This 3 day Isle of Skye itinerary is the perfect guide for your first visit to one of the most popular destinations in Scotland. From Highland cows to the best restaurants, this Skye itinerary includes top sights, hidden gems, and insider tips from our own experience.
When I asked for advice from people who had spent a lot of time in Scotland, every single one of them said something along the lines of, “Whatever you do, you absolutely need to visit the Isle of Skye.”
And now that we’ve been there, I understand the hype.
In fact, if you’re planning your very own trip to Scotland, I would repeat the advice that I was given:
You absolutely must visit the Isle of Skye!
I will be the first to tell you that planning your Isle of Skye itinerary can be a little daunting. While it’s not a huge area overall, it is absolutely jam-packed with attractions.
Instead of sitting behind a screen, researching until your eyes go blurry (like I did!), let us help you!
We’ve compiled all of our experience from 2 trips to the Isle of Skye (one trip we did in 2022 and one trip our Director of Content, Amanda, did in 2024!) to come up with the ultimate Isle of Skye itinerary.
Isle of Skye Itinerary Contents
For more tips and advice for planning your trip to Isle of Skye, Scotland, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).
- How many days do you need
- Isle of Skye itinerary overview
- Isle of Skye itinerary map
- Extra time in Isle of Skye?
- Best time to visit Isle of Skye
- How to get around Isle of Skye
- Where to stay in Isle of Skye
- What to pack for visiting Isle of Skye
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How many days do you need to visit the Isle of Skye?
We’d recommend allotting a minimum of 2 full days for exploring the Isle of Skye.
Ideally you’d allot 3-4 full days for your Isle of Skye itinerary.
If you are an avid hiker, we’d encourage you to lean toward the longer end as this area has some seriously cool hiking opportunities.
Our experience: We personally had 3 days and 2 nights in Skye, and there were several places we did not have enough time to see. We would have loved an additional day.
Amanda’s experience: I only had 2 days to dedicate to Isle of Skye on my Scotland itinerary and I wished I would have planned more! Especially since we had a lot of rain when we were there, so we had to cancel some of our hikes. Having 3-4 days would have allowed us more flexibility to deal with the unpredictable weather.
Isle of Skye itinerary overview
Below is what we think is a perfect 3-day Isle of Skye itinerary. It includes some epic hikes, amazing food stops, and isn’t too rushed so you have time to really enjoy yourself.
Feel free to add or cut things and adjust based on how long you have.
- Day 1: See highland cows, hike Fairy Pools and explore Portree
- Day 2: Iconic Isle of Skye viewpoints, hike the Quiraing, wander Fairy Glen at sunset
- Day 3: Hike Old Man of Storr, more iconic sights, dinner at the world-renowned Three Chimneys restaurant
- Day 4: Make your way off the Isle of Skye, stops along the way
Day 1 on Isle of Skye
- Start your day with coffee and a pastry at Lean To Coffee or The Coffee Bothy
- Make a quick stop to see Highland cows
- Wander around the Sligachan Old Bridge
- Hike to the iconic Fairy Pools
- Lunch at Bogg Myrtle (soup & sandwiches) or The Oyster Shed (seafood)
- Explore Portree & freshen up
- Enjoy a nice dinner in Portree (be sure to make a reservation)
See Highland cows
While the symbol of Scotland is a unicorn (yes, really!) highland cows are – dare I say – a more iconic Scottish animal. And one that you can actually see in real life. So there’s that.
While driving around the Isle of Skye, be sure to stop at this spot so you can walk to the cows and see them up close.
Sligachan Old Bridge
The legends shared in the Isle of Skye help bring some of its locations to life, and the stories surrounding this bridge definitely attract a crowd.
The Sligachan Bridge was built in the early 1900s, over water that is believed to hold the key to eternal youth. However, in order to reap the benefits of these enchanting waters, you must hold your head under for at least 7 seconds.
Since you’re in the area, the Sligachan waterfalls are only a short walk up the road and worth peeping before heading back to the car.
Fairy Pools hike
No trip to the Isle of Skye would be complete without hiking to the famed Fairy Pools.
While this is one of the most visited places in Skye, it is popular for a reason.
