ULTIMATE Isle of Skye Itinerary: Best of Skye in 1, 2, or 3 Days

Last Updated on October 15, 2025

11,000 years.

For millennia, Celtic tribes like the Gaels and Picts, Scandinavian Vikings and Norse-Gaels Clan MacLeod and MacDonald have occupied this Western Scottish peninsula and transformed how we see its lands today through grueling battles, hardship, and mystery.

Now, planning an Isle of Skye itinerary from a major city in Scotland is not just a must-see; it’s nearly a rite of passage for anyone traveling to Scotland, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or the canals of Rome.

The days of it being anywhere close to a hidden gem are long gone, but that shouldn’t stop you from planning a trip to one of the most naturally beautiful areas of Scotland. It’s jam-packed with the crown jewels of the Scottish Highlands, but many places still allow you to carve your own adventure into the well-trodden paths.

In this itinerary, I lay out exactly how to spend your time in the Isle of Skye in one day, two days, or three days. It includes where to stay, how to get around, how to get around *without a rental, whether or not the group tours are worth it, and more important intel for your trip here.

It’s inevitably touristy, but when it’s timed right with the perfect amount of offbeat adventure, magic happens. And that’s exactly what’s packed into this itinerary. Let’s begin.

Please note that some links on my blog are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. When What Do You Sea is supported in this way, you are helping me remain an independent travel blog where I can continue to create free and detailed guides. Read my full disclosure for more information.


Things To Know Before Visiting the Isle of Skye

Cell service can be limited. Even if you have an ESIM, there are a lot of remote places here. Make sure you download offline Google Maps and save the information you’ll need throughout your trip.

Drive on the left. Just a reminder.

A lot of roads are one track. Confident driving and patience is key.

It’s BUSY. Skye is one of the most popular islands in the United Kingdom for a reason. The Trotternish Peninsula is the busiest since it has the most popular destinations (Storr, Fairy Pools), but there are plenty of places to ditch the crowds.

Book everything in advance. Skye stays busy when the weather is good, so book everything as far in advance as you can. People scoop up the best places to stay and best tours up to a year in advance.

Don’t rush and take your time. It may be tempting to do a guided tour that squeezes in a bunch of different stops, but a lot of the time they make very quick stops and miss a ton of things. Taking your time with your own rental car is best.

Come prepared for bad weather. A wild U.K. isle like this one is sure to see some bad weather. You’ll be spending a lot of time outside, so make sure you have waterproof layers and warm clothing.

Accommodation is a bit outdated (but charming!). Tourism may be bursting at the seams in the Isle of Skye, but the facilities here haven’t had the chance to catch up yet. In some places, the roads aren’t the best. Accommodation may not have A/C or an elevator. In a place like this, though, you’ll happily leave some creature comforts behind for the experience.

Isle of Skye Itinerary Map

These Isle of Skye itineraries focus on hitting four main areas of Skye: north, south, central, and hidden gems. There are SO MANY amazing things to do on the island, so while I’ve suggested what I believe to be worthwhile, I’ve also listed other great spots to see at the end of this blog post in case you’re eager to see more or if you want to swap out some sights for certain days.

During this road trip, you’ll see some of the most jaw-dropping scenery you’ve ever seen, walk through century-old castles, and truly immerse yourself in what makes this area of Scotland so remarkable. So without further ado, let’s dive in and discover one of my favorite areas of the Scottish Highlands.

Use this map to help you navigate this Isle of Skye itinerary! For best use, download this map to your smartphone so you can use it offline (instructions here).

1 Day Isle of Skye Itinerary

If you only have one day to spend on the Isle of Skye, it must be spent roadtripping the Trotternish Loop, the most famous area of Skye.

Make no mistake, this is the most touristy part of Skye, so don’t expect to be exploring a remote hidden gem with no people. However, even with crowds, it’s a place everyone should visit when they’re in Scotland. I’ve laid out this itinerary so that some of the most popular places you’ll visit are in the morning, before most of the crowds, so keep that in mind.

I encourage you to give the additional stops on this day a gander so that you can add more items if you have more time on this day. I’ve included these stops in the free map above as well, so make sure you download that as well, and you’ll be able to see everything as you go.

This one day Isle of Skye itinerary takes you on a road trip to the Old Man of Storr, Bride’s Veil Falls, Fairy Glen, the Quiraing, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, and Brother’s Point.

