The Isle of Skye is a beautiful island in the Scottish Highlands filled with impressive landscapes, jagged cliffs and charming towns!
The island is located on the west coast of Scotland within the Inner Hebrides and is connected to the mainland by an impressive bridge, so it’s easy to travel by car.
Over the years, Skye has become more popular with many people heading to this unique area of the world. It’s now easy to do tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow, however, we recommend exploring by car!
We spent 3 days on the Isle of Skye exploring the best things to do, going on incredible hikes and wild camping in our self-converted car camper! We visited in June and experienced very cold, windy rainy weather! Summer is very hit-and-miss in the Scottish Highlands.
No matter which weather you experience, the scenery on the Isle of Skye makes for the perfect Scottish getaway and we recommend spending at least two days on the island. Our 3 day Isle of Skye itinerary will show you how to squeeze in more activities with a relaxed vibe (plus more time for hiking)!
This Isle of Skye itinerary involves a car, but we also have tour options at the end of our guide. We want to show you the highlights and hidden gems on the island, so you don’t miss anything on your trip! Now let’s jump into our 3 day Isle of Skye itinerary!
This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you.
3 Day Isle of Skye Itinerary
We’ve created an Isle of Skye itinerary that features the best things to do alongside tips and recommendations. There’s a fair bit of driving to do in the Isle of Skye to see the main highlights but it’s totally worth it!
As the weather was so bad during our trip, we unfortunately had to skip a few destinations on our list. But, as we’ve already done the research, we’ve still included them on this itinerary for you!
Day 1 – Arriving, Viewpoints & Old Man of Storr
The first day on your Isle of Skye itinerary will be spent arriving, wandering around the cute town of Portree and hiking one of the most famous sights on the island. We’ve included a list of where to see at the end of each day to fit any traveller!
Skye Bridge
There are two ways to access the Isle of Skye, by bridge or by ferry from the mainland. Driving over Skye Bridge made the most sense for us on our route, so that is where our Isle of Skye itinerary begins!
Before being built back in the early 90’s, the only alternative was to catch a ferry (which is still busy and runs from Mallaig every day), so for many, it has cut down travel time and costs. Amy’s dad had to take the ferry back in the day!
Plus, driving over the bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh to the Isle of Skye is EPIC because you are greeted with the dramatic backdrop of roughly cut mountains.
Alternatively, you can catch the ferry from Mallaig (mainland) to Armadale (Skye) in around 45 minutes. As mentioned, we drove over Skye Bridge, but looking on the ferry site, this should cost around £18.60 for 2 adults in a vehicle (pricing based on a 2002 Citroen Berlingo), so be sure to enter your vehicle details for the most accurate price and book ahead online here!
Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre
Isle of Sky Candle Co. Visitor Centre is a lot more than just a candle shop!
Back in 2022, the boutique candle maker moved into their new Portree location to expand production and open up their flagship store. On top of this, they also have a pizzeria, Gasta Port Righ, a cinema, Las, and a wellness centre, An Stiùideo!
Whatever the unpredictable Scottish weather might bring you, there is always something to do at the Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre! Be sure to pop in if time allows, who can say no to pizza anyway?
Portree
The Capital of Isle of Skye, Portree, is the largest town on the island offering a wide variety of restaurants, hotels and fun things to do! No trip to Portree would be complete without a wander around Portree Harbour to see the colourful buildings reflecting on the peaceful water (weather-dependent of course!).
If you’re after a sweet snack, head to Birch Cafe for a vegan cinnamon bun! Portree is full of cute cafes.
If you need anything else for your trip, here is a good place to stock up as there are more shops here than in other villages on the island. Head out on a Isle of Skye Day Tour from Portree if you’re not driving.
Bride’s Veil Falls
Bride’s Veil Falls can be a short stop on your journey around the Isle of Skye and it’s both free and easily accessible. Free parking along the road followed by a short 2-minute walk will bring you to the base of the falls.
Watch the water cascade down marshy green terrain as it crashes down the falls. Wear appropriate footwear as it can be wet underfoot on the marshy land.
➤ Check out our 1 Day Scottish Highlands Itinerary from Edinburgh
Old Man of Storr
Old Man of Storr is most likely the main reason you are looking to visit the Isle of Skye, and for good reason! This ancient rock formation is extremely unique and offers amazing views across the ocean to the mainland.
The ‘Old Man’ is the basalt pinnacle that can be seen from miles around. Dating back some 2,800 million years, this is all that remains of an ancient volcanic plug!