We’ve got a guide to hiking to the Fairy Pools so you know exactly what to expect.
Tip: If you want to avoid crowds, come early or stay for sunset. The middle of the day is the most crowded. But even at its busiest, you’ll be able to find spots along the path that you have all to yourself.
Portree
Portree is undeniably beautiful. Wander the streets and be sure to snap some photos along the way, as this is one of the most picturesque towns in Scotland.
The colorful buildings set against a quaint harbor make for a postcard-worthy combination.
Whether you’re a photographer or just want to capture moments from your Scotland trip, you’ll definitely want to snap a picture of this lovely seaside village. The best view of Portree can be found at this spot.
Where to eat in Portree
The Isle of Skye is one of the best places to enjoy fresh seafood while in Scotland. Here are our top picks for a nice seafood dinner in Portree:
- Restaurant Rosedale: Scottish tapas and seafood dishes with harbor views.
- Sea Breezes: Seafood restaurant on the water known for their “seafood platters for two”. A friend of ours said this was her favorite meal in all of Scotland.
- Scorrybreac: Cozy restaurant with tasting menus featuring seasonal dishes made with local ingredients sourced from the island.
And if you’re not a big seafood eater, here are some other options for casual dining in Portree:
- Pizza in the Skye: Takeaway wood-fired pizza with homemade dough and fresh ingredients.
- Birch Cafe: Small batch specialty coffee and house made bites.
- Isle of Skye Baking Company: Discover pastries, cakes, breads, and other treats on the outskirts of Portree.
- Cafe Arriba: A colorful cafe in the heart of Portree serving up breakfast-to-lunch dishes.
Day 2 on Isle of Skye
- Breakfast at your accommodation
- See Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
- Hike to Brother’s Point
- Hunt for dinosaur footprints at Staffin Beach
- Hike the Quiraing
- Enjoy a picnic lunch
- If you are doing okay with time, hike to the bothy at Rubha Hunish
- Wander Fairy Glen at sunset
- Enjoy dinner at The Galley Cafe
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
This is one of the most iconic views on the Isle of Skye, and for good reason. It’s not often that you can see a waterfall tumble over a sheer cliff into the ocean.
It is quite the drop! (Just hang on tight to your phone or camera.)
This is a quick stop, as it’s just a short walk from the parking lot. Also, be sure to walk to the other side of the parking lot (where there were no crowds at all!) and check out of the views of the opposite cliffs (pictured below).
Brother’s Point hike
- Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
- Elevation: 305 ft (93 meters)
- Type of trail: Out-and-back
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
You’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled upon an undiscovered gem in the Isle of Skye as you walk past local sheep herds to this magnificent viewpoint.
Listen to the waves crash on the shores below while you enjoy long distance views of Kilted Rock, Mealt Falls, and the lush green hills of the isle.
Staffin Beach
This black sand beach surrounded by the rugged and moody outcropping of the Trotternish Peninsula reveals dinosaur footprints during low tide.
Staffin Beach, known locally as An Corran, was already a popular stop on the Isle of Skye since it’s so close to other popular stops like the Quirang, but it didn’t get the recognition it does now until 2001.
Over two decades ago, dog walkers and scientists discovered these 170 million year old footprints. As you walk, look for the tracks of the Stegosaurus, Megalosaurus, Cetiosaurus, Hadrosaurus, and Ceolophysis.
The Quiraing hike
- Distance: 3.9 miles (6.2 km)
- Elevation: 1,286 ft (392 m)
- Type of trail: Loop
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View trail notes
Step into a magical realm with vibrant, otherworldly landscapes on the Quiraing hike. Driving up to the viewpoint is just the start, but if you have the time, we’d recommend going on part, or all of the 3.9-mile loop.
Insider Tip: Want to extend your hike? This route brings hikers on a longer version of the loop.
Rubha Hunish
The tip top of the Trotternish Peninsula features views as far as Duntulm Castle and a bothy that was originally used by the coastguard for whale spotting.
Rubha Hunish is also famous for being one of the best hikes on the whole isle for seabird and mammal spotting.
You’ll walk along steep cliff sides, royal blue waters, and arrive at panoramic views. If you want to take your visit to the next level, you can spend the night in the bothy on top of the cliff and witness a spectacular sunrise over the Isle of Skye.
