Isle of Skye, Scottish Highlands

It is best to rent a car and travel the highland. Many places do not have public transport.

Attractions:

Eilean Donan Castle

A gorgeous 13th century castle that is located on an island where 3 loch meet, it is located just off the A87, the main road that connects to the Highlands. The surrounding are absolutely gorgeous. It is the perfect place to take pictures. The castle is open from 10am to 6pm in the summer and earlier in the winter. You do have to buy a ticket to enter the castle. A picture on the bridge is awesome.

Old Man of Storr

Definitely the most famous attraction in Isle of Skye. This place is an icon and a must visit for any tourists. The views will simply blow you off. Go for a hike and see this amazing rock pinnacle of 164 feet (50 m) in height so named on account of the rocks outline resembling the profile of an old man. It is about a mile hike from the carpark. Try to go early in the morning to escape the crowd. It is roughly a 15 mins drive from Portree.

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls Viewpoint

This place is extremely picturesque, along with the sweeping views of the coast and surrounding cliffs. It is located about 30 mins from Portree. The view of the magnificent 90 meter Kilt Rock, which looks strikingly similar to a pleated kilt. From the cliff top you can also get a nice look of the falls that plummets more than 100m to the shoreline.

An Corran Beach

A lovely beach located on the most eastern part of Skye, in Staffin, It was said that this was the place where dinosaurs up to 10 meter call it home. This place is also very quaint and quiet, together with ragged cliffs. Enjoy a stroll here.

Quiraing

This mountain range is located in between Brogaig and Uig. You are able to drive on a narrow path that cuts between the mountains and have a little hike over the range. The views is amazing. The views here will always make you pull over the car for a picture. It feels like you are in heaven. If you were to do the full hike, it may take you more than 2 hours. After that, head to Uig for a nice picture as well.

Fairy Glen

A short drive away from the town of Uig, located in a valley. The Fairy Glen, is like its name, a place for fairies. It is known as one of the cutest place to explore as well. The supernatural looking landscape is a lovely spot for a walk on a nice day. The place here aren’t too big in comparison.

Dunvegan Castle

Located on the western side of Isle of Skye, it is towards the direction of The Three Chimneys and Nest Point. This castle and gardens is founded in the 13th century. It is also one of the oldest occupied castle in Scotland. The castle is part of a family 42,000 acres estate. The castle and gardens are only open in the summer from 10am to 5.30pm daily. You do need a ticket to get in. A nice place to come if you have extra time.

Neist Point Lighthouse

Located on the most western point of Isle of Skye, this working, unmanned light house was built in 1909 on a rocky cliff top overlooking the coast line. It is about an hour drive from Portree. It is also one of the popular place for catching the sunset. It is a nice walk from the carpark.

Talisker Distillery

The whisky manufacturer from the local region. It is located in the town of Carbost and just by the Loch. This is a pretty popular place in Skye. They are usually open from 9am to 5.30pm. Expect shorter opening timings in the winter. Tour ranges from 10 pounds to 40 pounds. Grab a glass of whisky and head to the Oyster Shed just next door for some of the best seafood on the island. Reserve to ensure a tour will be available.

The Fairy Pools

Cascade blue and green vibrant waterfalls with little cold pools. This is what you can expect from this place. It will also be the nicest pool that you have ever swim in. it does need a little hike in and the surrounding views will keep you accompanied. The Fairy Pools are located near Carbost, about 15mins drive from Talisker. Bring a swimsuit for the crystal clear waters.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

The scene that is so familiar in Harry Potter Movies, the landmark iconic, 1901 railway viaduct just looks so impressive against the mountains and hills at the back. The curving 21 arch span is an impressive sight. If you are lucky, you might even get a sight of a train passing thru. There are a few viewpoint that you can get an impressive views. It is about a 3 hour drive from Portree.

Fort William

A little town in the highlands right on the banks of Loch Linnhe and faces the mountains. It is very scenic, the main street, High Street is also full of shops, cafes and restaurants. Have a walk down the loch and soak in the views.

Glencoe

A famous and gorgeous valley, which is constantly considered one of the most spectacular. It’s even featured in films such as James Bond’s Skyfall and several Harry Potter movies. Drive through it while on the A82.

Restaurants:

MacKenzie’s Bakery

Somerled Square, Portree IV51 9EH, UK

A local bakery in the town of Portree. This is the place for well price and good quality goods and treats. They have some light lunch options as well. It is open from Mon to Sat from 8am to 5pm.

Isle of Skye Bakery

The Old Woolen Mill, Dunvegan Rd, Portree IV51 9HG, UK

This local bakery is great for their own produce. Come here for a quick breakfast. All of them are super fresh and delicious. It is open from Mon to Sat from 10am to 5pm. They also have cakes and tarts.

Café Sia & Siaway

Ford Rd, Isle of Skye IV49 9AB, UK

Located in Broadford, on the way from the mainland, shortly after the Skye Bridge, it is a little chic café with the best view possible. The pizzas here are good. Drop by for a cup of coffee or something. They are open from 9.30am to 8.30pm daily.

Lower Deck Restaurant

1 Douglas Row, Portree IV51 9DD, UK

Located in Portree on the road leading to the ocean, you can expect how amazing the view would be. It specialised in seafood dishes source locally from the waters. It is open daily from 12 – 2.30pm and 6 – 9pm. Prices are fair.

Scorrybreac Restaurant

7 Bosville Terrace, Portree IV51 9DG, UK

A seaside restaurant that produce seasonal cuisine. It is open for lunch on Fri to Sun 12 – 2pm and for dinner from Wed to Sun 5 – 9.30pm. They praise on using the finest local and seasonal ingredients. The place have a very homely vibe. One of the best in the island. Reservations are recommended.

The Three Chimneys

Colbost, Dunvegan, Colbost, Isle of Skye IV55 8ZT

Located over in Colbost, facing the gorgeous Loch Dunvegan, this is known for being the best restaurant in the whole of Skye. Reservation is mandatory. A perfect place for special occasions. They are open from 12.15pm – 1.30pm for lunch and 6.30pm to 9.15pm for dinner daily. The lunch comes at 40 Pounds, and dinner at 68 pounds.

Kinloch Lodge

A851, Sleat, Isle of Skye IV43 8QY, UK

Located near the Loch Na Dal, this restaurant is housed in a former clan hunting lodge. The views are awesome and the food is equally good. Items are based on local produce, reservations are necessary and lunch is available from 12.30pm to 2pm and dinner from 6.30pm. Afternoon tea is available as well. Credit Card is necessary. A three-course lunch comes at £40 and four-course at £45.

Loch Bay Restaurant*

1 Macleods Terrace, Stein, Isle of Skye IV55 8GA, UK

Helmed by Michael Smith, this place is known as one of the best in Skye, with focus on Seafood. It is totally worth the detour. Timings differ but in summer, they are usually open for lunch from Wed to Sat and dinner from Tues to Sat. Reservations are necessary. They are a 1 Michelin Star holder. Lunch comes at 2 course for 29.50 Pounds and 3 for 34 pounds. Dinner comes at 3 course for 43.50. Not Cheap.

Oyster Shed

Carbost, Isle of Skye IV47 8SE, UK

This is the famous little shed behind the Talisker Distillery that serves up oyster right from the local waters and also other seafood dishes. It is located right next to the Distillery which makes it perfect to grab some seafood to go with your whisky. They are open daily from 11.30am to 5pm.