A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Isle of Skye vs. Outer Hebrides for Hiking, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a diverse, dramatic, and scenic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a stunning, spectacular, and natural archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Isle of Skye. Although Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides are both popular with visitors, Isle of Skye has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. It is also home to The Old Man of Storr. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Isle of Skye different from Outer Hebrides?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Is Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides both offer excellent beaches.

Many people visit Isle of Skye for it's beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Is Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides, and they are terrific.

Isle of Skye is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Is Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides are good family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides both excellent destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Is Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Isle of Skye is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Is Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Outer Hebrides is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Outer Hebrides or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Outer Hebrides than Isle of Skye because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 4-10 days is enough time in Outer Hebrides.

Couples should spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Isle of Skye. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Outer Hebrides that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isle of Skye than Outer Hebrides if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Isle of Skye.

One day in Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides?

In Isle of Skye, you'll find food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this serene archipelago offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides?

Isle of Skye is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this serene destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the island of Isle of Skye. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Outer Hebrides is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London.

When comparing the travel costs between Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides, we can see that Outer Hebrides is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Isle of Skye Expensive? and Is Outer Hebrides Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides in the Summer?

Both Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year.

Isle of Skye is around the same temperature as Outer Hebrides in the summer. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives more sunshine than Outer Hebrides during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Outer Hebrides receives 117 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of rain as Outer Hebrides. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides in the Autumn?

Both Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Isle of Skye is around the same temperature as Outer Hebrides. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Isle of Skye in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Outer Hebrides averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Outer Hebrides. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Outer Hebrides receives 83 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Outer Hebrides. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine.

Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Isle of Skye. In January, Isle of Skye is generally around the same temperature as Outer Hebrides. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 4°C (40°F), and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives more sunshine than Outer Hebrides during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Outer Hebrides receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of rain as Outer Hebrides. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Outer Hebrides in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Outer Hebrides. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Isle of Skye is around the same temperature as Outer Hebrides in the spring. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than Outer Hebrides. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Outer Hebrides receives 149 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Outer Hebrides. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye