Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye, also known as ‘the misty isle’, is located on Scotland’s northwest coast and is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides.
Its dramatic mountain ranges, towering cliffs, and vast moorlands combine to create what is arguably the most breathtakingly diverse and enchanting landscape in the United Kingdom.
This stunning island is approximately 50 miles long and 25 miles wide at its widest points and has a varied topography that’s a dreamy mix of jagged peaks and serene glens – as can be seen at tourist favourites like the Fairy Pools and the Fairy Glen.
The Cuillin mountain range, often shrouded in a layer of mist (hence the nickname ‘misty isle’), is one of the most distinctive features of Skye’s landscape. These mountains offer a challenging experience for even the most advanced hikers and climbers but the panoramic views from the top are reward enough to encourage thousands of adventurers to explore them each year.
The island is dotted with charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character.
Portree, the largest settlement, is the most popular tourist destination thanks to its quaint harbour and seafood restaurants, but there are several other notable villages including Dunvegan, known for its historic castle, and Broadford, the island’s second-largest village which is the gateway to remote places like the long-abandoned Boreraig Clearance Village and the disused Skye Marble Line.
Skye’s wildlife is just as captivating as its landscapes. The coastal areas are home to seals and dolphins while the moorlands and forests are home to red deer and a variety of birds of prey, the highlight being the magnificent golden and white-tailed eagles that can usually be seen soaring over the Cuillin’s.
When it comes to tourist attractions, Skye has plenty of choices on offer.
The Old Man of Storr, an enormous rock pinnacle that overlooks Bearreaig Bay in the Trotternish area, is a popular spot for photography and hiking, as is the Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear natural pools and waterfalls that offer a refreshing dip for the brave-hearted.
Dunvegan Castle (the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland) offers a wonderful self-guided tour through the history of Clan MacLeod, and the Quiraing with its bizarre rock formations and breathtaking views is another must-visit spot.
On the food and drinks front, Talisker Distillery, the island’s only whisky distillery, offers tours and tastings that are a must-do for whisky enthusiasts, and the Three Chimneys restaurant (which specialises in locally caught seafood) is so highly regarded it has even been recommended by the New York Times.
No matter what interests you – be it hiking, wildlife, history, or simply basking in stunning scenery – the Isle of Skye has something to offer everyone.
Find places to visit and things to do on the Isle of Skye with these visitor guides.
Armadale Castle Gardens & Museum Visitor Guide
Tag: CastlesArmadale Castle on the Isle of Skye is one of the island’s most-visited tourist attractions. Visitors can explore extensive grounds that feature an arboretum, landscaped gardens, woodland walks and a children’s play park, as well as the castle ruins and a fascinating museum.
Boreraig Clearance Village Visitor Guide
The remains of long-abandoned villages can be seen all over the Isle of Skye, but Boreraig – situated 4 1/2 miles south of Broadford – is perhaps the most hauntingly beautiful. Visiting Boreraig takes walkers on a 9-mile circular trail from Broadford to the shore of Loch Eishort, across heather-covered moorland on a rough path…
Fairy Glen, Skye Visitor Guide
The Fairy Glen is an ethereal, bizarre-looking landscape located on the west side of Trotternish on the Isle of Skye. This geological wonder comprises a number of conical hills that look man made but are, in fact, remnants of an ancient landslip similar to the equally captivating Quiraing.
Sligachan Visitor Guide
Sligachan is an area on the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape at this location is breathtaking as it’s comprised of heather-covered moorland crisscrossed by a number of rivers, with the entire scene framed by the imposing Red and Black Cuillin mountains. Sligachan is a popular destination for photographers as…
The 12 Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye for Families
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s biggest tourism success stories, attracting over 600,000 visitors annually to the dramatic landscapes this west coast island is famed for. In this article, you’ll discover a collection of the best family attractions on the Isle of Skye along with a few suggestions for less-visited places. In addition,…
The Fairy Pools Visitor Guide
The Fairy Pools are located at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye. These crystal-clear pools of water are one of the most-visited attractions on the island and many visitors wild swim in them, while others use them as a starting point for hikes into the surrounding mountains. Discover the…
The Marble Line, Skye Visitor Guide
The Marble Line is located a mile south of the village of Broadford in the southern half of the Isle of Skye. This long-abandoned railway line was used to transport marble from a quarry 2 miles further south, but it has now been converted into a footpath that allows visitors to explore the clearance villages…
The Old Man of Storr Visitor Guide
The Old Man of Storr is a rock outcrop on the Isle of Skye located in the Trotternish region, around 6 miles north of the island’s main town of Portree. The landmark sits at an elevation of 719 metres and it can be reached via gravel paths, rough tracks and a scramble over bare rock.…
The Quiraing Visitor Guide
The Quiraing is an absolutely essential destination for any visitor to the Isle of Skye as it offers one of the most picturesque walks in Scotland. The Quiraing is the remnant of an ancient landslide that has formed a breathtaking series of valleys, gorges and mountainous peaks on the northern tip of the island. Discover…
The Top 20 Most Interesting Facts About the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, pretty coastal villages, incredible wildlife, and near-limitless opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors. In this article, you’ll discover 20 amazing facts about the Isle of Skye that will hopefully surprise you and maybe even encourage you to book…
Search for things to do in Scotland
Looking for something specific? Try a search.
Find things to do in Scotland by clicking each region on this map.
You can also search for things to do on a Tourist Map of Scotland
Even more things to do in Scotland! Find the best attractions in and around Scotland’s cities with Google Maps of Scotland