The Old Man of Storr

For your first day on the Isle of Skye, you want to prioritize the Old Man of Storr early in the morning before all the crowds arrive. It’s the most famous landmark here, so parking fills and stays full early. Aim for sunrise for the fewest crowds.

You can view the formation a bit from the car park here, but it’s best viewed from the top. The out-and-back hike is just short of 3.5 miles and very steep in some parts. Wear proper footwear and breathable layers.

The “Old Man” is the tall pointed rock that juts out above all the other rock formations in this area.

The Old Man of Storr Circular Walk takes you right next to this formation and around some other points in the area. Once you get to the top, I recommend exploring more around the area because you can get some pretty unique angles that make for stellar photos.

Read my Old Man of Storr hiking guide here for everything you need to know about this hike.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Bride’s Veil Falls

Bride’s Veil Falls is a quick stop due south of the Storr on the way to the next location.

No hiking is required, but you can venture close to the falls for a better photo op.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Fairy Glen

The Fairy Glen is one of the most unusual and enchanting landscapes on the Isle of Skye, that’s much different than the surrounding farmland on the Trotternish Circuit. The cone-shaped hills appear as if they’re a mini-model of a much larger geological wonder, almost as if fairies lived here.

While the folklore of fairies creating this magical spot doesn’t have any leads, it’s fun to think of the possibility of a bunch of mystical creatures making this home while you explore this place. One of the best views of the glen is on top of Castle Ewen, which isn’t really a castle, but a rock tower that resembles castle ruins.

It’s important to note that the rock spirals you see are vandalism from other tourists and not the result of magical fairies carrying stones in pretty spirals around the glen. The locals spend each winter undoing the rock spirals, so make sure to follow the Leave No Trace Principles and leave this spot better than how you found it.

The Fairy Glen is one of the most popular places to visit on the Isle of Skye, so be prepared for crowds.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: FREE

Quiraing

The Quiraing is usually one of the most anticipated stops on any Isle of Skye itinerary, and rightfully so.

As part of the Trotternish Ridge, it was formed by a massive landslip that created high cliffs, hidden plateaus, and pinnacles of rock. Like the Storr, it has more than earned its popularity and is another unmissable photo location.

From the car park, there is a full loop Quiraing circuit that is 6.8 km (4.2 miles) and takes two hours to complete without stops. You don’t necessarily have to do the entire loop, but I recommend it. Also, this trail should only be completed in fair weather.

To get to the car park, you’ll follow A855 through Digg and turn right on Quiraing Road just before the post office. From here you can view the rolling hills from the Quiraing Viewpoint, but I suggest taking the entire Quiraing Circuit Trail, an old route that was used by the islanders to hide their cattle from Viking raiders.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint is another popular road trip stop for its dramatic basalt columns that line the moody cliffsides of Skye. Unlike the previous stops, this one doesn’t require a hike in and is rather quick since the parking lot is a short walk away from the viewpoint.

Looking down from the viewpoint, you’ll be able to spot Mealt Falls, a waterfall that mysteriously falls out of the cliffside.  It reminds me a lot of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

From here, you’ll be able to spot the next stop on the Skye itinerary, Brother’s Point. Continue down A855 until you reach the Wee Bothy, and the parking lot is just past it on the right.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Rubha nam Brathairean (Brothers Point)

Rubha nam Brathairean is a viewpoint that offers a more secluded look at Kilt Rock, Mealt Falls, and the surrounding landscapes. It offers a ton of relief from the crowds you’ve likely navigated through on this day.

If you’ve had your fill of the area, you can skip this stop, but don’t let it fool you. This is a really scenic spot, and there are sheep! Bonus if you can make it out here for the sunset.

From the car park, it’s about a 3.6 km (2.25-mile) hike that takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Get the trail notes. The trail takes you through a bog and is muddy after a rain, so make sure you have proper footwear.

In 2018, dinosaur footprints were discovered on the tidal zone on the left before reaching Brother’s Point. If you visit at low tide, you’ll be able to access the area and look for the prints. Read about them here.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Optional or additional stops: Duntulm Castle, Rubha Hunish, An Corran Beach, Staffin Dinosaur Museum, and Skye Museum of Island Life.

2 Day Isle of Skye Itinerary

If you have two days on the Isle of Skye, follow day one fleshed out above and use this itinerary for your second day.

