Your Guide to the Isle of Skye | Scottish Tours

The Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful destinations in the UK, with wonderful mountain panoramas and sea views. As the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands, Skye is home to breathtaking landscapes, wonderful walks, and stunning beaches.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, nature-spotting vacation or an action-packed adventure for all the family, Skye has something for everyone.

Join us as we explore what this beautiful island has to offer and help you plan an unforgettable trip.

How to Get to the Isle of Skye

The fun starts before you even arrive in Skye. The island’s remote location is all part of its charm — it feels like you’re journeying towards a completely new planet.

Skye is just a twenty-minute ferry ride from the beautiful town of Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland.

The best way to get to Skye is to take a leisurely three-day tour from Edinburgh or Glasgow. You’ll drive along the banks of Loch Ness, before spending two nights on the Isle of Skye in Kyleakin/Broadford.

Or, add a touch of magic to your Skye adventure with a side-trip on the Jacobite Steam Train and whistle through the Scottish Highlands along the iconic Harry Potter route. Making your journey to the Isle of Skye truly unforgettable.

Explore our full range of Isle of Skye tours, with departure points and travel options to suit every traveller.

Fun Things to Do in the Isle of Skye

Looking across Loch Dunvegan to honey-coloured Dunvegan Castle

Skye is bursting with diverse wildlife, and its unique landscape makes it a world-class destination for walkers and climbers.

You’ll never be short of fun activities and excursions to keep you busy during your visit to Skye. Choose from outdoor adventures, historical attractions, and unusual activities for a holiday to remember.

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Skye to help you plan a trip of a lifetime:

Take a splash in the Fairy Pools.
Discover breathtaking deep-blue pools and crystal-clear water from the River Cuillin. As one of the most famous attractions in Skye, the pools are the perfect spot for wild swimming if you can brave the cold.
Visit Dunvegan Castle. You can’t visit Skye without soaking up some culture with a visit to the historic Dunvegan Castle. Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
Trotternish Peninsula. Marvel at the weird geological formations at the northernmost point of Skye. Its staggering cliffs will take your breath away.
Kilt Rock. Feel the wind on your face as you admire these iconic cliffs resembling Scotland’s most famous garment.
Go Sea Fishing. Fancy catching some fresh fish for supper? Grab a rod and find the perfect fishing spot on the cliffs, or hire a boat for some sea fishing.

Amazing Isle of Skye Restaurants

An appetising plate of baked cod served with mussels and mash in a creamy sauce

From high-end fine dining to honest pub grub, Skye has it all. Discover more with our helpful guide to the 10 best restaurants on the Isle of Skye.

No holiday is complete without treating yourself to local delicacies and sampling the local drink. As well as being home to some of Scotland’s best whisky distilleries, Skye has some incredible eateries.

Famed for their locally-sourced ingredients, here are two of our favourite Isle of Skye restaurants that will suit different budgets:

Duisdale House Hotel (£££). If you’re celebrating a special occasion, look no further. This 2-AA-Rosette restaurant elevates contemporary Scottish cuisine. Feast on local produce from the Inner Hebrides for an evening of complete sophistication.
Edinbane Inn (££). Sample Skye’s finest real ales and handpump ciders at this traditional Scottish pub. Tuck into some hearty food and if you’re lucky, relax to some live music sets.

What to Pack for a Winter in the Isle of Skye

Given that Scotland is Scotland, it might be wise to pack an umbrella for your visit.

The weather on the Isle of Skye varies from season to season. In the Summer months, you can expect highs of over 20°C, and the beaches are some of the best in Europe.

However, in winter, we recommend wrapping up warm and bringing a flask to handle the icy temperatures.

Skye is stunning in winter. Your breath cuts through the crisp, fresh air, and the sound of your hiking boots crunching through the snow is magical. Make sure you bring plenty of layers and come prepared with extra clothes in case you get caught in the rain.

The Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish Peninsula overlooks Loch Leathan on the Isle of Skye

Win a Free Trip to the Isle of Skye

We believe everyone should make the journey to this incredible part of the world. That’s why we’re running a special contest this month. Lucky winners will get a 3-day/2-night trip to Skye for two people, including transport and guesthouse accommodation.

Find full details of our contest and how you can win a FREE all-inclusive trip to Skye on our Facebook page.

Two Unmissable Skye Tours

Take the hassle out of travelling by booking on one of our exclusive Isle of Skye tours. Your tour guide will take you to some of the best hidden corners of the country and tell you fascinating tales along the way.

The bright blue water of the Fairy Pools flow through heather-clad moorland with the Cuillin Mountains in the background

Road to the Isles. Take a leisurely, relaxing trip to Skye on our five-day/four-night tour with overnight stays in Oban, Skye (2 nights) and Fort Augustus. This tour operates twice weekly, from April to October, from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The Ultimate Skye Tour. Short on time? Don’t worry, hop aboard our one-day small group tour from Inverness, visiting the island's many attractions, including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Portree and the famous Fairy Pools.

A glass and bottle of Talisker Malt Whisky placed on a wall outside the white-washed buildings of Talisker Distillery

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