12 Unmissable Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
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Have you ever gone on a road trip where you feel the urge to pull over every few minutes and take a photo? The Isle of Skye is one of those places.
From ancient volcanic landscapes and rocky sea cliffs to grassy green valleys, there’s a lot to admire and so many things to do on the Isle of Skye. It’s no wonder it’s one of Scotland’s most popular and iconic islands.
The Isle of Skye is set just off the rugged west coast of the Scottish Highlands, and is easily accessible, as it’s connected to the mainland via the Skye Bridge. It’s an incredible place to experience some of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland, whether you’re hiking the Old Man of Storr, exploring the quaint villages or simply stopping to appreciate the views.
This guide covers the best things to do on the Isle of Skye, including unmissable viewpoints and all the must-see places.
Table Of Contents
- Table Of Contents
- Hike to the Old Man of Storr
- Visit the Fairy Pools
- Visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
- Hike the Quiraing
- Neist Point Lighthouse
- Lealt Falls Viewpoint
- Walk Along An Corran Beach
- Admire the Views at Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
- Wander Through the Fairy Glen
- Explore the Colourful Harbour in Portree
- Stop by Skye Market Square
- Sligachan Old Bridge
- Map of Locations
- Where to Stay in the Isle of Skye
- Related Posts
Hike to the Old Man of Storr
Time Needed: 2 hours
The Old Man of Storr is one of the best hikes on the Isle of Skye and is not to be missed. The “Old Man” is a tall pillar of basalt rock formation that rises up from the slopes of the Trotternish Ridge. The ridge was formed millions of years ago by ancient volcanic activity and massive landslides.
Along the trail, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Loch Leathan and across to the Isles of Raasay and Rona, as well as an incredible perspective of the Old Man itself.
The hike follows an out-and-back route, totalling around 5km (3 miles). It’s best to arrive early to secure parking as it’s one of the most popular hikes on Skye.
You should also check the weather forecast before you set off. When I first pulled up at the car park, ready to start my hike, it was so windy the car was shaking and it was pouring with rain. I had to reschedule my hike for the next day!
For more essential tips, check out my full guide to help you make the most of your visit: Old Man of Storr Hike: Everything You Need to Know (Distance, Difficulty & Views)
Visit the Fairy Pools
Time Needed: 1.5 – 2 hours
A visit to the Fairy Pools (also known as the Faerie Pools) is one of the must-do things on the Isle of Skye. Located in Glen Brittle beneath the Black Cullin Mountains, the Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear natural pools linked by small waterfalls. Each one is unique in shape and size as they cascade down the mountainside.
From the large car park, a trail follows the stream of pools. You can walk as far as you like, there’s no point that signifies the end of the trail. It continues towards the base of the mountains, becoming more rugged, and the further you go, the quieter it becomes.
If you’re feeling brave, wild swimming is possible here, but be prepared for freezing water no matter the season, as it comes straight from the mountains.
Visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
Time Needed: 1 – 2 hours
No trip to Scotland is complete without visiting a few castles, and Dunvegan Castle and Gardens is a great one to include during your time on the Isle of Skye.
Dunvegan Castle is known for being the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. It’s been occupied by the same family for the last 800 years, the MacLeod Clan. After seeing the castle, you can spend time wandering around the surrounding formal gardens.
The castle is open seasonally from April to mid-October. There’s no need to pre-book, you can purchase your ticket on arrival from the ticket office. 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.
Hike the Quiraing
Time Needed:
Viewpoint only: 15 – 30 minutes
Full hike: 3 – 4 hours
One of the best places to visit on the Isle of Skye is the Quiraing. It’s part of the 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 views across the rolling hills and out towards Staffin Bay.
From the Quiraing Car Park you can start the 6.5 km (4 mile) loop hike, or if you’re not wanting to hike you can head to the viewpoint a short walk from the car park.
This is my favourite hike on the Isle of Skye, and I’ve put together a detailed Quiraing hiking guide to help you plan it: Hiking the Quiraing, Isle of Skye: Route, Tips and What to Expect
Neist Point Lighthouse
Time Needed: 1 – 1.5 hours
Visiting Neist Point, you’ll find yourself on the most westerly tip of the Isle of Skye. It is quite a remote location, and you’ll be driving along kilometres of single-track roads to reach it. There’s plenty of passing places, but if you encounter oncoming traffic you’ll need to be patient and allow extra time to reach the point.
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.
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. There are also no toilet facilities out here, so plan ahead.
Lealt Falls Viewpoint
Time Needed: 15 – 30 minutes
Lealt Falls is one of many waterfalls on the Isle of Skye, and one of the most accessible and impressive to visit.
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. From here, you’ll see the waterfall plunging down into the coastal gorge before continuing towards the sea.
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. It’s a peaceful spot and often much quieter than some of the Skye’s more famous attractions.
Walk Along An Corran Beach
Time Needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour
It’s time to go searching for dinosaur footprints on An Corran Beach – 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, 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.
Admire the Views at Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
Time Needed: 10 – 20 minutes
Kilt Rock is named for its resemblance to a Scottish kilt, with the basalt columns that look like pleats and layered rock creating a pattern similar to tartan. In front of Kilt Rock, you’ll see Mealt Falls plunging straight into the sea below. The waterfall takes its name from Loch Mealt, the freshwater lake that feeds it.
Together they’re an incredible sight. From the viewpoint, you’ll also have sweeping views across the cliffs and out across the sea towards the Isle of Raasay. It’s an easily accessible stop, with a large car park and short walk to the viewpoint, making it a perfect opportunity for a quick visit and photo opportunity.
Wander Through the Fairy Glen
Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
If there were fairies living in Scotland, this is where they would call home. Walking into the Fairy Glen feels like stepping into a magical world, and it’s easy to see how it got its name.
Like many other landscapes on the Isle of Skye, the unusually shaped rock formations, green grassy mounds and scattered ponds were created by ancient landslides.
One of the most prominent formations is Castle Ewan, a hill with a rock pinnacle at the top that can be climbed for views over the Fairy Glen.
Visiting the Fairy Glen is one of the most unique experiences on the Isle of Skye.
Explore the Colourful Harbour in Portree
Time Needed: 2 hours
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.
Stop by Skye Market Square
Time Needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour
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, and a hot drink. 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.
Sligachan Old Bridge
Time Needed: 10 – 20 minutes
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 walk.
Map of Locations
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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, often considered 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 enthusiastically described the bathrooms as “deluxe” when she walked into them for the first time – and she wasn’t wrong. They’re modern, heated, and come with spacious showers, a Dyson hairdryer, and plenty of room to get ready, much appreciated 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.
