Isle of Skye Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

With its dramatic landscapes, historic castles, and rich Gaelic culture, the Isle of Skye is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Located off the west coast of Scotland, this captivating island offers a unique blend of rugged beauty and ancient heritage.

One of the main attractions on the Isle of Skye is the stunning Fairy Pools. Nestled at the foot of the Black Cuillin Mountains, these crystal-clear pools are a paradise for hikers and photographers. As you explore the area, you'll be treated to cascading waterfalls, vibrant greenery, and a sense of tranquility that is unmatched. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit, as the Fairy Pools are also a popular spot for a refreshing dip in the cool waters.

For those interested in history, a visit to Dunvegan Castle is a must. This impressive fortress has been the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod for over 800 years and offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's past. Explore the castle's opulent interiors, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and learn about the legends and tales associated with this iconic landmark.

Nature lovers will also be captivated by the Old Man of Storr. This towering rock formation, which stands at over 160 feet tall, is a true marvel of nature. Embark on a hike to the summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Trotternish Ridge and the Sound of Raasay. As you make your way up, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home, including golden eagles and red deer.

No visit to the Isle of Skye would be complete without experiencing its vibrant Gaelic culture. Immerse yourself in traditional music and dance at one of the island's many ceilidhs, or sample local delicacies such as haggis and black pudding. You can also visit the Museum of Island Life, a fascinating exhibition that showcases the history and heritage of the island's inhabitants.

Alternative names: Area: 639.38 mi²Elevation: 574 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 57°21'44"N, 6°14'26"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Isle of Skye Top Attractions

Isle of Skye Attractions - What to See and Explore

Isle of Skye offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Cill Chriosd, Skye Bridge, Loch Coruisk, Quiraing. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church
Cill Chriosd
Cill Chriosd or Kilchrist is a ruined former parish church of Strath, on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It was constructed around the 16th century, replacing an earlier medieval church on the same location, and was used until 1840 when the parish church was relocated to Broadford. It lies on the B8083 Broadford to Torrin and Elgol road.
Bridge
Skye Bridge
The Skye Bridge is a road bridge over Loch Alsh, Scotland, connecting the Isle of Skye to the island of Eilean Bàn. The name is also used for the whole Skye Crossing, which further connects Eilean Bàn to the mainland across the Carrich Viaduct.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Loch Coruisk
Loch Coruisk is an inland fresh-water loch, lying at the foot of the Black Cuillin in the Isle of Skye, in the Scottish Highlands. Loch Coruisk is reputed to be the home of a kelpie or water horse, a shape-shifting creature that can assume human form.

Geological formation with a loop trail
Quiraing
The Quiraing is a landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
Nature • Natural attraction • Volcano
Cuillin
The Cuillin is a range of rocky mountains located on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The main Cuillin ridge is also known as the Black Cuillin to distinguish it from the Red Cuillin, which lie to the east of Glen Sligachan.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Blà Bheinn
Blà Bheinn, is a mountain on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It is usually regarded as an outlier to the Black Cuillin. It is mainly composed of gabbro, a rock with excellent grip for mountaineers and scramblers. The name Blà Bheinn is thought to mean "blue mountain", from a combination of Norse and Gaelic.
Castle ruins from the 15th century
Caisteal Maol
Caisteal Maol is a ruined castle located near the harbour of the village of Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, Scotland. It is also known as Castle Moil, Castle Maol, Dun Akyn, Dunakin Castle Dun Haakon and Castle Dunakin.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Bruach na Frìthe
Bruach na Frìthe is one of the principal summits on the Black Cuillin ridge, on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Like the rest of the range it is composed of gabbro, a rock with excellent grip for mountaineering.
Church
Broadford Parish Church
Broadford Parish Church, Skye is a parish church in the Church of Scotland in Broadford, Skye.
Tall landslip with steep and gentle sides
The Storr
The Storr is a rocky hill on the Trotternish peninsula of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The hill presents a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Healabhal Bheag
Healabhal Bheag is a hill located on the Duirinish peninsula of the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. It is also known as MacLeod's Table South and is part of the prominent pair of peaks known as MacLeod's Tables that dominate the views to the west of Dunvegan and to the north of Harlosh.
Forts and castles • Reportedly haunted
Knock Castle
Knock Castle, also known as Caisteal Chamuis is a former stronghold of the MacDonalds. It lies on the east coast of Sleat, approximately five miles north of Armadale on the Isle of Skye, south of Cnoc Uaine, on the eastern side of Knock Bay.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Marsco
Marsco is a peak in the Red Hills on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It lies on the east of Glen Sligachan, and may be climbed from the right-of-way through the glen from Sligachan to Loch Coruisk.
Tower
Uig Tower
The Uig Tower, also known as Captain Fraser's Folly, is a nineteenth century folly located in Uig on the island of Skye in the Highlands of Scotland. It is a category B listed building.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Loch Mealt
Loch Mealt is an inland fresh-water loch on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It lies close to Ellishadder and south of Staffin, on the eastern side of the Trotternish peninsula.
57°8'53"N • 5°48'17"W
Talla Duisdale Events
City hall
Memorial
Dun Beag
Dun Beag is an iron-age broch located about 1 kilometre northwest of the village of Struan on the west coast of the island of Skye, in Scotland.
Archaeological site
High Pasture Cave
High Pasture Cave is an archaeological site on the island of Skye, Scotland. Human presence is documented since the Mesolithic, and remains, including Iron Age structures, point to ritual veneration of either the landscape or deities associated with the place.
Memorial
Dun Fiadhairt
Dun Fiadhairt is an Iron Age broch located on the north coast of the island of Skye, in Scotland.

Day trips

Isle of Skye – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Isle of Skye, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Dunvegan Castle (Dunvegan), Sgùrr Dearg (Glenbrittle), Glenfinnan Viaduct (Glenfinnan).

14 milesNW
Ancestral home of Clan MacLeod
Dunvegan Castle, Dunvegan
Dunvegan Castle, a majestic fortress steeped in Scottish history, stands proudly on the Isle of Skye, overlooking the tranquil waters of Loch Dunvegan. As the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years, this castle is not only a testament...
10 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
Sgùrr Dearg, Glenbrittle
Sgùrr Dearg is a mountain in the Cuillin on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It is topped by the Inaccessible Pinnacle, a fin of rock measuring 50 metres along its longest edge. The top of the Inaccessible Pinnacle, which at 985.8 m is the highest point of Sgùrr Dearg and the only Munro with a peak that can only be reached by rock climbing.
45 milesSE
Bridge
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire, Scotland, built from 1897 to 1901.
44 milesS
Lighthouse, Maritime museum, Museum
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, Kilchoan
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse is a listed 19th century lighthouse, located on Ardnamurchan Point in Lochaber part of the Highland council area of Scotland.
21 milesN
Museum, History museum
Skye Museum of Island Life, Uig
The Skye Museum of Island Life is a museum in Kilmuir, Skye, Scotland, which is dedicated to preserving a township of thatched cottages as they would have been on Skye at the end of the 18th century.

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Best Time To Visit Isle of Skye

Learn when is the best time to travel to Isle of Skye weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Isle of Skye?

The top attractions to visit in Isle of Skye are:

What is the best time to visit Isle of Skye?

May, June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.