20 Incredible Things To Do In The Isle Of Skye: The Crown Jewel Of Scotland!

So your heading to the mythical Skye – how perfect! Even better,  I have all the absolute highlights and top things to do in the Isle of Skye right here for you to hunt down on your multi-day trip.

How needs crowds and expensive tours after all, right! But first, for those that have not already heard – what is Skye?

The Isle of Skye, named ‘cloud island’ in Old Norse, is the second-largest of Scotland’s islands but undoubtedly the most beautiful. A jumbled mess of mysterious moors, jagged mountain peaks, deep lochs, and towering sea cliffs that has drawn tourists in for centuries — and today makes it Scotland’s most prominent tourist destination after Edinburgh!   

The otherworldly scenery here is always center stage (which is why Prometheus and many other Scottish movies were filmed here), but this is a place full of history and legends. The majority of tourists tend to stay in the small towns of Portree, Dunvegan, and Trotternish — but if you have a car (and you should when visiting Skye!), then freedom camping is a way to get away from it all and have a slice of Skye to yourself!

Populated since the Mesolithic era, there are around 10,000 people currently living on the island, though visiting outside of peak season, you would never believe it. Of course, during the summer months, the population explodes with tourists with come in droves thanks to Skye’s extraordinary landscape and ease of access from mainland Scotland. The Skye Bridge and ferry both being popular options if you hire a car.

You can also catch a train and then bus in from nearby towns, but the wonders here do not reveal themselves quite so quickly if you cannot explore on your own. Check out the section at the end for more information on how to get to the Isle of Skye.

Adding to the otherworldly charm is the fact that a sizeable amount of the local population speaks Gaelic – around 30% – and there is plenty of vibrant local culture and heritage to sink your teeth into. Nature-lovers should be on the lookout for the plentiful wildlife, including the Golden Eagle, Red Deer, and Salmon, easily spotted amidst the spectacular – if somewhat stark – Isle of Skye highlights.

Barren and windswept is the new sexy, as they say… right?

There is no doubt; this land is magic and one of the top places to visit in Scotland. You will be drawn in and never want to leave, every inch of this island draws ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhhs’ – A land seemingly untouched by the modern world. And let’s all agree to help keep it this way. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Be prepared, however, as the weather in these parts can change in an instant.  You are going to need both wet weather gear, sunscreen, and hardcore insect repellant if you are visiting in the summer. And a good tent if you plan on visiting the Isle of Skye on a budget – to withstanding the rather erratic climate. But you wouldn’t expect anything less from a worthy lassie now, would you?

All locations on this list of Skye highlights can be found easily by typing the names into Google Maps. Just save their location and download the offline map, and you will never get lost. Also, be sure not to forget the entire island is one vast, stunning vista, so even if you make a few wrong turns, you will never be bored. You can catch a bus, hiring a car is the easiest way to visit Skye by far (more on that later).

Dive slowly, pull over often, and take in each and every turn of this majestic land!

1. Sligachan Old Bridge

Located close to the small settlement of the same name, the Sligachan Bridge is a popular camping spot on Skye – being close to the Cuillin mountains and providing a majestic view towards the Black Cuillin mountains when you wake up.

Historically a critical junction in Skye, the bridge crosses the River Sligachan and formed part of the only road, which leads to the western end of the Isle. In this modern era, it has been superseded by a new bridge, but thankfully, the glorious Old Bridge has been left and is still crossable on foot. Built-in the 1820s, its three-arch design is highly photogenic, and no matter what time of day you visit, there is sure to be a few keen photographers finding their unique angle of this Isle of Skye icon.

For the extra keen, why not take a dip in the chilling waters below!

2.  Armadale Castle & Gardens

The dark and ominous is the Armadale Castle is a ruined country house in Armadale in Skye that was once the grand home of the MacDonalds. Much like the (much more desolate Buchanan Caste), the castle was built in the romantic Scottish mock-castle style – and has seen better days.

It was abandoned in 1925 by the Macdonald family though curiously, the gardens around the building are still maintained. The site is now home to the 

Clan Donald Centre, which administers the Museum of the Isles – which you should explore. After wall, what better place is there to hear about the story of Scotland’s most powerful clan then a magnificent garden set around idyllic ruins.

3. The Talisker Distillery

The oldest working distillery on the mystical Isle of Skye, the Talisker Distillery supremely positioned on the rocky shores of Loch Harport with climactic views of the Cuillins.

The distillery was founded in 1830 and rebuilt in 1960 after a fire devastated the distillery (after which five exact replicas of the original stills were assembled to defend the unique Talisker flavor).

It might be a little troublesome to get to, but Talisker is worth the drive for all lovers of single malt Scotch whisky! There is an excellent tasting room with multiple options. Just don’t forget to reserve your spot in advance as space is limited and you won’t want to miss out.

Composing an alluring, rich, full-bodied single malt, the spirits distilled by Talisker Distiller are much like the Isle of Skye itself: easy to enjoy, and oh-so-hard to leave.

4. Elgol Beach

If you love to enjoy a mountain view while wandering a windswept beach, this Elgol Beach is for you.

Located in a sea loch evocative of the majestic Fjords of Bergen (Scotland is slightly Nordic after all), Elgol Beach is a dazzling combination of tranquil serenity and raw natural power. Named one of the best shingle beaches in Britain, up there with those in Devon and Cornwall, there is nothing quite like wandering the shoreline here and starring up at the Cuillin Mountain range, which looms across the water.

Along the southern end of the beach, you can also find Boonie Prince Charlies cave, the famous hiding place used by the prince in his final days.

Somewhat frustratingly, the gravel road out to Elgol Beach is long, winding, and one-way, meaning you need to back-track but makes this highlight of Skye more peaceful and less touristy than other spots. Its southern proximity also means boat trips to destinations such as the Isles of Rum, Eigg, and Canna are possible from the town of Elgol – though the magical Isle of Muck sadly cannot be reached from here.

If you need to warm up after wandering the beach (or perhaps taking a swim – if you are insane), the Cuillin View Coffee Shop is the place to go for a warming drink and a caffeinated pick-me-up!