17 Best Places to Visit on the Isle of Skye
There are so many incredible places to visit on the Isle of Skye, from dramatic landscapes like the Old Man of Storr and The Quairing to hidden gems like Loch Coruisk. On my recent trip to Skye, I explored the island in-depth, visiting charming towns, historic castles, whisky distilleries, waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery.
Based on my experience, I’ve put together this guide to the best places to visit on the Isle of Skye to help you plan an unforgettable trip to one of Scotland’s most beautiful destinations.
Map of the Best Places to Visit on the Isle of Skye
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Best Landmarks & Natural Places to Visit on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic natural landmarks. Below, you’ll find a list of my recommendations on the best landmarks and natural places to visit on the Isle of Skye.
1. Old Man of Storr
Location: 57.5071° N, 6.1831° W (GPS coordinates)
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Best way to visit: Hiking
Old Man of Storr is a unique rocky pinnacle that has become an iconic place to visit on the Isle of Skye.
Located on the Trotternish Peninsula, this distinctive landmark is believed to have been formed by an ancient landslide that happened millions of years ago.
However, local legends tell stories of how Skye was once the land of giants. One of these giants was slain in battle and buried here, his thumb was left sticking out of the ground—forming the Old Man of Storr.
How to Visit the Old Man of Storr
The best way to see the Old Man is by hiking. If you are visiting in the high season, I’d recommend going right at sunrise as this is one of the most popular hikes on Skye.
There are two different trails: the Storr Interpretive Trail which is a more moderate, gradual climb and the Old Man of Storr trail which is steeper and more difficult. Both trails eventually join for views of the Old Man.
2. The Quairing
Location: 57.6436° N, 6.2653° W (GPS coordinates)
Time needed: 2-3 hours to hike the full circut
Best way to visit: Hiking or a short walk from the car park to the 1st viewpoint
Another incredible place to visit on Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula is The Quiraing – a landform on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach.
Like the Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing was formed millions of years ago in the Tertiary Age. Today, it provides some of the most stunning and unique landscapes on the Isle of Skye, and really is a must-visit place.
How to Visit The Quairing
The Quairing is best known for being an amazing hiking spot due to its out of this world landscapes and incredible views. The most popular hike is a challenging 4.5 mile circuit which takes 2-3 hours in good weather.
However, you can visit The Quairing without hiking by driving to the parking area and then just walking a few minutes for some fantastic views.
Keep in mind the road to the Quairing is difficult to drive because it is a steep, single track road so be very careful and only drive if you feel confident with single track roads. We did need to reverse and pull off a few times for other cars – it was quite the experience to say the least!
Nervous about driving on Skye? Take this Full Day Tour from Portree!
This is an easy way to see the BEST of Skye without the stress of driving.
Plus, its a small group tour so you’ll learn a lot about Skye from your guide without it feeling too crowded or “touristy”.
Don’t miss out – Book Tour of Skye Here
3. Loch Coruisk
Location: 57.2062° N, 6.1666° W (GPS coordinates)
Time needed: ~3 hours total (with 1.5 hours ashore)
Best way to visit: Boat Tour from Egol
Loch Coruisk is a complete hidden gem on the Isle of Skye – and honestly the landscape here is stunning. The loch is surrounded by the dramatic Cullins Mountains, which are the highest mountain range in all of the UK.
Just outside of Loch Coruisk you can even see a colony of seals sunbathing on the rocks!
Loch Coruisk is not only stunning but also steeped in legend — its dark waters are said to be home to a Kelpie, a shapeshifting water spirit that tries to lure visitors into the depths of the loch.
How to Visit Loch Coruisk
Loch Coruisk is a hidden gem for a reason – you can’t simply drive there. In fact, the only way to reach it is by hiking through the mountains (you would need to have a guide and be an expert level hiker) or by taking a boat tour from Egol. There are two options for boat trips: Bella Jane Tours or Misty Isle Boat Tours.
I personally took the Misty Isle Boat Tour to Loch Coruisk and highly recommend it. This is a small, family-run boat tour company that will take you to Loch Coruisk where you’ll have time to explore the area. Plus, be on the lookout for seals and other wildlife along the way!
4. The Fairy Glen
Location: 57.5824° N, 6.3249° W (GPS coordinates)
Time needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Best way to visit: Short walk
Back on the famous Trotternish Peninsula you will find the legendary Fairy Glen, an area that is known for its lush green, unique landscapes.
In the center, you’ll find the Castle Ewen. While it may appear slightly to be a ruin of some sort, Castle Ewen is not a castle, but a natural forming basalt outcrop.