Today, you’ll be exploring the Southern and Western areas of Skye. It’s a little more remote than yesterday, but expect crowds at the Fairy Pools, Sligachan Old Bridge, and Dunvegan Castle.

The rest of the day features an interesting white sand beach, an exceptional place to eat dinner, and sunset at one of the most beautiful photo locations on the Isle of Skye, Neist Point.

Fairy Pools

The Fairy Pools are one of Skye’s most beautiful places to go wild swimming. Although the water is more than a wee chilly, making it really one of the most beautiful places to sightsee for most.

Located on the northern slopes of the Black Cuillin range, the mountain water has flowed from the peaks above and carved out these crystal-clear pools fed by waterfalls. From the car park, you can see the descending pools snaking down the hillside of Coire na Creiche into Glen Brittle where it becomes the River Brittle.

While tranquil, this area is most famously known in 1601 as the scene of the last of Scotland’s clan battles, and one of the bloodiest ever recorded in clan history. At these pools, the MacDonalds of Sleat and the MacLeods of Dunvegan saw the end of the long and brutal Wars of the One-Eyed Woman.

A lot of people seem to think that you can drive up and view the Fairy Pools from the side of the road, but that’s not the case. To see them, you must take a 2.4 km (1.5-mile) out-and-back trail that takes about 20-25 minutes one way. Bring proper footwear and a swimsuit if you’re brave.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: £6 ($8 USD) for parking

Sligachan Old Bridge

Would you dip your face into frigid river water for eternal beauty? Travelers visiting the Sligachan Old Bridge think so.

This ancient bridge is the centerpiece of a famous Scottish folklore that speaks of a great battle between the mythical figures Scáthach and Cú Chulainn. When Scáthach’s daughter discovered the battle would be a fight to the death, she pleaded with the fairies in the river below the bridge, and using her tears, they made an offering to the Fairie Queen to grant her wish.

It’s said that if you immerse your face in the icy waters under the bridge for seven seconds and let it dry naturally, you will be granted eternal beauty by the fairies. Make sure you remove your face from the water with your eyes closed, and do not use your hands (even to wipe the water off).

To do it the right way, you must give yourself fully to the process and believe in the magic of Scotland to be granted the beauty. It’s absolutely one of the most touristy things to do on the Isle of Skye, and the locals get a good laugh from it, but if your heart is right that won’t matter.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Claigan Coral Beach

Claigan Coral Beach is still an overlooked place to visit on the Isle of Skye for most, which makes it the perfect spot for a nice picnic lunch with a great view.

Hopefully, you packed some snacks, but if not, stop in Dunvegan on your way. Fasgadh and Fruit & Nut Place are the two grocers in town where you can find meat, cheese, and charcuterie. Although there is no shame in a little takeaway from any of the restaurants around.

From the car park, it’s an easy 3.6 km (2.2 miles) round-trip walk out to the beach and back. The trail takes you down a dirt road with a few fences you’ll pass through.

Of course, the beach looks best when the sun is out, but anytime is a good time to visit. If you’re brave, bring your swimsuit and take a brave dip in the chilly water.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle, widely considered one of the greatest Hebridean Castles, is the only Highland fortress to be continuously occupied by the same family for over 800 years.

It’s perched along Loch Dunvegan and holds historic artifacts from its ruling Clan MacLeod, as well as design elements from ten different building periods spanning from the 1200s to the 1850s.

The whole estate consists of the castle and its gardens, cottages, an onsite restaurant and cafe, a campsite, and areas of the loch where they do seal trips. If you don’t care to tour the inside of the castle, the seal trips are a great two-for-one where you can get better views of the castle and the surrounding area while interacting with the most adorable little animals.

Dunvegan Castle is open to visitors from April 1st to October 15 every year.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: £17 ($23 USD) for adults (buy tickets)

Dinner at Three Chimneys

The Three Chimneys and The House Over-by is a lovely, Michelin-recognized restaurant on the shores of Loch Dunvegan.

Even if you’re not a huge foodie, this is an experience you’ll want to have. The Isle of Skye boasts a handful of Scotland’s best restaurants, and you don’t want to miss an opportunity to dine at one.

Three Chimneys highlights local shellfish and seafood with fresh game and foraged produce for lunch, dinner, or their Kitchen Table dining experience.

Lunch is the best value if you don’t want to spend the money on a dinner tasting menu. If you’re on more of a budget, just move this experience to before or after the Claigan Coral Beach.

