The 18 Best Things to Do and See on the Isle Of Skye

On a rocky outcrop on the shore of Loch Dunvegan lies Dunvegan Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland. It is open to visitors daily from 10am to 5.30pm. There are many pieces of fine art and clan treasures to be viewed around the castle, including the Fairy Flag. It is steeped in history and clan mystery so tours of Dunvegan Castle are a must for visitors to Skye. One of the best views of the castle is from the sea (imagine how imposing it looked to sailing invaders) so think about booking a boat tour of the area; you may even spot seals.

A landslip on the eastern face of Meall Na Suiramach, the Quiraing is an enchanting and beautiful geological area where you can walk along a mix of steep heather slopes and good paths. The walk passes through some of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Scotland. There are fantastic geological formations such as the Prison and the Needle, as well as beautiful views over the islands of Raasay and Rona. The total distance of the walk is 4mi (7km) and the average time is two hours, so walking boots are advised.

An islet just off the Skye coast, Mingay is a breeding ground for the common seal and therefore a special area of conservation. To the south, it looks out at Beinn Bhreac, a mountain on Skye, and to the southeast is Sgeir nam Biast, a rocky beach where seals can be seen. This is a great place to go for nature lovers and those who enjoy seeing animals in their natural habitat.

Neist Point is on the western coast of Skye. It is a viewpoint, and the lighthouse has been standing there since 1909. This is a great place for walkers, with rolling hills and the view of the sea over the cliff. Various sea creatures can be seen from the point, including dolphins, whales, basking sharks and porpoises. Different bird species can also be seen, such as gannets, black guillemots, razorbills and European shags. The walk is 45-minute walk is classified as “medium” in difficulty. The path takes you close to the cliff edge, so it is important to be aware of weather conditions before beginning your walk.

The Trotternish Peninsula is an area of breath-taking scenery, where you could easily spend half a day hiking and taking in the views – the longest walk through the peninsula is 17mi (28km) long. Do explore the Storr, a rocky hill that overlooks the Sound of Raasay to the east, with a gently sloped and grassy western side. The most iconic rock around here is the 21ft (46m) Old Man of Storr – which can be seen for miles around. The spot directly in front of the cliffs is called the Sanctuary and has a number of oddly shaped rocks as a result of ancient landslips.

Fairy Glen is one of the lesser-known areas in the Isle of Skye, with rich green mosses and grasses covering almost everything. The landscape was formed by volcanic eruptions, landslides and weathering over millions of years, leaving sandstone outcrops, waterfalls and clear water pools. And when you look over the sparkling pools and tiny hillocks caked in moss, it is easy to imagine you just missed a pair of tiny wings dashing between the mossy mounds.

Colbost Croft Museum explores the lives of 19th-century Skye dwellers. The main attraction is a small traditional croft house, with two main rooms: a living room-kitchen and a bedroom, and there’s a central hearth that kept the former occupants warm in winter. You can also see a variety of agricultural implements, which are scattered around the fields, as well as an outhouse containing an illegal still for distilling alcohol.

One of the most beautiful beaches on Skye, Claigan Coral Beach has a relaxing Mediterranean feel thanks to the white sands and clear blue waters. Forage for algae pieces and different types of seaweed on the beach, and watch the cows roaming free adjacent to the sands. It is best to visit the beach early in the morning (when rabbits can be seen playing in the sand) or in the evening to watch the sunset, when the beach is at its most peaceful.

On the beach at An Corran, there are footprints left by herbivorous dinosaurs around 165m years ago, before the last Ice Age. The footprints are most easily found after heavy rain or during winter, as in summer or during high tide they can be covered by the sand or water. It is a great adventure to search for the footprints. Afterwards, visit the Staffin Dinosaur Museum to see a collection of dinosaur fossils.

Originally opened in 1965, this museum helps demonstrate what life was like for islanders in the last years of the 19th century. This is achieved by preserving a wee township of traditional buildings and collecting items that would have been used then. The results are fascinating and a must-see, especially if you have ancestors from Skye.

Recommended by Alexander Crow.

Visitors to Scotland are often pleasantly surprised by the quality of food on offer, and Skye is no exception. Here there are several restaurants, cafés and even takeaways, whose excellence and attention to detail are second to none. Scorrybreac is a seaside restaurant in Portree, and booking ahead is essential as it is only wee! Service is impeccable and the food is fantastic.

Recommended by Alexander Crow.

This small visitor centre is a must for those who want to know more about the tiny island of Eilean Bàn and, especially, its association with the writer Gavin Maxwell. Maxwell is best remembered for his book, The Ring of Bright Water, and the otters he famously lived with. This is also the place to book tours of the island if you want to visit and learn more of its history.

Recommended by Alexander Crow.

Skye is full of fascinating long walks, with epic views, incredible landscapes and reminders of history everywhere. Sometimes, though, the walks are short but still full of wonder, such as this one! This cliff has this name because of the vertical and horizontal stripes on its face, making it look like tartan, especially in certain lights. There is also a tall and stunning waterfall here, Mealt falls, cascading spectacularly from the top of the cliff to the sea below.

Recommended by Alexander Crow.

Skye’s oldest working distillery, Talisker, is a must-visit spot for any whisky lover in Scotland. But even if you’re no whisky whizz, the connection between the drink and Scottish culture will help you understand the country on a deeper level. What’s more, Talisker sits on a beautiful bay that’s a great place to view wildlife.

Recommended by Alexander Crow.

There are several places on Skye where whole settlements were cleared, their inhabitants removed to make way for sheep, before being shipped abroad to places like Canada and Australia. This long walk is a good place to see what was left behind. It is hard not to feel the past here.

Recommended by Alexander Crow.

If you’ve got the clan Donald blood in your veins, a trip to Armadale Castle is a homecoming – but there’s plenty to see here even if not. There’s a museum, beautiful gardens and, of course, the castle itself to explore.

Recommended by Alexander Crow.

A bothy is a small building in which you can sleep, and the one here at Camasunary sits on a beautiful bay, with the backdrop of one of the most famous munros on Skye: Blà Bheinn (anglicised as Blaven, the Blue-Black Mountain). Adventurous types will love this place, not least to meet kindred spirits from across the world. It draws in people who want to experience this wild corner of Skye and the Cuillin mountains in particular.

Recommended by Alexander Crow.

This is not for the faint-hearted, or those remotely scared of heights. Unless you know exactly what you are doing, hiring a guide is wise, and it’s essential you follow basic safety protocols. The walk is worth the extra precautions, though, offering unparalleled views and that wonderful feeling of freedom that you get from being high up.

Recommended by Alexander Crow.