skye scotland tourism

Talisker Bay

Isle of Skye

Whether you want to visit the Isle of Skye for a few days whilst on a tour of Scotland, or stay for a longer spell, the island has countless ways to enchant you with its mountain ranges, miles of dramatic coastline and captivating history.

Find experiences

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Things to Do in Skye

Wildlife on Skye

Discover the wildlife on Skye.

Food and drink on Skye

From fresh oysters to epic island whisky, there's plenty of food and drink to enjoy on Skye.

Arts and crafts on Skye

Explore the inspirational arts and craft scene of the island.

Great walks on the Isle of Skye

Immerse yourself in the great outdoors and find the perfect walking routes for your Skye adventure.

Visit the Isle of Raasay

Find out more about this island near Skye.

Visit Plockton

Discover the "jewel of the Highlands".

6 Famous Film Locations on Skye

Discover famous film locations on the Isle of Skye, including Dunvegan Castle, The Fairy Glen and more.

Skye Activities and Experiences

Discover a fantastic range of activities and experiences awaiting you on the Isle of Skye.

Neist Point, Isle of Skye

Tours, routes & trails

Check out our ideas for short breaks and trips around Skye.

Unique experiences

Experience Skye's unique culture, landscape and heritage with whale watching, whisky and even dinosaurs!

The Hebridean Whale Trail

The Hebridean Whale Trail brings together over 30 of the most beautiful corners of Scotland's west coast.

Staffin Dinosaur Museum

The Staffin Dinosaur Museum is home to an internationally acclaimed collection of dinosaur fossils.

Hebridean Whisky Trail

The Hebridean Whisky Trail is an exciting and unique opportunity to experience the rich culture, provenance and landscape of four Hebridean islands.

Map of Skye

Explore isle of skye.

Javascript is needed to show this map.

Travel to and around Skye

The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry (Mallaig to Skye) runs daily from the port of Mallaig in the west Highlands to Armadale in Sleat on the south of Skye. You can get to Mallaig by road or train.

Plan your trip on the CalMac website

The privately-operated Glenelg ferry connects Glenelg on the mainland with Kylerhea on Skye.

Visit the Glenelg-Skye ferry website

The Skye Bridge is a road bridge spanning Loch Alsh between the mainland village of Kyle of Lochalsh which is connected to Scotland's rail network, and Kyleakin on Skye. Buses go directly from Glasgow to Skye and Inverness to Skye too.

Find out more about driving to Skye

Getting around

Bus and coach.

The island is served by Stagecoach buses, connecting the main villages.

Check out the Stagecoach Skye timetables

Fancy an island hopping adventure? There are three main ferry ports on Skye operated by Calmac.

Mallaig (mainland) to Armadale (Skye)
Sconser (Skye) to Raasay
Uig (Skye) to Lochmaddy (North Uist) or Tarbert (Harris)

Please note, if you're planning to take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale that onward public transport travel is limited to the rest of Skye. Private taxi hire can be booked in advance as bus services are very limited. Alternatively, consider the Skye Bridge where more public transport options are available.

Check out the full ferry timetables on the Calmac website

Driving around Skye is the preferred option for many visitors as it offers the most flexibility and access to more remote spots. However, it is good to remember that some of the island's roads are single track, with ample passing places.

Find Isle of Skye driving tips

Other things you might like

Download the explore skye app, visit the myskyetime website.

Best Time of Year to Visit Islands in Scotland

Scotland's islands

Outer Hebrides

An island hopping holiday on the west coast

Join our newsletter clan.

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

50 Things to do on Skye

There are so many things to do on the Isle of Skye. Listed below in no particular order are 50 activities to keep you busy during your next visit to Skye.

How many have you done?

Swim in the Fairy Pools

The Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle are deep blue pools in the river filled with crystal clear water from the Cuillins. These pools have become popular for 'wild swimming'. Are you brave enough to swim in these magical pools?

Have a meal at the Three Chimneys

The Three Chimneys restaurant has won a host of awards and top accolades. Book your table and sample Skye produce at its very best.