Interestingly enough, there aren’t any strong local legends surrounding this place but it definitely has an otherworldly feel to it which is why it gets associated with fairies in modern day.
How to Visit The Fairy Glen
The Fairy Glen is just outside of the village of Uig and you can visit it by driving and then taking a short walk (about 10 minutes) to Castle Ewen.
I’ve seen mixed reactions about the Fairy Glen. I think this is because it can get crowded and people compare it to more dramatic landscapes like The Quairing.
However, I visited the Fairy Glen around sunset and I loved it. I thought it was such a lush, pretty landscape that was worth seeing. Plus, it can be a short visit (I spent about an hour here but you could see it in 40 minutes).
5. The Fairy Pools
Location: 57.2503° N, 6.2583° W (GPS coordinates)
Time needed: 2 hours
Best way to visit: Easy out-and-back hike
Not to be confused with the Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools are a separate place to visit on Skye. They are located in Glen Brittle and consist of a series of pools and small waterfalls.
The Fairy Pools became popular due to their turquoise-blue pools, which in the right light can have a shimmery effect.
However, I want to stress the “with the right light and weather” part here. I think this is one of those places that went viral on social media yet you won’t always see the “shimmery” waters here. It still has a pretty landscape and is a nice place for a walk, keeping in mind realistic expectations.
What I think is more interesting about the Fairy Pools are the legends that surround it and claim that the fairy pools are a gateway to the Fairy Realm.
How to Visit the Fairy Pools
To get to the Fairy Pools you will need to drive a short ways on a single track road, so use caution.
Once at the parking area, you’ll hike down to the first fairy pools and continue on from there. It is a fairly easy out-and-back path, making it a good option for non-hikers. On average, most people can visit in about 2 hours.
The Fairy Pools are very popular and can get crowded, but visiting in the evening—or early morning—makes for a quieter experience. I personally visited in the evening and there wasn’t too many people.
Also – if you are visiting in the summer bring Midge spray! While we didn’t have any issues with midges (in May) they can be bad here.
6. Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
Location: 57.6113° N, 6.1727° W (GPS coordinates)
Time needed: 20-30 minutes
Best way to visit: Short walk
If dramatic scenery is on your Skye bucketlist then a stop at Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls is a perfect choice.
Kilt Rock is a stunning 90m tall basalt column cliff, that almost gives the appearance of a kilt. In fact, one of the myths surrounding this place is that the giants of Skye used to hang their kilts here before plunging into the waters for a swim.
Near Kilt Rock is also the beautiful Mealt Falls – a 60m tall, cliffside waterfall that plunges down into the Sound of Raasay.
How to Visit Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
Visiting this place on Skye is easy, as both are simply a short walk from the car park and there is a large space to view the cliff and waterfall from.
If you are driving along the Trotternish Peninsula it is worth a quick stop!
7. An Corran Beach
Location: 57.6366° N, 6.2049° W (Gps Coordinates)
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Best way to visit: Visit during low tide to look for dinosaur footprints
An Corran Beach is famous because you can see real dinosaur footprints here! These dinosaur foot prints have been imprinted in the sandstone, and were first discovered by a woman walking her dog along the beach back in 2002.
Since then, multiple dinosaur footprints have been found that date back to the Middle Jurassic period. The tracks are believed to be that of Megalosaurus and sauropods, which roamed the Isle of Skye over 168 million years ago!
If you are interested in dinosaurs, you can also check out the nearby Staffin Fossil Museum.
Or if you like beaches, then some of the other best beaches to visit on Isle of Skye include: Talisker Bay (black sand beach), Glenbrittle Beach (Cullin mountain views), and Coral Beach (white coral sand beach).
How to Visit An Corran Beach
An Corran Beach is near the village of Staffin on Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula. The most important thing to know before going here is that to find the dinosaur footprints you need to go a low tide. You can check tide times here.
8. Lealt Falls
Location: 57.565250, -6.155053 (GPS Coordinates)
Time needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Best way to visit: Easy walk
Lealt Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the Trotternish Peninsula. The waterfall has a cool viewing platform that allows you to get a great view of the 90m tall waterfall.
Located near Lealt Falls are several other viewpoints of the cliffs above the Sound of Raasay. Its an incredibly scenic spot!
Depending when you visit I’d recommend grabbing coffee or a hot dog from the Constables Coffee Truck.
How to Visit Lealt Falls
Visiting Lealt Falls is super easy as it is just a short walk from the car park to the observation deck. After visiting, you can head back north towards the other viewpoints of the cliffs.