The Old Man of Storr trail takes around 2 hours in total. As with all tourist spots, you see people hiking in trainers and jeans, but we recommend bringing some walking shoes and waterproof (Scotland’s weather is too unpredictable!).
Follow the rocky steps all the way to the top and admire the views of the rocks and the surrounding area. What we thought was really cool about this trail is that it takes you right under the ‘Old Man of Storr’ and through the rock formations!
There’s a new block of toilets at the bottom, as well as a hut where the rangers operate from if you need any help or have any questions. There is a paid car park which is clearly marked, or if you fancy saving a few quid you can park in the lay by roughly a half mile north up the road and walk 10 minutes to the trailhead.
Lealt Falls
Another quick stop on this 3 day Isle of Skye itinerary is to Lealt Falls. The wind was really strong this day so we didn’t spend long. The views over the turquoise sea water were amazing with the backdrop of mainland Scotland in the near distance.
The first car park was packed, but if you follow signs to the big car park up the small hill, there are picnic benches for making lunch (we made a couple of vegan Richmond sausage sandwiches).
You will also find a food truck selling food and drinks if you are low on supplies and fancy grabbing something on the go.
The Brother’s Point
The Brother’s Point is optional if you have time on the first day of your Isle of Skye itinerary. If you fancy spending a few more hours hiking after Old Man of Storr, ‘The Brother’s Point’ might take your fancy!
We didn’t personally tackle this one during our visit to Skye but we had it on our list of things to do if we had the time and felt up for it.
Allow roughly 2 hours to complete this trail, it’s an in-and-out route and takes 1hr each way. We’ve heard it isn’t for the faint-hearted, with some scramble sections in high winds making it tricky at times, but the end result is amazing with the possibility of seeing the remains of dinosaur prints in the beach rock bed!
Kilt Rock
Kilt Rock is a really cool spot, but unfortunately cannot see the full impact of the waterfall unless you have access to a drone. Here, there is Mealt Falls which falls directly off of the edge of Skye down into the ocean! You can get a pretty cool side view from the car park, but the epic view will only be seen from the sea.
From here you also get immense views along the rocky coastline of Skye, try to see the resemblance of a Kilt in the rocks!
The car park is paid and there are no toilet facilities onsite. It’s worth a look for 10-20 minutes to take in the natural beauty.
Where to stay near Staffin:
- Staffin Caravan & Camping Site – We stayed here during our Isle of Skye itinerary and it was perfect! There’s a laundrette, an on-site cafe for dinner and a shower block!
- The Bridge B&B – a lovely bed and breakfast with great views in the North of Isle of Skye – Find it on Booking.com here!
Day 2 – Hiking, Beaches & Highland Cows
Now on to day 2 of your Isle of Skye itinerary! Let’s hope you were able to get some good rest, as today is another action-packed day of exploring and hiking. Today, you’ll explore prehistoric beaches, hike through ancient landslides and walk along mystical waterfalls, let’s dig in!
An Corran Beach
Did you know you could start your day hunting for fossils and dinosaur footprints? The Isle of Skye has traces of ancient life from prehistoric times, and some of those examples can be found here!
If you’re staying nearby in Staffin, you could spend some time walking here in the morning. We didn’t stop here due to bad weather, this is an optional stop so feel free to head straight to Quiraing and grab your hiking boots!
➤ Plan the perfect trip with our Scottish Highlands Bucket List!
Quiraing
After Old Man of Storr, Quiraing is undoubtedly the second most popular hiking area on the Isle of Skye! Depending on how much time you have and general fitness abilities, you have a few different trail options. The Quiraing loop, which is most popular, or the Prison Trail, which takes you along the bottom half of the Quiraing trail but isn’t as strenuous or long.
On the day, we had horrendous high winds (and I mean STRONG winds) so we avoided the Quiraing trail as it is rather exposed to the elements on the top, and enjoyed exploring the Prison trail, albeit still very windy! And spoiler alert, there is no prison at the end, just a rock formation which is possibly believed to be a very old style of prison from many moons ago.
When we visited in June, the incline section at the start of the Quiraing trail was under construction, so there was a rather muddy temporary alternative for hikers to use. Once it’s completed, there will be a much better rock-step trail in place to take hikers to the top.
Be sure to allow 2-3 hours here, to explore either trail with photo stops and breaks. If you don’t fancy hiking or the weather is rubbish, you can also rock up to the car park to see the views of the Quiraing!