Tip: Scotland’s coastline is notoriously wet, so bring your waterproof boots!
Fairy Glen
This place was one of our favorite stops on the Isle of Skye.
A flat and easy mile-long loop trail brings you past grassy knolls, conical hills, a tranquil bog, and rock formations where sheeps graze.
You’ll know when you reach the spot known as The Fairy Glen, as there are concentric circles made in the ground with stones.
You’ll also see Castle Ewen – which is not a castle at all, but a rock formation that somewhat resembles a fortress-like structure.
The whole place has an ethereal, magical quality to it.
Our experience: When we visited in September 2022 around sunset time, there were just a handful of other people, making our experience feel really special.
Amanda’s experience: The Fairy Glen looked a little different when I visited in August 2024 around midday. For one, the parking lot was nearly full (we parked on the road) and the place was pretty crowded with tourists. There is also a new path through the glen and a long line to climb to the top of the “castle”. Though it was more crowded, it was still worth the stop in my opinion, and I had fun getting some photos in different spots with less people.
Be a responsible traveler: Don’t move the stones or walk in the circular area (even if you see other people doing so). This causes erosion and will mean this spot is not as beautiful for future visitors.
Day 3 on Isle of Skye
- Breakfast at your accommodation
- Make a quick stop at Bride’s Veil Falls
- Hike the Old Man of Storr
- Make a quick stop at the Fairy Bridge and enjoy a picnic lunch
- Detour for coffee in a yurt if you need a caffeine boost
- Walk to the mysterious Duirinish Stone
- See Dunvegan Castle from a viewpoint or by exploring inside
- Hike to the Neist Point Lighthouse
- Have dinner at the world-renowned The Three Chimneys restaurant (must make a reservation)
Bride’s Veil Falls
There is a pullout on the road here, and you can see the falls from there. Or get out and make the quick 5 minute climb to the top of the falls for better photos.
Old Man of Storr hike
The Old Man of Storr hike is one of the most popular hikes in Scotland, and for good reason!
Situated on the eastern coast of the Isle of Skye, this trail takes hikers through a moss-covered landscape, strewn with otherworldly rock formations and some pretty epic views.
We have a guide to hiking the Old Man of Storr trail that tells you exactly what to expect and everything you need to prepare for this popular hike.
Fairy Bridge
There’s not much to see here, but this historic bridge does make for a nice photo op or a quiet spot for a picnic.
It has a single arch and dates back to the 19th century.
Duirinish Stone
This standing stone, known as the Duirinish Stone, feels like a true hidden gem on the Isle of Skye.
A short walk brings you to a hill that overlooks a small hamlet on the water below. The star of it all is of course the mysterious standing stone.
We were the only ones here when we stopped, and it made a nice and short little detour on our Isle of Skye road trip.
Insider Tip: To get here, you’ll walk past the ruins of St. Mary’s church and cemetery to the left and follow the small path up the hill toward the stone (which you can see from below).
Dunvegan Castle
Along the shores of Loch Dunvegan is one of the most spectacular Hebridean castles in the Scottish Highlands.
This fortress was occupied by the same family for over 800 years and features architectural work across ten different building periods from the 1200s to the 1850s.
You can experience all the intricate details from centuries of reign on a tour, or view the castle and the stunning surrounding scenery at this viewpoint, for free.
Neist Point Lighthouse
On the western shores of Skye is one of the most famous lighthouses in Scotland. It’s one of the best photography locations in the Isle of Skye, and makes for a pretty incredible sunset.
Neist Point’s orange and white details contrast beautifully to the backdrop of green and blue hues Scotland is so renowned for.
Take the short and scenic walk all the way to the lighthouse, or enjoy views of the entire Neist Point peninsula from afar.
Day 4 in Isle of Skye
- Make your way across the Skye Bridge to leave the isle
- Pop into Manuela’s Wee Bakery for coffee and pastries in a super unique setting
- Stop at Eilean Donan Castle, either to explore inside or to enjoy the beauty from afar
Eilean Donan Castle
While this is not technically on the Isle of Skye, it is just a short 15-minute drive from the bridge, so it should definitely be a stop on the way to or from the island.