9. Brother’s Point
Location: HVP6+V9 Portree, United Kingdom
Time needed: 2 hours
Best way to visit: Hiking
Brother’s Point is a stunning peninsula and another place to go hiking amongst the lush, green scenery of Skye. The best part about this hike is that its less crowded than the Old Man of Storr and The Quairing!
Additionally, a few years ago there were dinosaur footprints found along the beach area of Brother’s Point. To see them, you’ll want to visit at low tide.
How to Visit Brother’s Point
Near the Glenview Hotel, there is a small car park on the left. From here you’ll cross the street, head south, and look for the sign stating “Rubha nam Brathairean.” This is where you’ll start the 2.25 mile hike.
Best Cultural & Historic Places on the Isle of Skye
While the Isle of Skye is best known for its dramatic landscapes, the island is also rich in culture and history. From charming villages and castles to whisky distilleries, there are countless cultural and historic places to visit on Skye.
10. Portree
Location: Portree, UK
Time needed: 1-3 hours, or you can opt to stay in the town!
Of course you can’t talk about the best places to visit on the Isle of Skye without mentioning its most popular town: Portree!
Portree is not only the largest town on Skye, but its also famous for its colorful houses along the harbor.
In addition to its pretty harbor, there are lots of restaurants, shops, and hotels in Portree which make it a perfect place to stay while visiting Skye. Plus, it has easy access to the popular Trotternish Peninsula.
How to Visit Portree
As the biggest town, Portree is easy to visit – although finding parking can be a bit of a challenge. I recommend going here in the evening to get dinner in Portree and to see the sun start to set over the harbor.
For a picturesque view of the colorful harbor houses, head to a street called Bosville Terrace. It goes up a slight hill and is the perfect spot for some photos.
11. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Location: Dunvegan House, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye IV55 8WF, UK
Time needed: 1-3 hours
Dunvegan Castle is perhaps the most famous castle on Skye (but not the only one)! The castle is the ancestral home for the chiefs of the MacLeod Clan. Its been occupied by the family for 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in all of Scotland.
As you can probably tell, there is a lot of history surrounding this castle which makes it a must-visit place in Skye for history buffs (like myself).
In addition to the castle, there are also lovely gardens and short boat trips to see a local colony of seals.
How to Visit Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle is located on the Duirinish peninsula on Skye. Its open seasonally (typically from the beginning of April to mid-October). The castle hours are 10am-5:30pm with last admission at 5pm.
The castle can get busy, especially during the summer but you can typically purchase tickets on site.
12. Talisker Distillery
Location: Carbost, Isle of Skye IV47 8SR, United Kingdom
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Talisker Distillery sits on the shores of Loch Harport in Carbost. Its the oldest operating distillery on the Isle of Skye, and was first opened in 1830.
Today, Talisker is famous for its peaty, maritime single malts. The distillery offers guided tours, tastings, and a chance to experience one of Scotland’s most iconic whiskies at its source.
How to Visit Talisker Distillery
The best way to visit Talisker Distillery is by taking a tour. The distillery offers a few different tour options, including a standard 1-hour tour & whisky tasting. However, this is one of the most popular things to do in Skye, so you will want to book in advance via the Talisker Distillery website.
13. Torabhaig Distillery
Torabhaig Distillery is a small, independently owned single malt whisky distillery. It opened up on Skye’s Sleat Peninsula in 2017.
While the distillery may be new, there is still plenty of history surrounding this place as the original building is a historic farmhouse dating back to 1760.
Today, you can tour the distillery, visit the Whisky shop, or enjoy some drinks at the small cafe on-site.
Location: Torabhaig Distillery, Teangue, Sleat, Isle Of Skye, Teangue IV44 8RE
Time needed: 45 minutes
How to Visit Torabhaig Distillery
Of course, there is no better way to experience a distillery than by doing a tour and whisky tasting! Torabhaig Distillery offers a few different tour options including a regular distillery tour & tasting, a chocolate & whisky pairing, and a warehouse tour.
We did the 45 minute standard distillery tour and found it to be a great way to learn more about whisky while getting to try a few samples!
If you want to book a tour, I recommend booking in advance via their website.
14. Skye Museum of Island Life
Location: Kilmuir, By Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9UE
Time needed: 1-2 hours
The Museum of Island Life is located on the Trotternish Peninsula. The museum consists of thatched cottages, which each offer a unique perspective into the past to see how crofter’s lived and worked on the Isle of Skye over 100 years ago.
