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Beautiful landscape of Quiraing on the Isle of Skye, showcasing rolling hills and a clear blue sky.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Photo made by Geert Rozendom on Pexels.com

When to visit

NOT BUSYJan5°20d rain
NOT BUSYFeb5°18d rain
MODERATEMar7°17d rain
MODERATEApr9°15d rain
MODERATEMay12°14d rainBEST
BUSYJun14°12d rainBEST
VERY BUSYJul15°10d rainBEST
VERY BUSYAug15°11d rainBEST
BUSYSep13°14d rainBEST
MODERATEOct10°18d rain
NOT BUSYNov7°20d rain
NOT BUSYDec5°21d rain

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Scroll down for a list of most popular attractions and select them, if you want to include them in the itinerary preparation!

Most popular attractions in Isle of Skye, Scotland

Old Man of Storr

1. Old Man of Storr

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4.8 (1,873)
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Epic landscapes with towering rock spires challenge your spirit of adventure. Hike through legendary terrain for views that feel straight out of a fantasy film.

Quiraing

2. Quiraing

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4.9 (782)
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Explore a unique geological wonder shaped by restless earth movements. Experience sweeping views and curious rock formations up close.

Fairy Pools

3. Fairy Pools

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4.5 (8,432)
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Spectacular natural pools perfect for wild swimming and hiking. Experience crystal-clear waters and cascading falls in a breathtaking mountain setting.

Our #1 travel tip

Have you heard of free walking tours?

After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Isle of Skye, Scotland, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
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Dunvegan Castle

4. Dunvegan Castle

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4.4 (8,157)
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Explore centuries of clan tales and magical legends. Walk ancient halls and beautiful gardens with loch views that stay with you.

Neist Point Lighthouse

5. Neist Point Lighthouse

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4.8 (3,460)
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Breathtaking cliffside views and powerful oceanic lighthouse beacons await. Experience a blend of rugged nature and spectacular wildlife moments.

The Fairy Glen

6. The Fairy Glen

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4.6 (4,533)
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Step into a surreal landscape dotted with fairy tale hills. Experience enchantment with serene trails and magical stone sculptures.

Talisker Distillery

7. Talisker Distillery

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4.3 (1,875)
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Discover smoky single malt whisky steeped in island lore. Experience a distillery tour with sea breeze ambiance and distinctive copper stills.

Additional popular things to do in Isle of Skye, Scotland

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Clootie Dumpling

Clootie Dumpling

A traditional Scottish dessert, Clootie Dumpling is a steamed fruit pudding wrapped in a cloth or 'cloot'. It is typically flavored with dried fruits, spices, and suet.

Tablet

Tablet

Tablet is a very sweet, crumbly confection made from sugar, butter, and condensed milk, often found in Scottish households during festive seasons.

Tipsy Laird

Tipsy Laird

Tipsy Laird is a Scottish trifle dessert made with whisky-soaked sponge cake, custard, and fresh cream, showcasing a blend of local flavors.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Skye Black Pudding

Skye Black Pudding

This iconic dish is a type of blood sausage made from pork blood, oatmeal, and spices, celebrated for its rich flavor in Scottish breakfasts.

Haggis

Haggis

Haggis, the national dish of Scotland, consists of sheep's offal mixed with oatmeal and spices, traditionally encased in the animal's stomach.

Seafood Chowder

Seafood Chowder

Made with freshly caught seafood from the surrounding waters, Skye's seafood chowder is creamy, hearty, and filled with local shellfish and fish.

Traditional Beverages

Skye Whisky

Skye Whisky

Skye Whisky is renowned for its smooth, peaty flavor and is produced in distilleries that have been operating for centuries on the island.

Heather Ale

Heather Ale

Heather Ale is a traditional Scottish beer brewed using heather flowers instead of hops, giving it a distinct floral aroma and taste.

Scottish Raspberry Cordial

Scottish Raspberry Cordial

This non-alcoholic beverage is made from locally sourced raspberries and is popular for its sweet yet tart flavor, enjoyed across the island.

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Most popular day trips

Fairy Pools

33 km 50m by car

Beautiful crystal-clear blue pools on the River Brittle.

Portree

20 km 30m by car

Main town on Skye, known for colorful harbor and shops.

Neist Point

50 km 1h 15m by car

Dramatic sea cliff views and famous lighthouse.

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Getting there

Train stations

Kyle of Lochalsh

West Highland Line

From Inverness Airport, take a bus or taxi to Inverness train station, then train to Kyle of Lochalsh, followed by bus or taxi to Isle of Skye.

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Useful information for Isle of Skye, Scotland

Shopping locationsPortree Town Centre
Nightlife locationsPortree pubs
Popular casual restaurantsThe Isles Inn, The Lower Deck
Popular fancy restaurantsScorrybreac Restaurant
Popular coffee shopsCafe Arriba, The Old School Restaurant
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appUber, Bolt
Taxi price / km$2
Tourists / year1000000
Mobile internet speed50 Mbps
Unemployment percentage4 %
Poverty percentage15 %
Average income / month$2500
Average cost of living / month$2000
Hotel price / night from$90
Beer price from$5
Coffee price from$3
Street food price from$8
Restaurant meal price from$20
Local currencyGBP
Power plug typesG
ReligionsChristianity
Spoken languagesEnglish, Scottish Gaelic
EthnicitiesWhite Scottish, White British
Political orientationCenter-left
Population density10 /km²
Geographical area1746 km²
Possible natural disastersFloods, Storms
Dangerous animalsAdders
Locations for a nice walkFairy Pools, Quiraing, Old Man of Storr
Public transportationsBus services
AirlinesBritish Airways, EasyJet, Loganair
Suggested vaccinationsHepatitis A, Tetanus
Architecture typeTraditional Scottish, Victorian
Average beer consumption per person / year75 l
Average wine consumption per person / year30 l
Tipping cultureExpected but modest
Coworking / day$25
Airbnb / month$850
1BR rent / month$700
Gym / month$40
Daily budget (backpacker)$50
Daily budget (mid-range)$120

Overview for Isle of Skye, Scotland

English proficiencyGood
Traffic safetyGood
Friendly to foreignersGood
Freedom of speechVery good
Public transportationBad
HealthcareGood
EducationGood
Power grid reliabilityGood
Crime safetyGood
WalkabilityAverage
NightlifeAverage
Food sceneAverage
LGBTQ+ friendlyAverage
Startup sceneBad
Noise levelBad
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessVery good
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