Walk up to the Old Man of Storr

This large pillar of rock known as the 'Old Man' dominates the landscape in the north east of Skye. Walking up to the Old Man is not difficult and rewards you with some wonderful views.

Take a Boat Trip to see the sea eagles

The white-tailed eagle ( Sea Eagle ) is the largest bird of prey in Britain. One of the most reliable ways to see these birds is by taking a Stardust boat trip from Portree.

Visit Dunvegan Castle

A visit to Skye is incomplete without savouring the wealth of history offered by Dunvegan Castle and Gardens . Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and is the ancestral home to the Clan MacLeod.

Take a Boat to Loch Coruisk

Taking a boat trip from Elgol is the easiest way to get to Loch Coruisk , a fresh water loch surrounded by the Cuillin Mountains. A truly spectacular location.

Take the Scenic Route to Skye

The fastest way by road to Skye is using the free road bridge, but the scenic way (to drive) is via ferry from Glenelg to Kylerhea.

Walk the Quiraing

The Quiraing, which is the largest landslip in the country is on the east coast of Trotternish. The Quiraing loop is a spectacular walk for the more confident with heights.

Climb the Cuillins

For experienced walkers (who can read a map) climbing a Cuillin summit is a must do. The Cuillins is home to twelve Munros and offers the best walking and climbing in the UK.

Go out on the Seaprobe Atlantis

Book a trip on the glass bottom boat from Kyle and enjoy all the scenery and wildlife above and below the waves!

Watch an Otter Play

You must be lucky and quiet to see an Otter play on the shore around Skye. There are wildlife guides that can be hired to take you to the best locations.

Walk to Neist Point Lighthouse

At the most westerly point of Skye near Glendale is the walk down to Neist Point Lighthouse , a must for any visitor to the Island.

Go Sea Kayaking

There are many hidden bays & beaches around Skye that are best explored from the Sea. If you don't have your own boat, book a session Sea Kayaking .

Have a picnic at Coral Beach

On a good day, Coral Beach near Dunvegan rivals any tropical beach, for looks anyway - the water temperature can be a bit chilly!

Go to a Music Festival

The Skye Live music festival has been running for a few years now. Offering a mix of music styles including Scottish favourites and modern dance.

Buy a Souvenir at Skyeskyns

Visit the Skyeskyns showroom and workshop in Waternish and perhaps choose a sheepskin souvenir to remind you of Skye.

Try Skye Whisky

There are two whisky distillery on Skye ( Talisker & Torabhaig ) and one on Raasay . Many people aim to visit all 3 during their stay on Skye.

Throw an Axe with Ace Skye

Just outside Portree Ace Skye activities centre offers a range of options for all the family to try, including archery, clay pigeon shooting, air rifle shooting, paintball and axe throwing.

Catch a Trout using a Fly

Whether you are a keen angler or want to try for the first time, catching a trout on the fly is a magical experience. Why not hire the local ghillie to guide you?

Squeeze into a Wetsuit and go Coasteering

Coasteering is exhilarating if you're confident in the water. Under careful guidance, challenge yourself to jump, swim and scramble along the coast.

Watch the Sun Setting over the Minch

On a summer's evening nothing can be better than watching the sunset while looking out to sea. Good locations include Neist Point , Waternish and Duntulm .

Watch Whales at Rubha Hunish

At the very north of Skye is Rubha Hunish and the deep water offers a high chance of seeing a Minke whale , it is also possible to see other types such as humpback and killer whales.

Try Clay Shooting at A.C.E Target Sports

The perfect place for an introduction to this traditional highland activity. Whether it is your first time or you have shot clays before join Matt at A.C.E for a fun Clay session in a beautiful natural setting.

Have Lunch at Raasay House

The island of Raasay is Skye's smaller neighbour and can be reached by ferry from Sconser. Raasay House is an outdoor centre (where you can book activities) and they serve tasty food!