The historic cottages were first opened in 1965 and are designed to help teach and preserve the highland culture and history. Its a great place to visit to understand more about the history and culture of the regular people on Skye.
How to Visit The Museum of Island Life
The museum is open seasonally, usually from Easter weekend to early September. Opening hours are between 10am – 5pm (last admission 4:30pm). Tickets can be purchased on-site.
15. Armadale Castle
Location: Armadale Sleat, Isle of Skye IV45 8RS, UK
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Located in Skye’s Sleat Peninsula, Armadale Castle was once the seat of Clan MacDonald, one of Scotland’s most powerful clans. This clan in particular had quite the clash with another powerful family – the MacLeod Clan (who own Dunvegan Castle).
Today, the castle is a beautiful, romantic ruin – surrounded by stunning gardens. There is also a small museum on site where you can learn more about the history of the area.
How to Visit Armadale Castle
Armadale Castle is open seasonally, from April 1st to November 1st. The hours are 9:30am – 5pm (last entry 4:30pm).
If you plan to visit after November of 2025, you’ll need to check their website for visitor information as the estate was recently sold and may undergo changes in the coming years.
16. Old Sligachan Bridge
Location: Sligachan, Isle of Skye IV47 8SW, United Kingdom
Time needed: 20-30 minutes
The Old Sligachan Bridge dates back to 1810, and was once a vital part of one of the main roads on Skye. Today, it is used by pedestrians and cyclists, but is also a great photo stop.
As with many landmarks on Skye, there is local folklore surrounding the Old Sligachan Bridge. The legend says that if you dip your face in the water that flows below the bridge for 7 seconds (and let it dry naturally), then the fairies will grant you eternal beauty.
How to Visit the Old Sligachan Bridge
The Old Sligachan Bridge is one of the most accessible landmarks to visit on the Isle of Skye. Its located off the main A87 road, not too far from Portree. There is a fairly large parking lot and then its just an easy walk to the bridge.
17. Neist Point Lighthouse
Location: 57.42336° N -6.78827° W (GPS Coordinates)
Time needed: ~2 hours
Neist Point Lighthouse is another iconic place in Skye, and is known for its dramatic cliffs and ocean views. This spot in particular is known for being the best place to watch the sunset on the Isle of Skye.
How to Visit Neist Point Lighthouse
Neist Point is on the western side of Skye, near the village of Glendale. To get there you will need to travel along a single track road, and then there is a small parking lot.
From the parking lot, its about a 30-45 minute walk up to the lighthouse. Keep in mind that if you visit during summer, it can get busy here – especially at sunset.
Best Places to Visit on the Isle of Skye in Winter
The above mentioned places in Skye are best visited from the beginning of April through October. This is because Skye can experience harsh winters, and many attractions, restaurants, and even hotels will close during the winter months.
However, here are some options of places to visit on Skye in winter:
❄️ Portree
❄️ Sligachan Bridge
❄️ The Fairy Pools
❄️ The Fairy Glen
❄️ Talisker Distillery (reduced hours in winter)
❄️ Old Man of Storr (depending on the weather)
❄️ The Quairing (depending on the weather)
❄️ Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting in Winter?
Isle of Skye is worth visiting in winter if you want a less crowded, quieter experience. Many restaurants and some attractions are not open in the winter, but if you plan to rent a self-catering apartment to simply relax, enjoy the views, and spend your nights looking for the Northern Lights – this could be a good time to visit. You just need to be aware of the harsh weather conditions, especially because this can make the roads hazardous to drive.
FAQs Best Places to Visit on the Isle of Skye
The best part of Skye for visitors is the The Trotternish Peninsula. Not only does this part of Skye have beautiful scenery, but there is a lot to do here including hiking trails, iconic landmarks, and more.
Spending a minimum of 3 nights in Skye is ideal because that gives you 2 full days to explore. Isle of Skye is quite large, the weather can be iffy, and it can take awhile to get to different places to visit so its best to have at least 2 full days on the island.
The prettiest village on Isle of Skye is Portree, which is famous for its pastel colored houses that line the harbor. It is especially pretty at the times of sunrise or sunset.
The best month to visit Skye is in May. During May you will have longer days and better weather than the winter months. May is also just before the high season so it should be less crowded than June, July, and August. Alternatively, late September and October can be ideal times to visit.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is truly a magical destination, with its local legends & history mixed with some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland. While there are many places to see here, the above list covers what in my opinion are some of the best places to visit on the Isle of Skye!
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