If you’re looking for a picturesque getaway that combines stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a touch of magic, the Isle of Skye in Scotland is the perfect destination. This enchanting island, situated off the west coast of Scotland, is a true gem of the country and a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From rugged landscapes and majestic mountains to charming fishing villages and ancient castles, Skye has something to offer for everyone.
In this 3-day itinerary, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the island’s most iconic landmarks and hidden treasures. You’ll hike through the spectacular Quiraing, explore the famous Fairy Pools, visit the historic Dunvegan Castle, and discover the beauty of the Old Man of Storr. Along the way, you’ll experience the warm hospitality of the local community and taste the delicious cuisine of Scotland. Get ready to fall in love with Skye and make memories that will last a lifetime!
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The Best Isle of Skye 3 Day Itinerary
The Isle of Skye is one of the most incredible places to visit in Scotland. In this guide, we will discuss the best time to go to the Isle of Skye as well as the following
- Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
- Day 1 – Old Man of Storr
- Quiraing
- Day 2 – Fairy Pools
- Dunvegan Castle
- Day 3 – Portree
- Camas Daraich Beach
- Talisker Distillery
- Preparing for your trip to the Isle of Skye
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– All of the best sights (100+)
– Where to eat and stay
– Campervan facilities (water points and waste disposal)
– Detailed map of each area
– Sample itineraries
and so much more!
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
These recommendations may vary depending on what activities you are wanting to do whilst on the island. We have based these accommodations close to the centre of the island and near Portree. In the summer Portree is extremely busy and we would recommend that you look to stay elsewhere if you want to avoid the crowds and traffic.
In the winter months, however, Portree is a pleasant and central location from which it is easy to get to many of the sights around the island.
Luxury – If you are looking for a comfortable apartment stay to come home to after a day exploring, Quayside Apartment is the perfect place for you. With spectacular views and a good central location, this accommodation is comfort plus for your next trip to Skye.
Book your stay at the Quayside Apartments right here.
Mid-range – The Portree Hotel is a great central location for your stay in Skye. This hotel overlooks the main square in Portree and during the winter months, there are wood-burning stoves to keep you warm after a day of exploring.
Book your stay at the Portree Hotel right here.
Budget – If you are looking for a budget place to rest your head but still have a great view, The Pink House is the place to stay just for that. A continental breakfast is included in your stay and you can book a room with a great view out to sea.
Book your stay at the Pink House right here.
If hostels are more your scene, you can check out the hostels available in Isle of Skye here.
Day 1
Old Man of Storr
Start your day with a scenic drive to the Trotternish Peninsula, home to some of Skye’s most iconic landmarks.
First on the list, The Old Man of Storr which is a towering rock formation located on the Trotternish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The iconic landmark is a popular destination for tourists and hikers due to its stunning views and unique geological features. The Old Man of Storr is believed to have been formed during the last ice age when glaciers eroded the landscape, leaving behind a series of jagged peaks and rock formations.
The Old Man of Storr itself is a tall pinnacle of rock standing at over 50 meters tall, and it is surrounded by a series of smaller rock formations. The Old Man’s distinctive shape and rugged features make it a popular subject for photographers and artists alike. The area is also steeped in local folklore, with many stories and legends associated with the formation, adding to its mythical and mystical aura.
Hiking to the Old Man of Storr is a challenging but rewarding experience, with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the nearby Sound of Raasay. The hike takes approximately 1-2 hours up and down, depending on your pace, and it can be steep and muddy in places. However, the effort is worth it for the spectacular views and the chance to witness this unique geological wonder up close. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a scenic photo opportunity, the Old Man of Storr is a must-visit destination on the Isle of Skye.
There is plenty of paid parking at the bottom of the walk.
Quiraing
Hiking the Quiraing is a breathtaking experience that takes you through some of the most dramatic landscapes on the Isle of Skye. The Quiraing is a unique geological formation on the Trotternish Ridge, located on the eastern side of the island. The rugged terrain, deep valleys, and dramatic rock formations create a surreal landscape that is unlike anything else in the world.
The hike itself is challenging, but the rewards are worth the effort. The trail is approximately 6.8 km long and takes around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace. The path is steep in places and can be challenging for inexperienced hikers, but the views are truly unforgettable and so worth it. You’ll pass through narrow pathways, steep cliffs, and rolling hills, with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and sea.
