The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s most dramatic destination — a wild landscape of jagged cliffs, hidden waterfalls, fairy-tale hills, and rugged mountain peaks.
We spent several days exploring Skye’s most iconic viewpoints and lesser-known corners, hiking the Quiraing, watching the sunset at Neist Point, and discovering quiet spots like Brother’s Point. In this guide, we share the 12 best things to do on the Isle of Skye, plus practical tips to help you plan your time.
The Essentials
BEST FOR | Dramatic landscapes, scenic drives, hiking, photography
TIME NEEDED | 3 days is ideal
DON’T MISS | Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Neist Point, Fairy Glen, Fairy Pools
BEST BASE | Portree (central location with restaurants & hotels)
DO YOU NEED A CAR | Yes, public transport is limited
BEST TIME TO VISIT | May, June & September for fewer crowds; July & August are busiest
👉 Planning your trip? Don’t miss our detailed Isle of Skye Itinerary and Complete Isle of Skye Travel Guide.
February 2026 Update: Added a new section about the top hikes on the Isle of Skye, verified all links.
Map of the Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
1. Get the Iconic View of the Old Man of Storr
One of the most photographed landscapes on the Isle of Skye, the Old Man of Storr should be at the top of your list. Easily accessible from the town of Portree, it takes a wee bit of hiking to get up to the best viewpoints, but it is absolutely worth it.
Old Man of Storr
2. Brother’s Point, a Coastal Gem
Brother’s Point is the Isle of Skye’s hidden treasure. It is a short hike to some of the most stunning scenery on the Isle of Skye. Very few people visit this place, making it a much better experience for those “in the know.”
Brother’s Point
3. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls: One of Skye’s Easiest Scenic Stops
Located just a few kilometers away from Brother’s Point is Kilt Rock. Simply park in the car park on A855 and walk out to the viewpoint. In one direction you will see Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. Look south and off in the distance is Brother’s Point. For epic views of the Isle of Skye with very little hiking, this quick stop is worth it.
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
Isle of Skye coastline
4. Hike the Dramatic Landscape of the Quiraing
The Quiraing is one of the Isle of Skye’s most photographed landscapes. You can get a great view of the Quiraing right from the car park but for those who want to go a little farther, there is a terrific 4.5 mile hike that will give you even better views.
The Quiraing
5. Tour Skye’s Only Castle: Dunvegan Castle
Tour the only castle on the Isle of Skye. We just missed Dunvegan Castle, arriving five minutes past closing time. If you enjoy touring castles, from the little bit we saw, this looks like a good one!
For more information, visit the Dunvegan Castle website.
Dunvegan Castle | photo credit: Nataliya Hora
6. Sunset at Neist Point
Located near Dunvegan, this is another very popular site on the Isle of Skye. Many people come here at the end of the day to watch the sunset.
Expect large crowds of people and an overflowing car park, especially during the busy summer months. Yes, it is worth seeing, but the crowds of people take away from some of the enjoyment. If you are short on time, Brother’s Point is a similar but much better experience.
Neist Point
7. Fairy Glen: Skye’s Most Magical Landscape
Located on the Trotternish Loop, this is another spot that gets overlooked by many visitors. It’s small, quick to visit, and very easy to hike. If there is any place that you could possibly spot a fairy on the Isle of Skye, this is the one.
Fairy Glen: The Cutest Place to Explore on the Isle of Skye
Exactly how to visit the Fairy Glen.
Fairy Glen
8. Try Some Whisky at Talisker
Talisker Distillery is the only whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye. Take a tour, taste some whisky, and bring some home as a souvenir.
Talisker Distillery
9. Hike the Waterfalls at the Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools are another very popular destination on the Isle of Skye. It’s an easy walk along a series of waterfalls, making it perfect for people of all ages and activity levels.
If you are short on time, skip the Fairy Pools and visit the Fairy Glen instead.
The Fairy Pools
10. The Cuillins: Skye’s Wildest Hiking Terrain
The Cuillins are a rocky mountain range located on the southern portion of the Isle of Skye. You will see them from the road as you drive through the island. The Cuillins loom over the Fairy Pools, making this one of the easiest ways to get up close to them.
For those who are more adventurous, some of the best hikes are through these mountains. Hike up Bla Bheinn (Blaven) or Sgurr na Stri for stunning 360° views, or climb Sgurr Alasdair, the highest peak on the Isle of Skye.
11. Elgol, A Quiet Coastal Escape
Elgol is located on the southwestern coast of Isle of Skye. It’s another place that very few visitors seem to get to. In fact, we ran out of time and missed it! The coastal views are amazing. If you have the time, day trips from Elgol to Loch Coruisk sound amazing, with stunning scenery and chances to spot wildlife. This will be at the top of our list when we return to the Isle of Skye (someday).
Elgol/photo credit: essevu/shutterstock.com
12. Spot a Highland Cow: The Cutest Thing to Do on Skye
And finally, see if you can spot a Highland cow. We just loved these guys!