Known as one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan is unique because it was built atop a rock just off the shore of a loch. This 13th century castle is accessible by a small bridge (if you pay the £10 entrance fee).
Even if you don’t go inside, you can marvel at its beauty from shore, or you can drive to this viewpoint for the best view.
Isle of Skye itinerary map
The map above shows the highlights of the isle as outlined in our perfect Isle of Skye itinerary. Click on the map to be taken to the interactive Google Maps version.
Have extra time in Isle of Skye?
Lucky you! There’s so much to see and do in Isle of Skye that you can never have too much time.
Here are some suggestions for things to do if you have more than 3-4 days in Isle of Skye:
- Tour the Talisker Distillery
- Get on the water in a kayak or SUP
- Explore Spar Cave
- Cheers with a local brew from Isle of Skye Brewing Company
- Visit the Armadale Castle & Gardens
Check out our guide for more exciting things to do in Isle of Skye – we have a ton of ideas!
Best time to visit Isle of Skye
Exploring the Isle of Skye is best during times with favorable weather. While Scotland’s weather is ever-changing, you can count on spring and fall to be the most ideal times to visit.
Summers in Scotland are magnificent, but it’s the busiest time of year and filled with both tourists and midges (pesky mosquito-like bugs). If you’re doing a lot of hiking, this is a great time, but bring a bug net (you’ll thank us later!).
However, there are perks of visiting Skye in all seasons, and we cover them in-depth in our guide to the best time to visit Scotland!
Good to know: Some restaurants and cafes on the Isle of Skye are open seasonally. If you’re visiting during the winter months, you may find you have fewer dining options.
How to get around Isle of Skye
Without a doubt, the best way to get around the Isle of Skye is self-driving.
There are buses, but they aren’t very frequent, so we wouldn’t recommend relying on public transport.
The only other ways to get around would be by hitchhiking (which we wouldn’t recommend unless you have unlimited time to wait around and a super adventurous spirit!), and by a guided tour of Skye.
You can either rent a car or hire a campervan in Scotland. We recommend the later as Scotland is one of those countries that’s really well set up for campervan travel!
If you want to know more, check out our guide to renting a campervan in Scotland.
And whether you’re renting a car or a campervan, you’ll want to read over our guide to driving in Scotland before you hit the road…
Where to stay in Isle of Skye
When it comes to accommodation, Isle of Skye has options for all types of travelers.
From budget-friendly campgrounds to unique glamping pods to luxurious guesthouses, there truly is something for everyone.
Check out our guide for the best places to stay on Isle of Skye for every type of traveler.
Important: If you plan to visit the Isle of Skye while in Scotland, we’d recommend booking this accommodation first. Being that it is a popular tourist destination (aka high demand) and an island (limited supply), hotels here book out well in advance (especially during the peak summer months).
What to pack for visiting Isle of Skye
With variable weather conditions, excellent hiking opportunities, and some nice restaurants, there are a few things you definitely don’t want to forget when you’re packing for a trip to the Isle of Skye.
Check out the exact items we recommend for traveling in Scotland.
- Rain gear
- rain jacket (make sure it’s waterproof, not just water resistant)
- travel umbrella
- dry bag: to keep your valuables from getting wet on a hike
- Hiking backpack
- Hiking boots (trust us – with the wet weather – you’ll want boots here)
- Wool socks
- Layers
- Smart outfit if you plan to have a nice meal in Portree
- Bug repellent: midges are common in Skye, especially during the summer months
- Camera and lightweight tripod (optional)
Be sure to download our complete packing list for Scotland! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Scotland trip. And it’s completely FREE, so why not!?
Are you planning a trip to Scotland?
We have lots of resources on travel in Scotland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Scotland Travel Homepage for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.
- Bucket List Things to Do in Isle of Skye: Ultimate Guide
- Where to Stay on Isle of Skye: Best Hotels & Campsites
- Best Places to Visit in Scotland
- Best Campervan Hire in Scotland: Ultimate Guide
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What did you think of our Isle of Skye itinerary? Are you planning a trip to the Isle of Skye in Scotland and still have questions? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!