What is the best base to explore the Isle of Skye?

What is the best base to explore the Isle of Skye? While most travelers visit Skye as a harried day trip from Inverness, it's better to spend at least two nights here. Skye's best home base is Portree, with a picturesque harbor area but no real sights.

How long does it take to drive around the Isle of Skye?

If you're wondering how long it takes to drive around the Isle of Skye, the answer is not very long. You could drive around the whole island in about 3 to 5 hours if you didn't stop, but that defeats the purpose of visiting. The island is full of amazing places to visit, which is remarkable given its size.

Is driving in Skye difficult?

It isn't as simple as you might imagine to drive on the single track roads of Skye! I encounter plenty of tourists who think they are being helpful by pulling in to a passing place - but actually they've pulled on to the wrong side of the road.

How many days do you need on Skye?

Skye is a large island, and there is loads to see. I think you need 2 days minimum to see the major sights on Skye. To explore the island at a slow pace, it would be easy to spend a whole week hiking around the pretty landscapes and visiting the historic ruins and viewpoints.

Is Portree worth a visit?

Portree is the largest town on, and capital of, the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is the location for the only secondary school on the island, Portree High School. Public transport services are limited to buses. Portree has a harbour, fringed by cliffs, with a pier designed by Thomas Telford.

How long does the ferry to Skye take?

The ferry from Mallaig to Skye takes up to 45 minutes and docks at Armadale. If you are travelling with an electric vehicle there are charging points within the local area including the CalMac Ferry Terminal in Uig.

What towns are near the fairy pools of Skye?

Free to visit at any time, the spectacular Fairy Pools are located near the village of Carbost in Glenbrittle on the Isle of Skye. As part of the MacLeod Estate, Glenbrittle runs roughly south to north along the River Brittle and is overlooked by the majestic Cuillin mountains.

How do you spend a day on the Isle of Skye?

Why is Isle of Skye so special?

The Isle of Skye offers some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. The soaring peaks of the Cuillin Hills, the dramatic geology of the Old Man of Storr and The Quiraing , an extraordinary assembly of pinnacles, rock towers and secret places.

What is the nearest big town to the Isle of Skye?

Often called 'the gateway to the Highlands', Inverness is the nearest city to Skye and probably the easiest answer to how to get to Skye. It has a teeny tiny international airport, with 1hr connections from London Gatwick, London Luton and Bristol with easyJet.

Is Isle of Skye walkable?

From family walks on the spectacular coastline to dramatic scrambles in the Cuillin mountains, the most challenging in Britain, the island provides fantastic walking for everyone. We help you find the best walking routes on Skye, from the classic outings to hidden gems not found in guidebooks.

Are there Ubers on Isle of Skye?

Taxi Companies We highly recommend booking taxis' in advance, Uber does not operate on Skye.

Is the Isle of Skye expensive?

For those on the tightest budget, it's possible to visit the Isle of Skye for as little as £10-15 ($13-$20) a day, depending on what food you pack ahead, how much you hitchhike around the island, and a provident use of the hostels during the day.

Where is best as a base for Skye?

While most travelers visit Skye as a harried day trip from Inverness, it's better to spend at least two nights here. Skye's best home base is Portree, with a picturesque harbor area but no real sights.

Is Portree a good base for Isle of Skye?

Skye's best home base is Portree, with a picturesque harbor area but no real sights. The town center has a few hotels, hostels, and bed-and-breakfasts, and several more B&Bs line the roads into and out of town.