7 Must-Visit Places on the Isle of Skye
This is a 3-part series on the Isle of Skye. Read also about 6 Mistakes Not to Make When Planning Your Trip to Isle of Skye and 5 Lesser-Visited Places on the Isle of Skye.
Last updated: 15 October 2021
There are some places that are just on every list for a destination, and the same goes for the Isle of Skye. If you are only spending a few days on Skye, take these places into consideration. As we’ve found that some people do underestimate the size of Skye and how long it will take to get around, we’ve included how much time you should consider allocating to each place. Do also keep in mind that even though adding up the time allocations may make it seem like you can do all of these things in one day, remember that you have to drive to each place too!
1. Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is likely the most photographed place on Skye. It is a rocky pinnacle that resembles an old man and is very photogenic.
If you get a clear morning, your best bet is to get up before the crack of dawn and hike up to Storr. We did this a few years ago and it was incredibly calm and peaceful.
Address: Isle of Skye IV51 9HX
Time allowance: 2 hours if hiking up to Storr
2. The Quiraing
Further north of the Storr is the Quiraing, a mountainous region created by a series of landslips. The views are absolutely stunning, especially at sunrise! The best views are not far from the car park and you can also choose to do a circuit walk around the area. Do note that some sections are quite hilly so it is not just a breezy walk in the park!
Address: Isle of Skye IV51 9UP
Time allowance: 15 minutes or 3-4 hours if doing circuit walk
3. Neist Point Lighthouse
On the westernmost point of Skye lies Neist Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse was first lit in November 1909 and is now remotely operated. The landscape around the lighthouse is beautiful if you’d like to view from afar. Otherwise, it is a 2.2-kilometre walk from the car park to the lighthouse and there are some very steep sections.
Address: Isle of Skye IV55 8WU
Time allowance: 15 minutes or 1.5-2 hours if walking to and from lighthouse
4. Portree
Portree is the main town on Skye with some lovely colourful buildings. There are lots of restaurants and wee shops to walk into and browse through.
Address: Isle of Skye IV51
Time allowance: Minimum 1 hour to walk around and browse
5. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
Nearby to the Old Man of Storr is Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. You can look over the railing to see Mealt Falls and the rock that looks like a kilt. Thankfully, no walking is required for this attraction!
Address: A855, Isle of Skye IV51 9JE
Time allowance: 15 minutes
6. Fairy Pools and the Cuillin
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Skye. We do believe that due to the hype and therefore the crowds, this does make the attraction a tad bit overrated, but by all means do visit if you insist on checking it off your list!
We noticed on our last visit that the car park has since been expanded and now costs £5 to park. We do feel that this is a fair price if they are reinvesting money into maintaining the infrastructure.
It’s a 2.4-kilometre walk from the car park to the pools, and you do get a nice view of the Cuillin mountains when you reach the pools.
Address: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA
Time allowance: 1.5-2 hours for walk to and from pools
7. Fairy Glen
The Fairy Glen was caused by a landslip and legend says is home to magical Skye fairies. And it does certainly look very magical.
There was previously a problem with tourists making stone figures, which destroys the landscape and makes it hazardous for the wildlife who live there as well as small children. Please do not touch or move anything when you’re there - just look!
Address: Uig, Isle of Skye IV51 9YG
Time allowance: 30 minutes
We hope you enjoyed this list of must-visit places on Skye! Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
You might also like…
Have you checked out our YouTube channel?
We have a video on the Isle of Skye over on our YouTube channel! Be sure to check it out and subscribe to our newsletter and YouTube channel if you haven’t done so already!
Made famous by the Harry Potter franchise, The Jacobite steam train is on the bucket list for many people who visit Scotland. Read on to find out everything to know about how to see The Jacobite cross Glenfinnan Viaduct as well as how to ride the actual train!