The Quiraing hike is a photographer’s dream, with countless opportunities for stunning landscape shots. The area is also steeped in local folklore and legend, adding to the mystical and magical atmosphere of the place. The hike can be done in all seasons, but it’s important to dress appropriately and be prepared for the unpredictable Scottish weather. In the winter or after heavy rainfall, it can be very muddy and slippery underfoot. If you’re up for the challenge, hiking the Quiraing is a must-do experience that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
There is a small car park at the start of the walk to the Quiraing that is pay and display.
Day 2
Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye in Scotland are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hikers alike. Located in the Cuillin Hills, the pools are a series of crystal-clear waterfalls and pools that flow from the River Brittle. The pools are known for their vivid blues and greens, created by the minerals in the water, and their mystical atmosphere. Legend has it that the Fairy Pools are home to the fairy folk of Scottish mythology.
Visiting the Fairy Pools is a unique and unforgettable experience. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking, with views of the mountains and the sea. The hike to the pools is relatively easy and takes around 45 minutes each way. Visitors can stop along the way to take in the views and snap photos. Once at the pools, visitors can swim in the icy waters, relax on the rocks, or explore the area.
It is important to note that the water can be extremely cold, even in the summer months, and visitors should be prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear. The area can also become crowded during peak tourist season, so it is recommended to visit early in the morning or in the off-season to avoid crowds.
Overall, a visit to the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye is a magical and awe-inspiring experience that should not be missed.
There is a pay and display parking area across the road from where the walk to the Fairy Pools begins.
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle is a historic fortress located on the west coast of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The castle has been the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years, and it’s one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions. The castle sits in a stunning location overlooking Loch Dunvegan, with beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding it.
Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and exhibits, which showcase the castle’s rich history and heritage. Highlights include the 13th-century Fairy Flag, a sacred relic of the Clan MacLeod, and the dungeons, which were used to imprison enemies and traitors.
The castle’s gardens are equally impressive, with a variety of plants and flowers from around the world. The walled garden, in particular, is a delight to explore, with its colorful borders and intricate water features.
Dunvegan Castle is also home to a colony of seals, which can be spotted basking on the rocks in the loch. Boat trips to see the seals are available, providing visitors with a unique and unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want to enjoy the stunning scenery, Dunvegan Castle is a must-visit destination on the Isle of Skye. It’s a chance to step back in time and experience the rich culture and heritage of Scotland’s iconic MacLeod clan.
Day 3
Portree
On your final day, take some time to explore the charming fishing village of Portree, Skye’s largest town. Stroll along the colorful harbor, sample the local cuisine and browse the quaint shops and galleries.
As the island’s largest town, Portree serves as a hub for tourism and commerce. The town’s name is derived from the Gaelic “Port Righ,” meaning “King’s Port,” and it is easy to see why it was once a favored port of Scottish kings.
Portree is known for its colourful houses and bustling harbor, which serves as a gateway to the island’s many attractions. The town’s center is dominated by Somerled Square, a bustling square with a war memorial and clock tower. The square is surrounded by quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a variety of locally-made goods and fresh seafood.
Visitors to Portree can take a stroll along the harbor, watching fishing boats and yachts bobbing in the water. Boat trips are available to explore the nearby islands, such as Raasay and Rona, and visitors can also go whale watching or fishing.
For those interested in history and culture, the Aros Centre is a must-visit attraction. The center offers exhibits and performances showcasing the island’s Gaelic heritage and history, as well as a cinema, gift shop, and restaurant.
With its stunning scenery, rich history, and bustling harbor, Portree is a must-visit destination on the Isle of Skye. It’s a chance to experience the best of Scottish hospitality and culture, surrounded by the natural beauty of the island’s rugged landscapes.
Camas Daraich Beach
Camas Daraich Beach is a hidden gem located on the west coast of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. This secluded beach is a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The beach is located in a remote area and can only be reached by foot, adding to its allure. The trail to the beach takes you through a beautiful wooded area, and as you emerge from the trees, you’re greeted by the sight of the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the golden sand of Camas Daraich Beach.
The beach itself is a stunning crescent-shaped stretch of sand, backed by dramatic cliffs and surrounded by rolling hills. The shallow waters and calm waves make it a perfect spot for swimming and paddling, and the beach’s remoteness means that it’s often uncrowded and peaceful.
Visitors to Camas Daraich Beach can enjoy a picnic on the sand, go for a swim or paddle, or simply take in the stunning views. The beach is also a great spot for wildlife spotting, with the chance to see seals, otters, and a variety of seabirds.
Overall, Camas Daraich Beach is a hidden treasure on the Isle of Skye, offering visitors a chance to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat and a chance to connect with nature.
