12 best things to do on the isle of skye

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Of the hundreds of islands in Scotland, the Isle of Skye is one of the most popular and iconic. Known for its rugged landscapes and striking mountain scenery, Skye is a dream destination with something for everyone, from nature lovers to leisure seekers. Whether you’re planning an epic hike, a scenic road trip, or simply searching for the best things to do on the Isle of Skye, this travel guide will show you the island’s must see spots.

Table Of Contents

  1. Table Of Contents
  2. 1. Skye Market Square
  3. 2. Sligachan Old Bridge
  4. 3. Portree
  5. 4. Old Man of Storr
  6. 5. Lealt Falls
  7. 6. Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
  8. 7. An Corran Beach
  9. 8. The Quiraing
  10. 9. The Fairy Glen
  11. 10. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
  12. 11. Neist Point
  13. 12. Fairy Pools 
  14. Map of Locations
  15. Where to Stay in the Isle of Skye
  16. Related Posts

1. Skye Market Square

A lovely stop in Broadford

Time Needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour

The exterior of The Market Kitchen and Skye Market Square shops in Broadford, Isle of Skye.
Grabbing a bite to eat at the Skye Market Square in Broadford.

Skye Market Square is a lovely collection of local stores, located right next to the Co-op on the main street of Broadford. I stumbled upon it while searching for breakfast options and spotted The Market Kitchen on Google Maps.

The Market Kitchen serves up a delicious range of Scottish breakfast rolls. I highly recommend the streaky maple-cured bacon with a hash brown, paired with your choice of hot drink of your choice. Perfect fuel for a day of exploring Skye.

Once you’ve filled your belly, you can wander through the surrounding shops. You’ll find a mix of local food products, handmade crafts, unique gifts, and antiques. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir to remember your time on Skye.

2. Sligachan Old Bridge

A classic Skye photo spot

Time Needed: 10 – 20 minutes

  • A historic three-arch stone bridge crossing a fast-flowing river at Sligachan on the Isle of Skye.
    The historic stone bridge at Sligachan arching over the river.
  • The Black Cuillin Mountains peaking through the clouds behind the Sligachan River.
    The Black Cuillin Mountains peaking through the clouds behind the Sligachan River.

As the name suggests, Sligachan Old Bridge is a historic stone bridge crossing the River Sligachan that dates back to the early 1800s. It’s a scenic spot with the Cuillin Mountains in the background and the river flowing beneath.

Located right next to a free car park, it’s perfect for a quick photo stop or a short stroll.

3. Portree

The heart of the Isle of Skye

Time Needed: 2 hours

A landscape view of the colorful pink, yellow, and blue houses at the Portree waterfront with boats anchored in the harbor.
The famous row of brightly colored houses lining the waterfront in Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye.

Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye and is often used as a base for travellers visiting due to its central location on the island.

While you’re there, take time to wander through the town and down to the harbour, where you’ll find the iconic view of the colourful buildings along the waterfront.

There’s also a good selection of shops, cafes and restaurants making it the perfect stop for a meal or a bit of shopping.

4. Old Man of Storr

A short hike with big views

Time Needed: 2 hours

A person standing on a grassy ridge with arms outstretched, looking at the jagged rock pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr under a cloudy sky.
Standing atop a rocky outcrop, overlooking the dramatic pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr.

One of the most popular hikes on Skye, the Old Man of Storr is not to be missed. This striking pillar of basalt rock broke away from the cliffs of the Trotternish Ridge, a dramatic landscape shaped millions of years ago by ancient volcanic activity and massive landslides.

Along the trail, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Loch Leathan and the Isles of Raasay and Rona, as well as an incredible perspective of the Old Man itself.

The hike is an out-and-back route, totaling around 5 km (3 miles). Due to its popularity, it’s best to plan ahead to avoid crowds and limited parking.