Sadly it’s paid parking and there’s no toilets. Try not to park in the dedicated bus/coach spaces, we saw vehicles with tickets!
Despite being battered by the relentless Skye winds, we had an awesome time exploring this ancient landslide, it sort of looks like a rocky hand is emerging from the ground and reaching to for the surface!
Looking for tours heading to the Isle of Skye? Here’s an Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip from Inverness!
Skye Museum of Island Life
This authentic museum is a set of restored and well-preserved thatched cottages, so you can witness first-hand how the people of Skye used to live in everyday life. Admission is £6 per person, it’s well worth the money and time to step back in history and experience simpler times.
Not to mention, there are a few friendly Highland cows in the adjacent field just waiting for a picture! You can also pick up warming hot food and drinks or cakes from Highland Deli & Takeaway situated at the end of the car park, if you’re fancying a treat or just low on caffeine.
You can also find a free block of toilets here, although donations are encouraged to ensure the maintenance and upkeep of these facilities. It’s a great place to stop and take a break during your busy day on the Isle of Skye.
➤ Check out our North Coast 500 Road Trip Itinerary!
Rha Waterfalls
There’s a charming forest walk that leads to Rha Waterfalls which was unfortunately closed at the time of our visit to rebuild the pathways that run along the river, through the forest to the falls themselves.
When we tried to visit all the entrances were blocked with many signs warning us not to enter and to come back once the construction was complete. Hopefully, on your Isle of Skye visit the falls will be accessible again!
The Fairy Glen
The Fairy Glen has become a popular spot for visitors to the Isle of Skye for its mystical and enchanting landscapes. The unique surroundings were formed over thousands of years by melting glaciers, creating a rugged and story-like setting. There’s a nice 1hr loop that takes you through and around The Fairy Glen, which is what most travellers do here!
You’ll also notice the magical stone circles scattered across the marshy green land. We were sad to hear that the circles were created by tourists and not the fairies of Isle of Skye!
Keep in mind this is a popular spot so it can get busy during the peak hours of the day. Parking is paid at the pay and display machine using a card or cash.
Where to stay near Portree:
- Rockview Guesthouse – affordable room in the heart of Portree with sea views and breakfast – Find it on Booking.com here!
- Portree Campsite is a perfect base for camping on the Isle of Skye, sadly they were booked up during our visit, so make sure to book in advance if you want a spot here!
Day 3 – Castles, Distilleries & Views
Even after a full two days on this Isle of Skye itinerary, there are still plenty of amazing things to see on this beautiful island before the sun sets. We have medieval castles, white sand beaches, whiskey tasting and mystical landscapes planned for your last day!
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Dunvegan Castle is one of few well-preserved castles dotted around Scotland. First built in the 1200s, it has been expanded on and built up over the course of 600 years! It was fully restored to its current glory in 1840 at a total of £8,000 (nowadays costing roughly £1,000,000 with inflation since the 1800s).
In its lifetime it has influences of over 10 periods, underneath its exterior, the keen eye will notice this! We stopped to have a quick look but didn’t pay to go inside the grounds.
There’s a small gift shop and free toilets in the car park. Parking is also free so it’s a good base if you want to walk 15 mins down the road to Dunvegan.
💰 Admission prices: Castle and Gardens – £16.50 / Gardens Only – £14.50
Coral Beach
Coral Beach is an amazing white sand beach with deep turquoise waters. Here you can expect to see some of the UKs very best beaches. The beach is a short 30 minute walk from the free car park and is well worth the journey!
The car park fills up quickly as it’s only small, and is down a road scattered with potholes, so take your time. Probably not suitable for large motorhomes due to the size and condition of the road.
Neist Point
Allow around 30 minutes each way to reach Neist Point from the car park. Take it easy near cliff edges in high winds, and enjoy your time here exploring and getting epic views of cliffs and the lighthouse.
If you’re lucky, you might even see whales and dolphins! If you time your day right, being at Neist Point just before sunset is a real treat.
Talisker Distillery
No trip to Scotland is complete without visiting a distillery, after all, Scotland is the homeland of proper Scotch Whiskey!
Talisker Distillery is the oldest operating distillery on the Isle of Skye and offers tasting experiences and tours starting from £15. You can take a look here if you are interested in learning more or booking an experience.
It’s also set in the beautiful location of Loch Hartport, a great place to take a breather and take in the stunning surroundings.
➤ Here’s our travel guide on how to explore Edinburgh in 3 days!
Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools and surrounding area was one of our favourite parts of Isle of Skye, it’s somewhere quite different to anywhere else we have ever visited! The Fairy Pools are a long run of rock pools interconnected by clear mountain waterfalls, it’s really quite spectacular!
Expect to spend 2 hours here, 45 minutes to 1 hour walking to the end waterfall, and 30 – 45 minutes to return back to the start. The trail has a steady incline all the way, so coming back will be faster. When we visited in mid-June we unfortunately had a lot of rain with cold weather, so walking boots and a waterproof was a must, sadly no swimming for us this time around!
If you don’t fancy lots of walking, you can do as much or as little as you want! The falls and pools run along the whole trail, so there is a bit of something for everyone. The beginning of the falls can be reached from the car park in under 10 minutes.
The views from the road leading up to the fairy Pools are also breathtaking! The main Forestry Commission Car Park is £6 and you can also find toilets here, which are well-maintained and free! Although, be sure to know that they are open 9-5 in summer, and 10-3 in winter.
For a free parking option head to Glenbrittle Forest Car Park and work the extra 15 minutes to the starting point. There is easy space for 15-20 vehicles if everyone parks appropriately.
➤ We’ve also included the Isle of Skye in our 1 Week Scottish Highlands itinerary!
Sligachan Old Bridge and the Magical Waters
There’s a good chance you might have seen pictures of this stunning old bridge online already. A 3 arched cobblestone bridge, standing the test of time in the centre of moody mountains and running rivers. Whether you visit here with a stunning blue sky, or a doom and gloom grey-kinda day, it will be well worth the stop. You won’t see anything else quite like it on the Isle of Skye!
It’s also said that people don’t only visit for the amazing views, but also for the magical waters that flow beneath the bridge. Old folklore says that the daughter of an ancient Scottish warrior called upon the fairies of Isle of Skye to help her battling mother defeat the Irish demi-god that sailed the seas to kill and defeat her in battle.
The daughter, known as Uathach, tears crashed into the Sligachan River beneath the Old Bridge and drew the attention of the fairies. They were moved by her sorrow and decided to help. Uathach was instructed to dip her face into the waters of the Sligachan River to learn the knowledge she sought to save her mother.
Lo and behold, it worked! She was able to save her mother by cooking an irresistible banquet. The mother and legendary fighter known as Scáthach, and the Irish demi-god Cú Chulainn broke bread over dinner in their home which meant they became guests and could no longer fight. Now tricked into a truce, the battle came to a mutual draw.
It is now thought if you dip your face in the waters beneath Sligachan Old Bridge for 7 seconds and let the water dry off naturally, you will be blessed with eternal beauty by the fairies.
Where to stay near Sligichan:
- House of Juniper Cabins – unique cabin pods in Broadford – Find it on Booking.com here!
- Sligichan Campsite is an amazing campsite surrounded by the mountains on the Isle of Skye, you’ll need to book in advance to get a spot here.
That’s the end of our 3 day Isle of Skye itinerary! It’s a big one! A few of these stops are options and completely up to you depending on the weather. A few must-see destinations are Old Man of Storr, Quariang, Kilt Rock, Portree, Sligachan Old Bridge, Fairy Pools and Dunvegan Castle. Here’s an Isle of Skye Day Tour from Portree with the best highlights.
Where to stay on the Isle of Skye
Near Staffin – We recommend The Bridge B&B and Sonas, Dunans for guesthouses near Staffin. We stayed at Staffin Caravan & Camping Site and loved having facilities!
Portree – Portree Pod is a unique cabin-style stay in Portree or you can book a room at Rockview Guesthouse. Portree Campsite is a great campsite and a good base for spending 3 days in the Isle of Skye.
South Isle of Skye – If you’re not ready to leave the Isle of Skye just yet, you can book a room at House of Juniper Cabins or Scorrybreac B&B. Sligichan Campsite is the best campsite in the area!
➤ Find more places to stay in the Isle of Skye!
Where to eat on the Isle of Skye
As we were driving our car camper, we were very self-sufficient with food and stocked up just before our Isle of Skye trip. There’s one Co-Op in Broadford and two in Portree, otherwise you can find general food items at local stores such as Fruit & Nut Place (amazing fruit and veg)! Here are a few places we recommend to experience the local restaurants and cafes:
- Birch Cafe (Portree) £ – a cosy cafe in the heart of Portree.
- The Isles Inn (Portree) ££ – a lovely pub serving hearty British food with vegan options!
- The Dunvegan (Dunvegan) £££ – incredible local Scottish ingredients cooked over fire.