Spot a Highland Cow
Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye for Hikers
Whether you’re looking for a short scenic walk or a full mountain adventure, the Isle of Skye is a dream for hikers. Here are the best options, ranked from easy to challenging:
Easy Walks (Great for Families & Casual Explorers)
Fairy Glen
Short, gentle trails wind through rolling green hills and cone-shaped mounds. It’s quick to visit and perfect if you want scenery without a big climb. Kara and I loved this short, easy hike.
👉 Read our complete guide to visiting the Fairy Glen for parking tips and trail maps.
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint
One of the easiest stops on Skye: park, walk a few minutes, and enjoy dramatic coastal cliffs and waterfalls.
Neist Point (to the Viewpoint)
A short but scenic walk to Skye’s most famous lighthouse. Sunset here is unforgettable.
Neist Point
Moderate Hikes
Old Man of Storr
A steep but relatively short hike to Skye’s most iconic rock formation. One of the most photographed spots in Scotland.
👉 Get trail stats, parking details, and tips in our Old Man of Storr hiking guide.
The Quiraing Loop
Arguably the most dramatic hike on the island. The full loop takes you through surreal rock formations and sweeping landscapes.
👉 See our detailed Quiraing hiking guide with route advice.
Fairy Pools
An easy out-and-back walk along turquoise pools and waterfalls with views of the Cuillin Mountains.
👉 Find out if it’s worth the crowds in our Fairy Pools guide.
Challenging & Mountain Hikes (For Experienced Hikers)
Sgurr na Stri
One of the best viewpoints on Skye — but this route requires experience and route finding.
Bla Bheinn (Blaven)
A rugged mountain hike with incredible 360° views over the Cuillins and the sea. We attempted this hike but rain and cloudy weather forced us to turn around early. On a clear day, however, the views are incredible.
👉 Learn more about our experience in our Bla Bheinn Hiking Guide.
Sgurr Alasdair (Cuillin Ridge)
The highest peak on Skye. This is a serious mountaineering objective requiring scrambling skills and experience.
Hidden Gem for Hikers
Brother’s Point
Short, scenic, and far less crowded than Skye’s headline attractions. Dramatic coastal cliffs with minimal effort.
👉 Read our complete guide to hiking Brother’s Point.
The view from the trail to Brother’s Point
If You Only Have One Day on the Isle of Skye
If you only have one day on the Isle of Skye, drive the Trotternish Loop, as this short but scenic drive includes several of the must-see spots: the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, Mealt Falls, the Fairy Glen, and the option to hike out to Brother’s Point. Have lunch or dinner in Portree, to see Skye’s most charming, colorful town.
How Many Days Do You Need on the Isle of Skye?
Ideally, plan on spending at least two days on the Isle of Skye. Two days gives you just enough time to visit the main highlights.
More time is better, to explore the more off the beaten locations, go hiking, try a few restaurants, relax in a nice bed and breakfast, or have some contingency time should you have a rainy day (which is very possible in Scotland).
We spent three full days on the Isle of Skye, and this was the perfect amount of time to see the highlights and explore a few off-the-beaten-path destinations.
For more ideas on how to plan your time, read our Isle of Skye Itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Isle of Skye worth it?
The Isle of Skye was our favorite part of our trip to Scotland. We loved the landscapes, the hiking, the small towns and restaurants, and the incredible views. If you are planning a visit to Scotland, we recommend spending two to three days on the Isle of Skye. It just might be the highlight of your trip.
What is the best month to visit the Isle of Skye?
The weather is the best between May and September. However, the summer months, in particular July and August, are peak season. B&B’s will be sold out months in advance for these months, car parks will be overflowing, and restaurants book up early. June is a good month to go because the Isle of Skye is usually not packed with visitors yet.
April and May are the driest months. If you don’t mind it being chilly, these are great months to go to the Isle of Skye as well (especially if you want to visit when visitation is lower).
Is the Isle of Skye good for kids?
Absolutely! Our kids LOVED the three days we spent here, making it the best part of our trip to Scotland. The short hikes, coastal vistas, and scenic drives are ideal for families with children of any age. You’ll find most of your time outdoors, which is much more engaging for kids than exploring the city with museums and sightseeing.
Do you need a Car?
A car is essential for visiting the Isle of Skye due to the limited public transportation options. If you don’t plan to rent one, the best alternative is to join a multi-day tour that covers transportation around the island.
Next Steps: Planning Your Isle of Skye Trip
Ready to turn this list into a real itinerary?
- See our detailed Isle of Skye Itinerary (1, 2 & 3 Days)
- Read our Complete Isle of Skye Travel Guide for hotels, transportation, and dining
- Learn how to drive to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh or Glasgow
- See our full Scotland Itinerary, a 10 day itinerary that includes Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Isle of Skye, and Glencoe
If you have any questions about the best things to do in the Isle of Skye, let us know in the comment section below.
Plan Your Trip to Scotland
Below are links to more of our guides on Scotland, plus nearby places to visit in Europe.
The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide
In this Scotland Travel Guide, learn how to visit Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, Glen Coe, Glasgow, hike the Kintail Saddle, and take an epic road trip in Scotland.
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