Loch Bay, Edinbane Lodge, and Scorrybreac are three more dinner ideas if Three Chimneys is fully booked or you want to try another place.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: $$$ | Reservations (must reserve well in advance)

Neist Point Lighthouse

Depending on when the sun sets, Neist Point Lighthouse is THE sunset spot on the western edge of Skye. It’s the most famous lighthouse in Scotland for a reason and is well worth a visit.

The lighthouse was built in 1909, and while it is unmanned today, its perch on a stunning rocky clifftop has made it popular among travelers and photographers.

You can get a great overview of the entire outcropping and the lighthouse from this viewpoint and car park, but you can take the Neist Point Trail all the way down to the edge where the lighthouse sits. To get down there, it is 2.2 km (1.37 miles) and takes about 45 minutes total without stops.

The entire path there is concrete, so even in moody weather, you can get down there safely. Regardless, wear proper shoes and don’t underestimate the climb on the way back up.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: Free

3 Day Isle of Skye Itinerary

With three days on the Isle of Skye, follow days one and two above, then use this for your third day.

It’s a bit unconventional, but it’s off the beaten path and may be your most memorable day. It takes you to stunning Loch Coruisk in the Cuillin Hills, the wee town of Broadford, and an optional stop at Skye’s oldest working distillery.

Additional or more options for stops are included at the bottom of the day, so check that out to maximize time if you have the wiggle room; and remember, all of these are plotted in my free downloadable map at the beginning of this blog post.

Loch Coruisk

Loch Coruisk could be one of the most underrated and overlooked destinations on the Isle of Skye.

Since most people only have 1-2 days in Skye or take guided tours, this region of the island is often bypassed, but it’s the most scenic area. You can hike to Loch Coruisk on a day hike, but in this case, it’s much easier to hitch a boat ride from Misty Isle Boat Tours.

They’re a family-run company whose been taking trips to the loch from Elgol since 1969. They have a few different boat tours to choose from, depending on how much time you want to spend there: one-way, mini, standard, and maxi. See prices and timetables.

They only run certain trips on certain days, so make sure you plan accordingly and book your boat ride in advance. Adult round-trip tickets start at £26 ($35 USD) for a mini ticket and cap out at £40 ($54 USD) for a maxi, per person.

I recommend booking a 9 a.m. timeslot so you can maximize the day. Keep in mind that Elgol is about 1 hour and 12 minutes away from Portree. Get driving directions.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: $

Broadford

After your boat tour, head to Broadford to refuel and browse local businesses.

The Coffee Bothy is a must to recaffeinate. The Shellfish Shack and Claymore are solid for fresh, local seafood. Go to Gasta for pizza. The Sprig has a fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced menu. Otherwise, the Co-op in town has quick bites on a budget.

Skye Market Square has all the best shops in the area. They’re full of interesting and unique locally made items that make a killer souvenir to take home with you or buy for your loved ones.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Talisker Distillery (optional)

Talisker Distillery has been creating single malt whisky on the shores of Skye for over two centuries. As the oldest working distillery here, it’s a must-visit if you’re a whisky or spirit lover. Scotch whiskey is known and loved globally, and at this distillery, you get to try it straight from the source.

Note | If you don’t drink or aren’t a whisky fan, feel free to skip this stop.

There are four different ways to enjoy your visit:

The Talisker Distillery Tour and Tasting is a 1-hour experience that introduces how Talisker makes their whisky, their history, and the flavors of their award-winning single malts. It concludes with three drams of their award-winning pours. It costs £22 ($30 USD) per person.

The Talisker Cask Draw and Tasting Experience is a 1.5-hour experience that features a curated tasting of five whiskies directly out of their casks. The casks range from 9 to 18 years and feature Hogsheads, Wine, Caribbean Rum, Port, and PX Sherr. It costs £150 ($204 USD) per person.

The Talisker Made By The Sea Tasting Experience is a 30-minute multi-sensory experience featuring three whiskies. It’s all about how the elements shaped the Talisker Distillery, but it does not include a tour of the distillery. It costs £20 ($27 USD).

If tours are fully booked or if you’d rather stop in and just try some whisky, visit their Campfire Bar for a dram or two and to browse the shop.

Address: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Optional or additional stops: Elgol Beach, Blà Bheinn hike, Point of Sleat, Armadale Castle, and Camas Daraich.