Check out my full guide for Hiking the Old Man of Storr to help you make the most of your visit

5. Lealt Falls

Impressive scenic falls

Time Needed: 15 – 30 minutes

A high-angle view of two waterfalls flowing through a steep, green canyon on the Isle of Skye under a moody, overcast sky.
The cascades of Lealt Falls rushing through the gorge.

The Isle of Skye is home to many waterfalls, and Lealt Falls is one of the most accessible and impressive. 

Just a 25 minute drive from Portree, you can pull into the free car park and admire the falls from a wooden viewing platform. Making it a great quick stop even for those on a tight schedule. 

If you have more time, you can also take an easy walk along the gorge, offering a different perspective of the falls and sweeping views of the coastline where the water cascades towards the sea.  

6. Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

A dramatic duo

Time Needed: 10 – 20 minutes

A dramatic waterfall falling from a high green sea cliff into the ocean, with the textured rock of Kilt Rock in the background.
Mealt Falls plunging over the basalt columns of Kilt Rock directly into the sea below.

When I said Skye is home to many waterfalls, I meant it. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are a striking duo, a dramatic cliff face that resembles the pleats of a kilt, and a waterfall plunging straight into the sea below. 

This is another easily accessible stop, with a large car park and an easy walk to the coastal viewpoint. It’s another stop that’s perfect for a quick visit and fantastic photo opportunity.

7. An Corran Beach

Search for dinosaur footprints

Time Needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour

  • A person walking on flat, seaweed-covered rocks at An Corran Beach with the blue ocean and a grassy island in the background.
    Walking along the unique, rocky shoreline of An Corran Beach near Staffin, famous for its dinosaur footprints.
  • A wide landscape view of the rocky coast at An Corran Beach under a bright blue sky with white fluffy clouds.
    The rugged coastline of An Corran Beach, where low tide reveals ancient geological formations and tidal pools.

It’s time to go searching for dinosaur footprints on An Corran Beach – and no, I’m not joking! 

The area around Staffin is known as the ‘dinosaur stomping ground of Scotland’, where real Jurassic footprints have been uncovered. As you walk over the flat rocks, keep an eye out for the three-toed prints of the Megalosaurus. 

I first heard about them from an enthusiastic local, who showed me photos of what to look for on his phone. He did warn me that I might not spot them after recent storms had likely buried the prints under sand and seaweed. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t find any myself, but hopefully you’ll have better luck. But if you don’t find the footprints, the beach has stunning views of the Trotternish Ridge and nearby cliffs so it’s worth a stop on its own.

8. The Quiraing

A landscape carved by time Time Needed:

Viewpoint only: 15 – 30 minutes 
Full hike: 3 – 4 hours

  • High angle landscape view of the Quiraing mountain range and green cliffs on the Isle of Skye overlooking the ocean.
    Looking down over the Trotternish Ridge, where the massive ancient landslip of the Quiraing meets the sea.
  • A person hiking on a narrow dirt path along a steep green hillside with dramatic rock cliffs in the background.
    Following the narrow trail winding beneath the massive cliffs of the Quiraing.

The Quiraing is part of the dramatic Trotternish Ridge, a landscape shaped millions of years ago by massive landslides and ancient volcanic lava flows. It’s a truly unique area combining rocky peaks, grassy plateaus, streams and cliffs with breathtaking views across the rolling hills and out across Staffin Bay. 

When visiting the Quiraing, you can simply head to the viewpoint not far from the carpark or take on the full 6.5km (4 mile) loop hike. 

This is my favourite hike on the Isle of Skye, I’ve put together a detailed Quiraing hiking guide to help you plan it

9. The Fairy Glen

A magical landscape

Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes

  • A man standing with arms outstretched on top of a tall, grassy rock formation known as Castle Ewen in the Fairy Glen.
    Reaching the summit of Castle Ewen, a natural rock formation that offers panoramic views of the Fairy Glen.
  • A small lake reflecting the green hills and blue sky of the Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye.
    A perfectly still pond in the Fairy Glen.

