The Isle of Skye is a land of dramatic landscapes, rich Gaelic heritage and fabled legends. Your visit to Scotland won’t be complete without a visit to experience the Isle of Skye's must-see attractions.
If you are looking for the very best things to do on the Isle of Skye. Read on, and we’ll help you compose your Isle of Skye bucket list!
Skye’s Most Iconic Natural Landmarks
1. The Fairy Pools
Tucked away in Glen Brittle beneath the dramatic peaks of the Cuillin Mountains, the Fairy Pools are one of Skye’s most eye-catching sights. Clear mountain streams spill down into a series of vivid blue and turquoise pools, connected by tumbling little waterfalls.
A gentle 2.4-kilometre walk follows the glen, taking you past the first cascade, where the brave can often be spotted jumping from rocky ledges into the shockingly cold water below.
2. Old Man of Storr
This striking 55-metre rock pinnacle was shaped around 60 million years ago, when volcanic forces and a massive landslip transformed Skye’s eastern coastline.
The climb up is steep in places, but the payoff is worth all the effort. From the base, you’re treated to wide-open views over the Sound of Raasay, across to the Scottish mainland, and on clear days, right out to the distant hills of Wester Ross.
3. The Quiraing
A 6.8‑kilometre circuit takes in famous formations such as the Needle, the Prison, and the Table - a flat meadow that locals once used to hide their cattle from Viking raiders.
On clear days, the views stretch over the sea towards the Outer Hebrides, while on misty days, the monoliths emerge eerily from the clouds.
4. Lealt Falls
Also found on the Trotternish Peninsula, Lealt Falls puts on a striking show as the River Lealt drops around 90 metres through a narrow gorge on its way to the sea.
A short walk leads to a viewing platform, where you can look down on the upper falls, framed by craggy cliffs and wide coastal views stretching out beyond.
Just nearby, the mossy remains of an old diatomite works and a former salmon smokehouse hint at the area’s working past.
5. Neist Point
Skye’s most famous coastal viewpoint, Neist Point, stretches out into the Atlantic at the island’s far western edge, where land and sea meet in spectacular fashion.
A cliff-top path winds its way down to the lighthouse, built in 1909 and still standing resolutely against the elements. From here, the ocean feels wonderfully alive — seabirds wheel overhead, dolphins are often spotted offshore, and if you’re lucky, even a whale might pass by.
Come at sunset, and you’ll see why this place is so special, as the light softens and the sea glows gold while the day slowly slips away.
6. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
Kilt Rock, on the Trotternish coast, is a 90‑metre sea cliff whose vertical basalt columns resemble the pleats of a kilt.
Adding to its drama, Mealt Falls plunges directly from Loch Mealt into the Sound of Raasay, sending up plumes of mist that catch the wind.
Coastlines, Beaches and Hidden Shores
7. Coral Beach
On the Waternish Peninsula, Coral Beach at Claigan is famed for its bright, creamy sands - not coral at all, but crushed maërl, the skeletons of red coralline seaweed.
The easy walk to the beach passes through open pasture, and at low tide, you can cross a natural causeway to the island of Lampay. A climb up the Ghrobain hill rewards you with a perfect picnic spot overlooking turquoise waters.
8. An Corran Beach
Archaeological evidence also points to Mesolithic and Iron Age settlements in the area, making this one of Skye’s most fascinating coastal walks.
9. Elgol
A rugged coastal walk from the village leads to Prince’s Cave, where Bonnie Prince Charlie is said to have spent his last night on Skye in 1746, evading the government troops who were searching for him, following the defeat of his Jacobite army at the Battle of Culloden.
10. Loch Coruisk
The loch is only accessible by boat from Elgol or by a challenging hike. A popular activity is watching the seals that often bask on nearby rocks.
Port of the King
11. Portree
Castles, Clans and Historic Sites
12. Dunvegan Castle
Perched on a rocky outcrop above Loch Dunvegan, its rooms display clan treasures such as the famed Fairy Flag, believed to bring victory in battle, and the medieval Dunvegan Cup.
Outside, formal gardens bloom with colourful borders, while from the jetty below, boat trips take visitors to see a lively colony of seals basking on the loch’s skerries.
13. Castle Moil
Overlooking Kyleakin harbour, the ruins of Castle Moil - or Caisteal Maol - date to the 15th century but may have Norse origins.
Legend tells of “Saucy Mary,” a Norwegian princess who levied tolls on passing ships with a chain across the kyle. Abandoned in the 17th century, the ruin still stands watch over the narrow strait between Skye and the mainland.
14. Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum
The romantic ruin of Armadale Castle was once the seat of the Clan Donald of Sleat. It now stands amongst manicured lawns and rhododendron-filled gardens.
The Museum of the Isles, also located in the estate, traces Hebridean history over the centuries, from the Lordship of the Isles to the Jacobite era.
15. Skye Museum of Island Life
At Kilmuir, the Skye Museum of Island Life preserves a cluster of thatched cottages furnished as they would have been at the end of the 18th century.
Flora MacDonald, the Jacobite heroine who aided Bonnie Prince Charlie in his escape, “Over the sea to Skye”, is buried in little Kilmuir Cemetery, a short distance away.
16. Dun Beag Broch
Dun Beag Broch, near Struan, is one of the best‑preserved Iron Age towers in Scotland.
From its hilltop vantage point near Struan, there are views stretching across Loch Harport to the Cuillin Hills. It’s the same landscape its builders would have known, all those centuries ago.
17. Caisteal Chamuis
Built by the MacLeods in the 15th century and later taken by the MacDonalds, its tactical site commanded views over the sea routes to the mainland.
Today, its dilapidated towers are all that remain of this once powerful stronghold.
Natural Treasures
18. Cuillin Mountains
At Sligachan, a stone bridge spans the river, and legend claims that dipping your face in its waters grants eternal youth.
Clear or enshrouded in mist, the Cuillin embody Skye’s wild beauty.
19. Fairy Glen
Formed by ancient landslides at the end of the last Ice Age, the glen has an enchanting, almost whimsical atmosphere - a place where geology meets folklore.
Castle Ewen, despite its name, is entirely natural, and climbing to its summit offers wonderful views.
20. Talisker Distillery
Founded in 1830 by brothers Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill, Talisker Distillery enjoys a spectacular setting on the shores of Loch Harport, with the Cuillin Mountains rising behind it.
With its smoky sweetness and trademark peppery kick, Talisker feels like a true reflection of Skye itself.
Discovering the highlights of the Isle of Skye with Scottish Tours
If visiting this beautiful island features on your bucket list, join one of our Isle of Skye tours and let Scottish Tours be your guide. We offer guided tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London.
Browse available tours and book online today.
| TOUR TIP: Magical Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train 3 days/2 nights from Inverness |