Go to the Skye Highland Games

Once a year on the first week of August the Skye Highland Games are held at "The Lump" in Portree . A must for any visitor, the games include everything from athletics to tossing the caber.

Go Climbing (Indoors)

Whether you are an experienced climber or having a go for the first time the Third Ridge climbing wall is a perfect wet weather activity when visiting Skye.

Explore the Village of Boreraig

This ruined village is the result of the Highland clearances. Walk to Boreraig and explore the remains of this old village.

Find Dinosaur Footprints

At An Corrann beach near Staffin when the tide is low you can find dinosaur footprints on the rocks near the sandy beach. Skye is famous for dinosaur fossils , but footprints are easier to find.

Explore the Fairy Glen

Wander around the hillocks at the Fairy Glen . These small hills were caused by a landslip and legend says they are the home to the magical Skye fairies.

Visit Armadale Castle & Gardens

Armadale Castle & Gardens and Museum of the Isles. A magnificent 20,000 acre estate in Sleat in the south of Skye home of the Clan MacDonald .

Watch the Skye Pipe Band

The bagpipes are iconic. The pipes and drums of the Skye Pipe Band play in the square in Portree every Tuesday evening during the summer.

See the Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis can be seen on Skye (with the right conditions) on a winter's evening. Look up in the night sky and watch the colourful light show.

Run the Skye Half Marathon

Every June the Half Marathon takes place, attracting many keen runners from all over the world. Challenge yourself to take part in the next one.

Lookout to Kilt Rock

Near Staffin are the famous cliffs called ' Kilt Rock ' as the cliff face looks a bit like a tartan kilt. There is also an impressive waterfall by the lookout point that falls straight into the sea.

Watch Seals

Take a Seal Boat Trip at Dunvegan Castle. These small boats can get surprisingly close to the seals sun bathing on the rocks in Loch Dunvegan.

Go to a Cèilidh

A number of halls and venues across Skye host 'sessions' these live events have Scottish traditional music which typically including pipes, whistles and fiddles.

Photograph the Sunrise over the Quiraing

Whether you are a professional or amateur photographer , witnessing the sunrise from the Quiraing is an unforgettable experience.

Go Swimming (Indoors)

The Fingle Centre in Portree offers a range of indoor activities including swimming, climbing and racket sports. A good option to keep the family busy on a wet day.

Visit an Art Gallery

Skye has many small art galleries and crafts shops . An ideal chance to buy a handmade souvenir.

Eat out at Kinloch Lodge

Having succeeded the hotel's founder, Lady Claire Macdonald, Jordan Webb consistently serves up incredible dishes from Skye's natural and delicious larder.

Have a go at Archery

Ace Skye just outside Portree run archery sessions. A perfect family activity.

The Skye Sailing Club offers experience sessions to visitors. Head out in to Portree Bay for some fun on the water with your own instructor for the session to keep you safe.

Get Married

Skye makes a popular location for a wedding . Whether you're thinking large or small contact the team at Skye Weddings to help you plan your big day.

Hire an E-Bike

Explore the Trotternish peninsula in a modern eco-friendly way, on a peddle-assisted E-Bikes . An ideal way to get out and explore if you come to Skye using public transport.

Eat Fish & Chips

Enjoy the classic seaside meal, eat fish and chips at Portree pier. Just watch out for the overly bold seagulls that will help themselves if you're not careful.

Take the Audio Tour of Skye

Uncover Skye’s rich history and culture with the Experience Skye App. Download the App which gives access audio stories and explore 50 unique locations with detailed historical information.

Head out for a Sail in a Larger Yacht

There are many boat trip options around Skye, but nothing beats the feeling of pulling up a sail and cruising under the power of the wind.

Find a Broch

Dotted around Skye and the greater Highlands you will find ruined Broches . These Pictish round towers were built at least 2000 years ago. There is a good example near Struan.

Watch a Gannet Dive for Fish

The Gannet is the largest sea bird in Scotland and are well known for diving at high speed in to the sea to catch fish. This is best watched from a boat or cliff top in the late summer.