More Things to Do on Skye

If you have more time for your Isle of Skye itinerary or want to hit more lesser-known things around the Isle, here is what I recommend.

Point of Sleat: The southernmost point of the Isle of Skye that features a scenic beach with clear waters.

Camas Daraich: Kind of like the “Bahamas” of Skye. White sand and crystal clear waters on a sunny day.

Armadale Castle: This early 19th-century castle, now a ruin, was once the seat of the Macdonalds of Sleat, who were part of the Clan Donald. It sits on 40 acres of woodlands along the Point of Sleat.

Dunscaith Castle: An interesting set of castle ruins on a dramatic peninsula. Bring your imagination!

Torabhaig Distillery: The second ever licensed single malt Scotch whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye.

Grave of Flora MacDonald: A stop for history buffs. Flora was vital in helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape from Scotland after the defeat of the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

An Corran Beach: A touristy beach that features dinosaur footprints.

Skye Museum of Island Life: A series of preserved thatched cottages that show what life was like on Skye for centuries.

Isle of Skye Itinerary Overviews

Here is an overview of all of the main stops I talked about in this blog post. This will make navigating your day-to-day easier with a handy list so you don’t have to scroll back through. Screenshot this list and download the map to tackle this itinerary like the professional you are.

One Day

The Old Man of Storr

Bride’s Veil Falls

Fairy Glen

Quirang

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Brothers Point

Two Days

Fairy Pools

Sligachan Old Bridge

Coral Beach

Dunvegan Castle

Dinner at Three Chimneys

Neist Point Lighthouse

Three Days

Loch Coruisk via Misty Isles Boat Tour

Broadford

Talisker Distillery

How many days do you need on the Isle of Skye?

The island highlights are best explored in 2-3 days, but I always say the more the merrier. Looking at a map, the isle may seem tiny, but once you get there there is so much to do and it takes longer to get around than you’d think. You could spend a week or more and still not see everything on the Isle of Skye. That said, two days is the perfect amount of time to see the main highlights and a handful of gems on the western side of the island.

Where To Stay on the Isle of Skye

For this Isle of Skye itinerary, it’s best to base yourself in or around Portree

in the charming port town of Portree. It’s centrally located for everything on this itinerary, making it ideal to reduce backtracking and save time. You will absolutely fall in love with this colorful and serene town. There are a variety of bed and breakfasts, grocery shops, restaurants, and short hiking trails all dotted along Loch Portree, so it has everything you’ll need for a successful Isle of Skye road trip.

Air on Oir | This beautiful little cottage is on private property overlooking Loch Portree. It’s fully equipped and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can take in every inch of view this place has to offer. It’s suitable for adults looking for a private space, but in a walkable distance to all the restaurants, cafes, and shops in Portree. See current rates.

Portree Youth Hostel | The most budget-friendly stay on the Isle is at the Portree Youth Hostel. What I enjoyed most about this stay is that there are kitchen facilities, allowing you to cook meals and bring snacks in the car as you explore. Plus, it’s walking distance from all the shops and restaurants, which is much needed after a long day in the car. See current rates. Another great option is The Cowshed.

Dunhallin Ard | Grandpa vibes, but make it modern and cozy. This property has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and all the amenities of home. It also has free wifi, a private garden, a hot tub, an outdoor seating area, and a killer view over Loch Dunvegan. Perfect for families or bigger groups. See current rates.

Other places to stay on the Isle of Skye

If you want to avoid the crowds and touristyness of Portree, there are plenty of other amazing towns to consider staying at in Skye.

Uig/Staffin | These small towns are on the Trotternish Loop. Uig is a popular spot for those visiting the Outer Hebrides, and Staffin puts you closer to the Quraing and other sites on the eastern side of the loop.

Dunvegan | Dunvegan is in western Skye and a great place to stay if you’re exploring more of the unseen areas of the west and north.

Carbost | Located in central Skye, this is a good option if you’re planning on doing a bit more hiking in the Cuillin Hills or want to be more off the beaten path with beautiful scenery. It puts you in a more central location, so you’ll be closer to sites in western Skye like the Fairy Pools.

How To Get To the Isle of Skye

The best way to explore the Isle of Skye is with your own car rental. It’s around a 3-hour drive away depending on what city in Scotland you’re coming from. This can easily be tackled in a day, but if you have more time to work with or want to see other sights on the way to Skye, then I recommend breaking up the drive over two days on the way up or down, or both.