- Siaway Fish & Chips (Broadford) £ – the perfect stop for a British classic!
- Chidakasha Skye (Glendale) £££ – a vegetarian restaurant with a 3-course meal!
Best time to visit the Isle of Skye
The best time to visit the Isle of Skye is between April to June and September to October. However, there isn’t exactly one best time to visit the Isle of Skye due to the ever-changing weather and bugs!
Summer – We usually recommend the summer months for anyone visiting the UK, but in the Scottish Highlands, the mosquitos, and midges thrive in the warmth. If you’ve never been around a midge swarm, you’re lucky! They are everywhere in Scotland, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Spring & Autumn – This is why Spring and Autumn are the best times of year to plan a trip to the Isle of Skye as there’s a chance of fewer bugs, plus moderate weather. We visited in June and sadly had some miserable Spring weather from sideways rain to high winds and hail, but luckily the wind meant no bugs.
Winter – This is the Isle of Skye’s quietest time of year and although the weather will be cold and rainy, if you’re prepared, it can be a very peaceful time to visit. There’s even a chance of seeing the Northern Lights!
Overall, be prepared for any type of weather when you visit the Isle of Skye and bring a raincoat, hat, suncream, hiking shoes and bug spray!
➤ Looking for more nature in the UK? We explored Snowdonia over a weekend and went glamping! Here’s our full guide on how to hike Snowdon!
How to get to the Isle of Skye
Flight – The best way to get to the Isle of Skye from outside of the UK is by flying! Check prices on Skyscanner for arrivals into Inverness (the closest big city), Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Train – The Isle of Skye has no train stations and the closest one is in Kyle of Lochalsh over the bridge.
From Inverness, take the 2-3 hour Kyle Line train that offers some of the best train views in Scotland (look out for the Torridon Peaks and Ben Wyvis!)
From Glasgow, take the 5-hour train to Mallaig and catch a ferry to Armadale on the Isle of Skye – this option is pretty fun!
Bus – From Inverness take the 3.5 CityLink bus to Portree to start your Isle of Skye adventure! You can also catch a 7-hour CityLink bus from Glasgow to Portree. The prices are pretty good! National Express buses are also useful to get to Glasgow or Inverness from around the country.
Tours – If you don’t drive or would prefer travelling as a group, there are plenty of Isle of Skye Tours that take you to some of the best sights on the island. Here are a few to take from the main cities in Scotland:
- From Inverness – Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle (Day Trip)
- From Glasgow – 3 Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Glencoe Tour
- From Edinburgh – 3 Day Isle of Skye & Highlands Tour
Driving on the Isle of Skye
The roads are pretty good on the Isle of Skye and we didn’t come across any problems! There are some wild potholes on some of the layby’s and car parks but generally, the roads are smooth.
In the UK, we drive on the left side of the road, so it may feel a little different if you’re not used to it! There are a few signs throughout the Highlands reminding travellers of this because it’s a common problem!
The Isle of Skye has a lot of paid parking, but we managed to park near some of the main sights to save some money. We’ve mentioned alternative parking options at some of the destinations on this 3 day Isle of Skye itinerary.
How to rent a car on the Isle of Skye
When exploring the Scottish Highlands, it’s popular to rent a car from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness. Check out Discover Cars to browse for the best deals for your trip.
There aren’t many rental companies on or near the Isle of Skye as most people already have their transport sorted before arriving. Morrison Car Hire is an option and if you’re arriving by public transport into Kyle of Lochalsh, there’s Skye Car Hire right opposite the station.
Planning an Isle of Skye Itinerary
Now that you’ve got your Isle of Skye itinerary sorted, you will need to officially plan your trip! Here are some helpful links to plan your trip to the Isle of Skye. Always check for public holidays!
- Check for any public holidays on your date of visit.
- Book your flights – check Skyscanner prices!
- Book your accommodation on Hostelworld here or on Booking.com here!
- Don’t forget about Travel Insurance! – SafetyWing Nomad Insurance!
- Get an E-sim on Airalo if you’re looking for data in Scotland!
- Pack appropriate clothing for every season (in every season)
Browse more Scottish posts!
- 1 Day Scottish Highlands Itinerary from Edinburgh
- 3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary
- 1 Week Scottish Highlands Itinerary
- The Best Scottish Highlands Bucket List
- NC500 Road Trip Itinerary
- How to hike in Snowdonia, Wales
- 1 Day York Itinerary & 1 Day Cambridge Itinerary
LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER & SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!
