainous hub dominated by the Cuillin, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. (Wikipedia: Isle of Skye)
There are so many special places on the Isle of Skye. It should be on your bucket list if it is not already. Mealt Falls at Kilt Rock is breathtaking. It is named Kilt Rock for the pleated looking rock formation. Another popular spot is the fairy pools, a magical place with small pools at the base of Culling Mountain. Old Man of Storr is a rock formation that is widely recognized with vast vertical rocks jutting out of the land. The coast winds around the island and each bend offer a new view of the amazing coastline. It is advised to spend a few days discovering these natural areas. There are many opportunities to book a guide if you care to sit back and let the experts show you around. We suggest John Mackay Harbour from Exclusive Scottish Visits.
A special thank you to Aliaume Chapelle for an amazing showcase of the stunning landscape of the Isle of Skye. Be sure to check out the link below the video for other awe-inspiring videos.
Area Planning Guide
Maps & Other Resources
The Isle of Skye is a large island on the western side of the Highlands. Its rock formation and natural surroundings offer some of the most breathtaking travel destinations in Europe.
Eat Play & Stay
Explore more about the wonderful places to see, great restaurants and amazing accommodation in the Isle of Skye! We have chosen one of our favorites for each. Click on the title to learn more, and click Explore More for other options.
Feel free to click on the slide or the icon at the top right to stop and the arrow to continue.
The Old Inn is a free house pub set on the shores of Loch Harport. Popular with locals as well as tourists and hill walkers, The Old Inn offers a warm highland welcome to all including dogs. It is also very close to the Talisker Distillery. They offer wonderful local food at affordable prices. Plus the view cannot be beat! Click on the title or photo or Explore More for other options on the Isle of Skye.
Built in the 1870s as Duirinish School, and latterly serving Dunvegan as a well stocked near-supermarket, the Old School first opened its doors to diners in in 1985. Maryann and Hugh Mackenzie, returning to Skye after a naval career, initially opened the Old School as a tearoom with television repair shop. It quickly evolved into a popular, family restaurant. Click on the title or photo or Explore More for other options.
If you have time for a boat trip while traveling, we always suggest it. It gives you a different view of your location as well as some history and context by the captain. This boat trip is highly rated and leaves from the small village of Elgol. You wil see some amazing wildlife including puffins and seals. Be sure to click on the Tripadvisor page by clicking the title or photo. You can also get to their main page from there. Also click on Explore More for other options in the area.
After hearing John's podcast on virtual tours around Scotland and especially his discription of the Isle of Skye, we highly recommend John for a day trip or multiple trips and a perfect itinerary. There are a lot of blue ribbon hosts that can show you around Scotland. We especially love his passion to share his homeland with you. Chck out his site and inquire for options.
Without a doubt, this is on our bucket list when we set out for the Isle of Skye! This quaint farm has an array of adorable animals and comfortable amenties and an affordale price. The location is just beyond the castle Eilean Donan and before you reach the Isle of Skye. Anytime we can find a host and experience, we go for it. It truly changes the course of your trip to learn from and even stay with locals. Click on the title or photo for more info or Explore More for other options.
Because the Isle of Skye is so popular, the prices can be high, depending where you look. Luckily there are many Bothy (small cottages) and some Pods which offer modern amenities and great views! We found the best place to locate one is on Airbnb. Chck out this pod in Dunvegan. It is super affordable with an incredible water view. Or check out other options by clicking Explore More.
For the most comprehensive travel guides out there, click Trip Savvy and Culture Trip below! These travel sites hire local writers and expert travelers to share the most relevant articles and best tips in the industry! Branding belongs to each respecitve company.
Get Your Guide Options
Local Spotlight
Top 7 Places
by Ryan Shirley
Ryan is always our favorite travel videographers. He makes these shots look simple! You may recognize him from the many Top 10 country videos we have put on this site. Click Explore More to see his Top 10 videos.
Dan Flying Solo
Dan Flying Solo is one of our favorite YouTubers! His website and blog are impressive too. Dan takes you all over Scotland &the Isle of Skye. Be sure to click Explore More for more great tips and place to explore.
Exploring
Shaun is a local Scotlander who loves his country and is anxious to show others his amazing country. He has a series out exploring the Highlands in fall.
Unique Scotland
John Harbour
John Mackay Harbour has 4 podcast episodes on the Isle of Skye. We have included the first to get you started but be sure to look up the rest on his website or where you can download or stream podcasts.
More on the Isle of Skye...
Travel Guide
If you have about 30 minutes, this video is worth it. Words Like Fire Travel Guide takes you to some of the best sits in the Ilse of Skye and offers tips to avoid the crowds and get the best experience. Check out some of his other videos from all over the world.
Flying the Nest is one of our favorite traveling families. YOu will love their enthusiasm to explore all parts of the world. They do not let anything hold them back as they make travel their full time passion. Check out their blog by clicking below and be sure to follow their Youtube Channel.
Cinematic Trip
You will be enamored with the cinematography and viewpoint from a local. Click on Explore More for the official travel site of Scotland and more detailed information on the Isle of Skye.
Off the Beaten Path
Talisker Distillery is the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport in the village of Carbost. Come and visit for a tour of the Distillery, Have a taste of their award winning Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the Visitor Centre at our Talisker Bar.
Island Hopping
Scotland has some amazing islands, each with their own character. The Inner and Outer Hebrides as well as others to the north including the Shetland Islands and Orkney. If you have the time, a ferry ride can get you to any of these islands. Take a look at this video and the button below will showcase many more helpful videos from Visit Scotland.
Virtual Tour ~ Isle of Skye
by Outlandish Journeys