Talisker Distillery
In the afternoon, head to the Talisker Distillery, where you can learn about the history of Scotland’s national drink and sample some of the finest whiskies in the world. End your day with a relaxing stroll along the white sands of the Coral Beach, where you can take in the stunning views of the island’s rugged coastline.
Talisker Distillery is a world-famous whisky distillery located on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Founded in 1830, the distillery is the oldest working distillery on the island, and it produces some of the finest single malt Scotch whisky in the world.
Visitors to the Talisker Distillery can take a guided tour of the facility, which includes a visit to the whisky production area, the warehouse, and the tasting room. The tour provides an in-depth insight into the distilling process and the history of the Talisker brand.
At the tasting room, visitors have the opportunity to sample Talisker’s award-winning whiskies, including the classic Talisker 10 Year Old, which is renowned for its smoky and spicy flavor profile. There are also other Talisker expressions available for tasting, including some that are only available at the distillery.
The distillery also has a gift shop, where visitors can purchase bottles of Talisker whisky, as well as other souvenirs and gifts. The gift shop also features a wide selection of Talisker merchandise, including branded glassware, clothing, and accessories.
Overall, the Talisker Distillery is a must-visit destination on the Isle of Skye for whisky lovers and those interested in the island’s rich heritage. It’s a chance to sample some of Scotland’s finest single malt whisky and to learn about the time-honored tradition of whisky making on the Isle of Skye.
Before You Leave on Your Trip to the Isle of Skye
Before you leave on your trip to the Isle of Skye there are a few things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. These include how to get there and around the island, what to pack and where to stay, all of which are discussed below.
How to Get to the Isle of Skye
Drive
The Isle of Skye is connected to mainland Scotland by the Skye Bridge, a free road bridge, from Kyle of Lochalsh to the village of Kyleakin on the island. In high winds, the bridge will close to high vehicles and on days of particularly extreme weather, the bridge may close to all vehicles.
Ferry
Another option is to get the ferry over to Skye which typically takes around 30 minutes, leaving from Mallaig on the mainland to Armadale. You can check the timetables online as there is typically only a morning and afternoon ferry running.
Bus
If you are travelling to Skye without a vehicle, buses run from Scotland’s major cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh direct to Isle of Skye’s capital, Portree. Buses to the Isle of Skye run from other areas in Scotland and you can plan your bus journey to Skye here.
Once you are on the island, you can book onto a tour that departs from Portree and takes you around the best sights that there are to see on the island. Read more about this tour and book your place right here.
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
These recommendations may vary depending on what activities you are wanting to do whilst on the island. We have based these accommodations close to the centre of the island and near Portree. In the summer Portree is extremely busy and we would recommend that you look to stay elsewhere if you want to avoid the crowds and traffic.
In the winter months, however, Portree is a pleasant and central location from which it is easy to get to many of the sights around the island.
Luxury – If you are looking for a comfortable apartment stay to come home to after a day exploring, Quayside Apartment is the perfect place for you. With spectacular views and a good central location, this accommodation is comfort plus for your next trip to Skye.
Book your stay at the Quayside Apartments right here.
Mid-range – The Portree Hotel is a great central location for your stay in Skye. This hotel overlooks the main square in Portree and during the winter months, there are wood-burning stoves to keep you warm after a day of exploring.
Book your stay at the Portree Hotel right here.
Budget – If you are looking for a budget place to rest your head but still have a great view, The Pink House is the place to stay just for that. A continental breakfast is included in your stay and you can book a room with a great view out to sea.
Book your stay at the Pink House right here.
If hostels are more your scene, you can check out the hostels available in Isle of Skye here.
What to Pack for the Isle of Skye
When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your trip to the Isle of Skye in winter, you can expect rain at some point. Due to this, the number one item on your packing list is a good waterproof jacket.
Second to that, another item to not leave home without is a good pair of warm and, if possible, waterproof boots. A lot of the best sights on Skye require a bit of walking to reach them and the conditions underfoot can become very muddy. You do not want to ruin a good pair of white trainers so pack some sturdy boots.
You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the winter months as the wind chill can be bitter.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around the Isle of Skye, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Shure VP83 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 9 Black and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socket
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Scotland
We know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your 3 day itinerary to the Isle of Skye. If you are visiting this incredible place and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was! Did you get a clear day to see the sights? Did you manage the trip without getting caught in the rain? Let us know in the comments below!
Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning road trip.
If you are planning a Scotland trip soon then check out our other Scotland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring!
Read Now:
- Visiting the Isle of Skye in Winter – All You Need to Know
- Isle of Skye – The Best Things to Do in Skye
- Isle of Skye Itinerary – One Day on the Isle of Skye
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