Travelers flock to Isle of Skye because it is well-known for its hiking, food, beaches, and romance.
Skye's natural beauty offers incredible, almost magical, sights to see. The first of which is the Fairy Glen; a bit of a hidden gem, this landslip is covered in intriguing rock formations like the Castle Ewan. Down the road from the Fairy Glen is Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, a beautiful viewpoint where you'll see the Mealt Falls crashing into the ocean on the left and the kilt-shaped rocks on the right. Continue the tour of the beautiful island with a visit to Neist Point, a famous lighthouse situated on a long cliff that juts out into the sea. A visit to Skye isn't complete without a visit to Dunvegan Castle, a medieval castle which has been run by the MacLeod Clan for over 800 years. The castle features stunning rooms, meticulous gardens, and even boat tours on the loch the castle sits on.
Islands and Cities
Skye has a few islands, although the big two for tourists are mainland Skye and Raasay Island. On the mainland, the capital city is Portree, where you'll find the majority of accommodation and restaurants. There are many small villages throughout the mainland where the you can find the major attractions and a few small B&Bs. Raasay is a small island off the east coast of the mainland, in between Skye and mainland Scotland. It is home to the Hallaig settlement, an ancient village which offers amazing views of Applecross, Scotland across the bay.
One of the best activities on Skye is a hike to the Old Man of Storr, a pinnacle of rock that stands tall above the surrounding Storr mountain range. The hike to Storr involves a walk through a hilly path then a climb up a set of steep stone steps. From the top, you'll get incredible views of the surrounding Storr range which features landforms from the Jurassic Period. After a hike through Storr, take a cool dip in the Fairy Pools, a series of beautiful waterfalls that create natural swimming pools. If you prefer not to swim, you can still wander around the rocks and paths surrounding the waterfalls. If you want to spend a day like royalty, wander through Inver on Raasay Island, a beautiful wooded area that ends with a secluded beach where the Queen of England would picnic every year.
For more information about the area, including some great ideas with photos, check out this guide to an Isle of Sky Road Trip.
Beaches:
Many come to Isle of Skye specifically to enjoy the beach life. 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.
Hiking:
The hiking trails near Isle of Skye are amazing. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Isle of Skye. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools Day Tour leaving from Portree for $136 details