Walking into the Fairy Glen feels like you are stepping into another world. You’re surrounded by vibrant green grassy mounds, unusual shaped rock formations and scattered ponds, it truly is an unusual landscape. 

It’s easy to see how the ‘Fairy Glen’ got its name, because if fairytale creatures were living anywhere in Scotland, it would be here.

10. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle

Time Needed: 1 – 2 hours

The stone entrance gates and ticket booth for Dunvegan Castle and Gardens on a gray, overcast day.
The ticket office and stone gateway leading to Dunvegan Castle.

Dunvegan Castle is known for being the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. When visiting the castle you can choose to take a guided tour and learn more about the rich history or explore at your own pace with a self guided visit.

11. Neist Point

Skye’s dramatic western edge

Time Needed: 1 – 1.5 hours

A wide view of the dramatic green cliffs and walking path at Neist Point on the Isle of Skye, overlooking the blue Atlantic Ocean.
The winding concrete path leading down the steep green cliffs toward the Neist Point lighthouse at the westernmost tip of Skye.

Visiting Neist Point, you’ll find yourself on the most westerly tip of the Isle of Skye. 

From the car park, it’s a 3 km (1.9 miles) out-and-back trail across the headland, offering views over the scenic cliffs and out to sea. At the end of the path, you’ll reach the Neist Point Lighthouse.

Tip: The day I visited, it was extremely windy and the headland is completely exposed, so I’d recommend dressing in layers and bringing a windproof jacket!

12. Fairy Pools 

Time Needed: 1.5 – 2 hours

  • Close-up of a deep, clear green pool of water surrounded by large rocks at the Fairy Pools.
    The deep emerald and turquoise colors of a submerged rock shelf in one of the many Fairy Pools.
  • A wide waterfall pouring into a rocky stream with the jagged peaks of the Cuillin mountains in the distance.
    One of the larger waterfalls along the Fairy Pools hiking trail.

Nestled at the foot of the Black Cullin mountains, the Fairy Pools are a series of crystal clear natural pools linked by small waterfalls. They’re one of the most iconic sights on the Isle of Skye and it’s not hard to see why. 
From the large car park, a trail follows the stream and pools. You can walk as far as you like, with crowds thinning the further you go. The walk itself is just as rewarding as the views, with plenty of photo stops along the way.
If you’re feeling brave, wild swimming is possible here but be prepared for freezing water no matter the season.

Map of Locations

How to use this map

You can use your mouse or fingers to zoom in/out. For more details, click/tap on the icons. If you’d like to save the map for later use in your google account click on the ‘★’ next to the map title.

Where to Stay in the Isle of Skye

Staffin Caravan & Camping 

A lovely little campsite tucked away from the main road, yet close to many of Skye’s top sights. An Corran Beach, the Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Lealt Falls, and Kilt Rock with Mealt Falls are all within a 15-minute drive, making this a great base for exploring the island’s best things to do. 

The facilities are a bonus, too. An indoor camp kitchen offers a welcome escape from the winds when you want to cook. And if you’d rather skip the cooking, there’s a small kiosk on site serving food in the evenings and breakfast in the mornings.

Portree Campsite

Conveniently located in Portree, the “heart of the Isle of Skye”, this campsite makes a great base for exploring the island.

What sets it apart are the facilities. A fellow camper even described the bathrooms as “deluxe.” They’re modern, heated, and come with spacious showers, a Dyson hairdryer, and plenty of room to get ready, luxurious touches for anyone spending time on the road.

You’ll also find free washing machines and dryers, which come in handy after days spent hiking, exploring, or battling the Scottish weather.

Glenbrittle Campsite & Cafe

If you’re craving a digital detox, this campsite is the perfect escape. Tucked away in the south of the island, there’s no phone signal or Wi-Fi here, just nature. 

The site sits right along the shoreline, with peaceful walks nearby for when you want to stretch your legs. And for a cozy treat, there’s a small café where you can warm up with a hot drink and a pastry.

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