There are a lot of really cool places to see along the route to the Isle of Skye, so you can also make a day out of getting up there and stopping at places along the way. All driving estimates below are calculated to Portree.

Edinburgh to Isle of Skye

(235 miles, 5+ hours) – From Edinburgh, you’ll take A90 across the Firth of Forth into Perth and follow A9 all the way to Dalwhinnie. Continue on A86 to Spean Bridge and turn onto A87 in Iverngarry before crossing the Skye bridge into the Isle of Skye. Get directions

Glasgow to Isle of Skye

(216 miles, 5+hours) – From Glasgow, take A82 along Loch Lomond and pass Glencoe, Fort William, and Iverngarry. Once in Iverngarry, you’ll head west on A87 to head over the Skye bridge to the Isle of Skye. Get directions

Inverness to Isle of Skye

(115 miles, 3 hours) – To get to Skye from Inverness, you can take two different routes, both via the Skye Bridge. Either route takes the same amount of time and offers a bunch of noteworthy road trip stops in case you’re looking to do more sightseeing on your way to Skye.

Route 1 | Drive South along Loch Ness on A82, then take the A87/A887 west towards the Isle of Skye. Optional stops: Loch Luichart, Strathcarron, Plockton, and Eilean Donan Castle. Get directions 

Route 2 | This route takes you further north into the highlands along A835, A832, A890, and A87. Optional stops: Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Shiel Bridge, and Eilean Donan Castle. Get directions

Isle of Skye Without a Car:

If you’re not comfortable with your own rental car, there are public transport options to and from Skye by taking a bus or train, or both.

There is no direct public transport from Edinburgh, so you’ll need to take a train into Inverness or Glasgow, then get on a bus to Portree from there. Once you arrive in Portree, transport gets more complicated and you’ll likely need to catch a taxi to get around to the smaller sites. Buy a bus ticket

From Glasgow and Inverness, you can take a bus all the way to Portree via Fort William; however, these buses tend to take upwards of 8-13 hours to get to the Isle of Skye since they’re making multiple stops on the way there. Buy a bus ticket

How To Get Around the Isle of Skye

Rental Car | This Isle of Skye itinerary is best executed with your own rental car. You can pick up a rental car in whichever city you’re driving from and then head out to Portree. This is the quickest way to get to the Isle of Skye and allows you to see so much more on your itinerary. Keep in mind that in Scotland, they drive on the left-hand side of the road, so brush up on some Scotland driving tips before you leave. Book a rental car

Bus | There are buses that travel around the Isle of Skye, but most often they go between the major villages only (Dunvegan Castle, Armadale Castle, and Talisker Distillery). Transit times are increased because they make multiple stops, but if you have the extra time to spare, it’s not impossible, just a lot more difficult, and you won’t be able to get to the most scenic places. Buy a bus ticket

Guided Isle of Skye Tours

If you don’t want to drive yourself around the Isle of Skye, there are guided tours that will take you to see all the highlights in around 2-4 days. These are great whether it’s your first time in Scotland, you’re not comfortable driving in a foreign country, or you don’t want to do any planning and would rather sit back and enjoy the views.

While these tours are great, I found them to be extremely limiting and they often don’t include all the stops they list on the itinerary, just the “must-sees” However, I know a lot of people who love these types of tours since they’re rather stress-free and you can meet a bunch of new people. I think it depends on your travel style, but if this interests you, book a tour.

Best Time To Visit the Isle of Skye

The best time to use this Isle of Skye itinerary is in the summer months when everything on the Isle is open and accessible; during months with poorer weather, you risk a lot of plans needing to be altered due to snow or rain.

That said, even in the summer months, spouts of rain are common, so it’s best to come prepared no matter when you visit. Read more about the pros and cons of each season in my guide to the best time to visit Scotland.


If you have any other questions about visiting Scotland, please reach out! Otherwise, browse my other Scotland guides to help you plan your trip:

Best Time To Visit Scotland

Scotland Packing List

50 Scotland Travel Tips

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

10 Tips For Traveling Scotland On A Budget

Hiking The Old Man Of Storr

Edinburgh Itinerary

How To Get From Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye

Best Day Trips From Edinburgh

The Best Coffee Shops In Edinburgh


Did you find this Isle of Skye itinerary useful? Save it for later on Pinterest!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *