Planning a trip to Scotland? You might be wondering about where to stay on the Isle of Skye. After spending two weeks in the Scottish Highlands, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the best hotels on the Isle of Skye based on your needs and interests.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the nine best areas to stay on the island as well as a “bonus” area to stay off of Skye. In addition, you’ll also find out which area you should avoid. You’ll find insightful comparisons between each of these areas as well as a map for further context.
Whether you’re into hiking, culture, stargazing, or fine dining, there’s a recommended area for you in this guide. So, without further ado, let’s find out about the best places to stay on the Isle of Skye — starting with a comparison chart.
Looking for a quick answer? Here’s our top pick:
TOP PICK  | Cuillin Hills Hotel (⭐️ 9.4) This picturesque hotel in Portree is in a great location, boasts spectacular views, and is home to an award-winning restaurant. Staying here means easy access to most attractions in Skye. |
You might also be interested in:
🌿 24 Epic Things to Do on the Isle of Skye + Top Tips & Map
🚗 How to Get to the Isle of Skye: The Ultimate Guide
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🏡 Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye: An Overview
| AREA | BEST FOR | BEST HOTEL | MORE HOTELS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥘 Portree | Restaurants, culture | Cuillin Hills Hotel (⭐️ 9.4) | |
| ⛰ Uig | Hikes, dramatic landscapes | Stones Luxury B&B (⭐️ 9.9) | |
| 🦕 Staffin | Dinosaur footprints & beach | Skye Eyrie (⭐️ 9.8) | |
| 🌊 Isleornsay | Sea views & history | The View (⭐️ 9.6) | |
| 🌌 Stein | Castles & stargazing | Beachcomber (⭐️ 9.2) | |
| 🐄 Sconser | Highland cows & Raasay | Sligachan Hotel (⭐️ 8.3) | |
| 🍷 Colbost | Fine dining & cliff walks | Springburn Cottage (⭐️ 9.7) | |
| 🧗🏻 Broadford | Outdoor adventures | Tigh Beag (⭐️ 9.4) | |
| 🌿 Edinbane | Food & quiet countryside | Greshornish House (⭐️ 9.1) | |
| 🏞 Plockton | Staying on the mainland | Duirinish Pods (⭐ 9.7) |
🗺️ Map of Where to Stay in Isle of Skye
Before going into detail about each of the best areas to stay on Skye, here’s a map of all the places covered in this guide. You’ll also see Skye’s main attractions on this map for more context. You can click here to see it in full on Google Maps.
🌟 The Best Places to Stay on the Isle of Skye
In this section, we’ll take a look at many different places to stay on Skye and compare them with each other. The hope is that in doing so, it will vastly help you find the best accommodation on the Isle of Skye for you. I’ll also share the pros and cons of staying in each area as well as specific hotel recommendations. So, let’s dive right in!
1. PORTREE — The Best Place to Stay in Isle of Skye for Restaurants, Culture, and Convenience
The bustling town of Portree is the cultural hub of the Isle of Skye. It’s also where most tourists stay, so it can get quite crowded especially during the summer. With that said, this colourful town is a great place to spend the night for a variety of reasons.
Why You Should Stay in Portree
🥘 Urban comforts on a remote island: Staying in Portree means having an abundance of shops, restaurants, and pubs at your fingertips. It is the most “urban” town in Skye, so if you enjoy having lots of tourist facilities around you, then this is the place to be at.
🏞 Proximity to Skye’s main attractions: Portree is only a 15-minute drive to the famous Old Man of Storr and a half-hour’s drive to both the picturesque Kilt Rock and the stunning Quiraing. These attractions are absolute must-sees, and they’ll be very easy to reach.
⛵️ Boat trips & cultural shows: This town also boasts lots of leisure facilities such as a swimming pool, boat cruises, and pony-trekking. In addition, it’s home to the award-winning Aros Centre, which runs regular film screenings, concerts, and theatre.
🌈 Colourful & convenient: Portree is famous for its row of colourful coastal houses and all-around picturesque facade. There are also direct bus routes between Portree and other main cities in Scotland, such as Glasgow, Inverness, and Fort William.
Pros
- Lots of restaurants & shops
- Close to Skye’s main attractions
- Tons of culture & leisure activities
- Very easy to get to by car or bus
Cons
- Very crowded & touristy
- Parking spots can be hard to find
🌟 Top Accommodations in Portree 🌟
MOST SCENIC: Cuillin Hills Hotel (⭐️ 9.4) This hotel is incredibly well-situated and picturesque. It boasts spectacular views of the Cuillin Mountains and is also home to an award-winning restaurant. The scenic lawn is perfect for evening drinks, and the atmosphere is extremely romantic.
BEST NATURE RETREAT: Marmalade (⭐️ 8.5) This hotel’s spacious rooms overlook the Portree Bay and the outline of the Cuillin Hills. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful nature escape. Guests can dine in the garden or relax in the heated courtyard next to the hotel bar.
MOST DOG-FRIENDLY: The Skye Inn (⭐️ 8.5) This cosy guesthouse features a shared lounge, tons of family rooms, and a seating area inside every room. It’s also very dog-friendly, so it’s perfect for animal lovers. The staff here is extremely welcoming and the service is impeccable.
TOP BUDGET PICK: Ballintoy B&B (⭐️ 9.5)
This affordable hotel offers a beautiful garden and delicious breakfasts. It’s a 15-20 min walk to the centre of Portree, and there’s free private parking on-site. The staff is very friendly and the rooms are spotlessly clean.
Read more: 19 Top Things to Do in Portree + Map & Insider Tips
2. UIG — The Best Accommodations on Isle of Skye for Hikes & Dramatic Landscapes
Home to the iconic Fairy Glen, the village of Uig is filled with spectacular landscapes and viewpoints. It is the largest settlement on Trotternish, the northernmost peninsula on the Isle of Skye. It’s also a charming port with ferry links to Harris and North Uist.
Why You Should Stay in Uig
🏞 Proximity to Skye’s attractions: Uig is home to the iconic Fairy Glen, one of the must-see attractions on Skye. It is also a 30-min drive from the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing landslip, and the famous Kilt Rock. The stunning Dunvegan Castle & Gardens is a 40-min drive away.
🌿 Spectacular walks & landscapes: The Trotternish peninsula is a haven for walkers as it’s home to countless walking trails. These include easy strolls around Uig to waterfalls and small lochs as well as more strenuous hikes such as the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr.
🥘 Urban comforts & tourist facilities: Though Uig doesn’t have too many tourist facilities, it’s still home to a few pubs, a supermarket, a post office, a petrol station, and various accommodation options — more urban comforts than most other quiet villages on Skye.
Pros
- Gorgeous hikes & walks in the area
- Proximity to famous attractions
- Some urban comforts & facilities
- Well connected by bus routes
Cons
- Not as many tourist facilities as Portree
🌟 Top Accommodations in Uig 🌟
TOP PICK: Stones Luxury B&B (⭐️ 9.9)
This B&B boasts a stunning location and very scenic rooms. There’s also a hot tub on-site which is perfect for relaxation after a day of walking. The hotel staff is very helpful and friendly, and the delicious breakfast is served right in your room.
BEST HOSTS: Abhaig Boutique B&B (⭐️ 9.9) This family-run B&B has the loveliest hosts who go above and beyond for their guests. They also offer some of the best food you can have on Skye, be it breakfast or dinner. You might also receive kind treats like chocolate, cake, and whisky.
TOP CABIN RETREAT: Uig Chalets (⭐️ 9.9)
This gorgeous chalet boasts excellent amenities which include an equipped kitchen with an oven, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a bathroom with a shower. It also offers stunning sea views as well as free WiFi and private parking.
3. STAFFIN — Where to Stay on Isle of Skye for Dinosaur Footprints, Beach & Geology
Situated beneath the Trottenish Ridge, Staffin is home to a beautiful beach, breathtaking landscapes, and famously — the discovery of dinosaur footprints. It is also dotted with tourist facilities and plenty of great accommodation options.
Why You Should Stay in Staffin
🦕 Walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs: Staffin is home to the gorgeous An Corran Beach, where you can find big dinosaur footprints that date back to 170 million years ago. Scientists say that these creatures were up to 10 meters in length!
🌿 Spectacular walks & landscapes: Staffin is the perfect base for exploring the Trottenish landslip. It is merely a 10-min drive to the start of the spectacular Quiraing hiking trail and a 15-min drive to the Old Man of Storr trail. The iconic Kilt Rock is also just a 10-min drive away.
Pros
- Proximity to breathtaking hikes
- Beach with dinosaur tracks
- Some urban comforts & facilities
- Well connected by bus routes
Cons
- Not as many tourist facilities as Portree
🌟 Top Accommodations in Staffin 🌟
OVERALL TOP PICK: Skye Eyrie (⭐️ 9.8)
This holiday home features breathtaking views of the sea and the nearby mountains. It boasts a panoramic terrace, a well-stocked kitchen, laundry facilities, and a fireplace. It is also sparkling clean and is the perfect place to unwind and relax.
TOP RURAL ESCAPE: The Lodge (⭐️ 9.4)
This secluded holiday home provides the perfect tranquil escape. You won’t be completely disconnected, though, as they do offer free WiFi. There’s also private parking available on-site, an enclosed garden, and a terrace with river views.
TOP SEAVIEW: Driftwood Cottage (⭐️ 9.9)
This cottage is set in a magical location right by the sea and you can even watch a spectacular sunrise from the windows. It also boasts a sparkling clean space and a well-equipped kitchen. If you’re all about the views, then this place is for you.
TOP FAMILY HOME: Taste of the Sea (⭐️ 9.5) This beautiful villa is perfect for big families or a group of friends as it features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, enough parking space for 3 cars, laundry facilities, and a well-equipped kitchen. The location also offers breathtaking views of the sea.
4. ISLEORNSAY — The Best Places to Stay in Skye for Sea Views, History & Tranquility
The picturesque village of Isleornsay is located on the south coast of Skye and overlooks the scenic island of Ornsay. This area is often deemed as the ‘garden of Skye’ thanks to its lush forests, hillsides, and beautiful green fields.
Why You Should Stay in Isleornsay
🌊 A scenic seaside retreat: Isleornsay is a quiet village that offers gorgeous landscapes and sea views. It’s the perfect area to stay in if you want to avoid the tourist crowds while dipping your toes in the water or hiking the surrounding forests.
🐠 A village steeped in history: In the 1820s, Isleornsay was a thriving fishing port. Wandering the village today, you can still see remnants of its historical past, such as a white-painted settlement around the harbour and hotel rooms converted from old stables.
🏝 Explore the hidden gem of Ornsay: From Isleornsay, you can follow a walking trail to the hidden island of Ornsay, where there’s a beautiful lighthouse to be seen up close. The path offers beautiful sea views and there’s barely anyone around.
Pros
- Picturesque & historic place
- Tranquil & soothing atmosphere
- Beautiful sea views & forests
- Well connected by bus routes
Cons
- It’s a 1 to 1.5-hour drive to attractions like Fairy Pools and The Storr
- Not many tourist facilities in the village
🌟 Top Accommodations in Isleornsay 🌟
TOP PICK: The View Holiday Home (⭐️ 9.6)
This cosy holiday villa boasts a garden, breathtaking sea views, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. It is also equipped with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and free private parking. The views from this home are truly spectacular, as suggested by its name.
MOST HISTORIC: Eilean Iarmain (⭐️ 8.8)
Set on a picturesque bay, this cosy hotel offers gorgeous views over the Sound of Sleat and the distant hills of Knoydart. It’s also home to an award-winning restaurant and retains lots of traditional features, as it was built in the early 1800s.
MOST ELEGANT: Duisdale House (⭐️ 8.8)
Surrounded by gardens and 30 acres of forest, this elegant hilltop hotel is perfect for a relaxing retreat in nature. Ornate with striking modern decor, the rooms there boast captivating views of the surrounding mountains.
5. STEIN — Where to Stay in Skye for Castles & Stargazing
The crofting township of Stein is situated on the northeastern shore of Loch Bay on the Waternish peninsula. Scenic and tranquil, it is characterized by beautifully whitewashed buildings, amazing restaurants, and plenty of stellar accommodations.
Why You Should Stay in Stein
🌌 The best place for stargazing: Waternish (where Stein is situated) is one of the darkest places on Skye, without even a single street light on the whole peninsula. It is therefore an amazing place to find a patch of grass, lie down, and enjoy the stars in the dark skies.
🏝 Proximity to a beach & castle: Stein is only a 15-min drive to the breathtaking Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, which is a must-see on Skye. It is also a 30-min drive to the picturesque Claigan Coral Beach, which offers clear, turquoise water and postcard-worthy views.
Pros
- The best place to stargaze on Skye
- Close to Dunvegan Castle & Coral Beach
- Peaceful & tranquil atmosphere
Cons
- Not connected by public transport
- Not many tourist facilities in town
🌟 Top Accommodations in Stein 🌟
TOP PICK: Beachcomber Cottage (⭐️ 9.2)
This holiday home boasts a beautiful garden with views, free WiFi, and free private parking. It consists of 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, and laundry facilities. The kitchen is super well-equipped and has pretty much everything you’d need to cook.
BEST FACILITIES: Stein Inn (⭐️ 8.8)
Given that there are only two restaurants in Stein and no supermarkets, having a hotel with a top-notch restaurant and bar can make a big difference. That’s exactly what this hotel offers, plus a garden with views, a sun terrace, family rooms, and free WiFi.
TOP FAMILY HOME: Salt Winds (⭐️ 9.6)
This holiday home consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a living room. There’s free private parking on-site, free WiFi, and laundry facilities. The property offers gorgeous views and is a 10-min walk from the Stein Inn and Loch Bay restaurants.
6. SCONSER — The Best Places to Stay on Isle of Skye for Highland Cows & Isle of Raasay
The small crofting township of Sconser is situated on the southern shore of Loch Sligachan. Although it’s a quiet and sleepy town, Sconser is the best place to stay on Isle of Skye for those who love animals and want to spot the iconic Highland cows.
Why You Should Stay in Sconser
🐄 Spot Highland cows: The elegant Highland cows are a Scottish breed of cattle who’ve been inhabiting the area since the 6th century. Nowadays, there are only a few places where you can find them on Skye, and the best one is the Highland Cows Viewpoint in Sconser.
⛵️ Leisure activities: Sconser is home to the Isle of Skye Golf Club (which is right next to the Highland cows viewpoint) as well as a pier where you can board ferries to the scenic Isle of Raasay. There are regular Sconser to Raasay ferry sailings every day operated by CalMac.
🏞 Proximity to some attractions: Sconser is only a 5-min drive from the magnificent Sligachan Old Bridge, which is an absolute must-see during your time on Skye. Moreover, the famous Fairy Pools and the Old Man of Storr are a 30-min drive away.
Pros
- Best chance of seeing Highland cows
- Golf club & ferries to Raasay
- Right next to the Sligachan Old Bridge
- Connected by some bus routes
Cons
- Not many tourist facilities or restaurants
🌟 Top Accommodations in Sconser 🌟
BEST HOTEL: Sligachan Hotel (⭐️ 8.3)
This cosy hotel is home to its own museum, a micro-brewery, and an award-winning whisky bar & restaurant. It’s situated right next to the breathtaking Sligachan Old Bridge. This accommodation is also pet-friendly and even has an outdoor play area.
TOP COTTAGE: MacKenzies Peak (⭐️ 9.6)
This 4-star holiday home is perfect for families as it features 3 bedrooms, an equipped kitchen, free WiFi, and laundry facilities. The hosts live right next door and the house is spotlessly clean. You can also relax in the garden and admire the views.
7. COLBOST — The Best Isle of Skye Accommodations for Fine Dining & Cliff Walks
Colbost is a scattered hamlet overlooking Loch Dunvegan, in the northwestern part of Skye. Aside from its proximity to some of Skye’s best attractions, this small settlement is also known for its 5-star restaurant — The Three Chimneys — and the Folk Museum.
Why You Should Stay in Colbost
🌿 Spectacular cliff walks & landscapes: Colbost is less than a 20-min drive to the spectacular Neist Point, one of the most iconic landscapes on Skye. There are lots of panoramic cliff walks that you can do there, and Colbost is the best base for exploring them.
🥘 Top-notch food: There are two main attractions in Colbost. One is the Folk Museum, and the other one is The Three Chimneys restaurant, which has been awarded a Michelin Plate. It is hands down one of the best places to eat on Skye and offers great vegetarian options too.
🏝 Proximity to a beach & castle: Colbost is only a 15-min drive to the gorgeous Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, which is a must-see on Skye. It is also a 30-min drive to the breathtaking Claigan Coral Beach, which offers clear, turquoise water and picturesque views.
Pros
- Proximity to Neist Point & other attractions
- Has one of the best restaurants on Skye
- Tranquil & picturesque setting
Cons
- The nearest bus stop is a 15-20 min walk away
🌟 Top Accommodations in Colbost 🌟
OVERALL TOP PICK: Hazeldean (⭐️ 9.9)
This modern B&B features amazing sea views from almost every window. The hosts are extremely welcoming and may provide you with lots of treats, including cider and whisky. The breakfast is absolutely delicious and there’s free parking on-site.
PET-FRIENDLY: Springburn Cottage (⭐️ 9.7) This cosy family home is the perfect place to stay with your dog as it offers a fenced garden where it can run freely. There’s free WiFi throughout the property, 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, free private parking, and a gorgeous setting.
8. BROADFORD — Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye for Outdoor Adventures
Lying in the shadow of the Red Cuillin mountains, Broadford is the second largest village on the Isle of Skye. It’s situated towards the southeastern tip of the island and has a good amount of tourist facilities.
Why You Should Stay in Broadford
🏪 Plenty of tourist facilities: Though Broadford is a small village, it actually has quite a lot of urban comforts. In fact, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and hotels as well as a supermarket, garage, bank (with ATM), and tourist office.
🧗🏻 Various outdoor adventures: Given Broadford’s location near the Red Cuillin mountains, hiking, climbing, and cycling are popular activities in the area. There are endless hiking trails around Broadford that take you through gorgeous lakes and waterfalls.
Pros
- Many tourist facilities
- Various outdoor activities
- Can get there by bus
Cons
- 40-45 min drive to attractions like Fairy Pools and The Storr
- Can get a bit crowded (though not as much as Portree)
🌟 Top Accommodations in Broadford 🌟
TOP PICK: Tigh Beag na h’aibhne (⭐️ 9.4)
This unique accommodation offers beautiful mountain views, a garden, barbecue facilities, and a terrace. There’s also a hot tub that guests can enjoy, as well as free WiFi and private parking. It is truly the perfect relaxing nature getaway.
TOP LUXURY STAY: Broadford Hotel (⭐️ 8.4) This 4-star hotel was the original home of the Drambuie whisky liqueur and each room is themed after a Drambuie tartan. On-site, you’ll find a bar that offers homemade cuisine and a restaurant with stunning views of Broadford Bay.
MOST SCENIC STAY: Hebridean Inn (⭐️ 8.3) This hotel faces the beachfront in Broadford, with rooms that offer gorgeous sea views. There’s also a restaurant and bar on-site, a flat-screen TV inside each room, and à la carte breakfast options every morning.
TOP BUDGET PICK: Broadford House (⭐️ 8.0) This affordable hotel has very spacious and clean rooms. The twin rooms have a shared bathroom, while the other rooms have an ensuite bathroom. There are also great restaurants a short walk away.
9. EDINBANE — The Best Places to Stay in Isle of Skye for Food & a Quiet Countryside Retreat
The sleepy village of Edinbane is a gorgeous hidden gem of Skye that lies at the foot of the Waternish Peninsula, about 23 km (14 miles) from Portree. While it’s a quiet rural getaway, it’s also home to two Michelin Plate restaurants.
Why You Should Stay in Edinbane
🌿 A quiet countryside retreat: Skye is very touristy, and it’s hard to escape the crowds sometimes. But in quiet little Edinbane, it’s just you and the surrounding hills and lake. It’s the perfect little nature getaway.
🥘 Top-notch cuisine: While there aren’t that many restaurants in this tiny village, the few that are there are pretty impressive. Edinbane Lodge Restaurant and Edinbane Inn Restaurant have both been awarded a Michelin Plate and serve delicious locally sourced food.
🏞 Proximity to Skye’s attractions: Edinbane is only a 15-minute drive to the beautiful Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, which are absolute must-sees during your time in Skye. This little village is also a 30-minute drive to both the Old Man of Storr and the magical Fairy Glen.
Pros
- Quiet and tranquil setting
- Close to main attractions
- Top-notch restaurants
- Gorgeous countryside scenery
Cons
- There isn’t much to do in the village itself
- Not well connected by public transport
🌟 Top Accommodations in Edinbane 🌟
TOP FACILITIES: Greshornish House (⭐️ 9.1) This stunning hotel has its own garden, bar, and restaurant. Its premises also offer beautiful sea views and a pool table. Each room features a flat-screen TV and a seating area. This hotel is also very dog-friendly!
RURAL RETREAT: Redwood House (⭐️ 8.1)
This family-run guesthouse is in the perfect rural setting. Located right by a lake, its rooms offer stunning views. It’s a great escape for anyone who wants to be really remote. WiFi is limited at this hotel but each room still has a flat-screen TV.
10. PLOCKTON — The Best Place to Stay Near Skye for Tranquility, Views & Range of Activities
The picturesque village of Plockton is not actually situated on the Isle of Skye, but it’s close enough that you can easily take multiple day trips to the island. It’d take roughly one hour to drive to Skye’s main attractions from there. Why stay off of Skye, though?
It’s simple: Plockton is a true hidden gem of Scotland that definitely deserves a visit of its own. While it appears like a sleepy village without much to offer, there are actually countless things to do in Plockton that can keep you busy for days.
Why You Should Stay in Plockton
😍 The most scenic base for exploring Skye: The second you step into Plockton, you’ll be left astounded by the jaw-dropping landscapes and views it offers. Its natural beauty far surpasses that of any town or village on Skye and it also offers plenty of things to do.
🏝 Plenty of things to do: Plockton offers several stunning walking trails, boat tours to see adorable seals, a number of nearby castles to explore, a gorgeous beach, and even nearby cafes where you can spot Highland cows.
🌸 See extra attractions: While Plockton is further from many of Skye’s attractions, staying there allows you to get closer to some other must-see places. In fact, the famous Eilean Donan Castle is only a 20-min drive away, while from Portree, it’d take one hour by car.
🥘 Tranquil but not desolate: Compared to Portree, Plockton is much quieter and a lot less crowded. That doesn’t mean this village lacks tourist facilities, though. There are several restaurants serving delicious seafood, boat trips, a post office, and a mini-grocery store.
Pros
- More scenic than any village on Skye
- Countless activities to do
- A quiet escape from tourist crowds
- Many tourist facilities
- Proximity to Eilean Donan Castle
- Easy to get to by train
Cons
- It’s about a 1 to 1.5 hour drive to the main attractions on Skye
🌟 Top Accommodations in Plockton 🌟
TOP PICK: Plockton Inn (⭐ 8.6)
This lovely inn offers comfortable and clean rooms, traditional vibes, and a restaurant that serves delicious seafood. Guests can enjoy free private parking, free WiFi, as well as outdoors activities in the area such as hiking and cycling.
HOT TUB RETREAT: Duirinish Pods (⭐ 9.7)
These stunning chalets offer private hot tubs, sea views, free WiFi, fully equipped kitchenettes, private bathrooms, and more. There’s also an outdoor fireplace / picnic area, where guests can enjoy views of the mountains and surrounding garden.
MOST SCENIC: Tigh na Dalach (⭐ 9.0)
This cosy holiday home has 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, 2 bathrooms, and a fully-equipped kitchen. It also offers a garden with a gorgeous view of Loch Carron and the distant mountains. With free WiFi, this is the perfect place for working remotely.
Read more: Plockton, Scotland: 18 Incredible Things To Do + Insider Tips
🚫 Avoid: KYLEAKIN — The Former Gateway to the Isle of Skye (That’s Not as Interesting as Plockton)
The village of Kyleakin used to be the main ferry port and gateway to Skye, but since the Skye Bridge was built, that isn’t the case anymore. Situated on the southeastern tip of the island, Kyleakin is further from Skye’s main attractions than every place listed in this guide aside from Plockton.
In this section, I’ll share why you should consider Plockton as an alternative to Kyleakin, though. Of course, this is my personal opinion based on my time on Skye and Plockton.
Why You Should Choose Plockton Over Kyleakin
🚗 Plockton is similarly far but more scenic: From Kyleakin, it takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by car to reach Skye’s famous sites like The Storr and the Quiraing. While this is not atrociously long, Plockton is only a little further but offers more gorgeous views and more things to do.
🌄 Plockton is less crowded: As Kyleakin is basically the first area you come across right after getting off the Skye Bridge, it is one of the more crowded and touristy places on Skye. Plockton, on the other hand, is a sleepy village that offers plenty of peace and tranquillity.
🌟 Bottom line… If you’re going to stay far away from Skye’s main attractions, why not go just a tiny bit further to stay somewhere more panoramic, interesting, and quieter?
Pros and Cons of Staying in Kyleakin
Pros
- Many tourist facilities
- Well connected by bus
- Proximity to Eilean Donan Castle
Cons
- It’s about a 1 to 1.5 hour drive to the main attractions on Skye
- Plockton is a more scenic and interesting alternative
🌿 Top Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
While there are endless things to do on the Isle of Skye, here are my top recommendations:
- Hike the magnificent Quiraing landslip
- Explore the mystical Fairy Pools
- Find dinosaur footprints at Staffin
- Feast on seafood at The Oyster Shed
- Catch an unforgettable sunset at Neist Point
- Look for Highland cows in Sconser
Read more: 24 Epic Things to Do on the Isle of Skye + Top Tips & Map
🚗 How to Get to the Isle of Skye, Scotland
You can reach the Isle of Skye by car, bus, or train from various parts of Scotland. With that said, driving is undoubtedly the best way to get into Skye simply because getting around the island without a car would be extremely difficult.
Here are the driving times and distances from some main cities in Scotland:
From Edinburgh to Portree: 236 mi (379 km) / 5 hr 18 min
From Glasgow to Portree: 209 mi (336 km) / 5 hr 13 min
From Aberdeen to Portree: 215 mi (346 km) / 4 hr 53 min
From Inverness to Portree 114 mi (183 km) / 2 hr 40 min
From Fort William to Portree: 108 mi (173 km) / 2 hr 28 min
Read more: How to Get to the Isle of Skye: The Ultimate Guide + Maps
🔮 Travel Insurance for Scotland
I never thought I needed travel insurance… until I needed it. And I’m a careful traveler. Sometimes, things are simply out of your control.
During my many years of traveling, I’ve gotten into a really scary car accident while riding in the back of a taxi, have needed emergency dental services, and have almost had all my valuables stolen. (These were all from separate trips, thankfully).
I use Heymondo and can highly recommend them — they provide 24/7 worldwide assistance (with Covid-19 coverage included), and no hidden out-of-pocket fees.
🌸 Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Skye
I hope this guide on where to stay on the Isle of Skye was helpful! Bottom line: if you want to stay where most tourists stay and have the best facilities and transportation routes at your fingertips, then pick Portree. If you prefer somewhere quieter and less touristy, well… now you know nine other amazing areas to consider.
📸 My Isle of Skye & Scotland Photography Gear
This is the gear I used to take most of the photos in this guide. You can also see my tips for the best cameras for bloggers for more options aside from the ones listed below.
- Cameras: Nikon D610 + Sony a7III (check out the best Sony lenses)
- Main lens: Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8
- Wide-angle lens: Tokina AF 16-28mm f/2.8
- Prime lens: Nikon 50mm f/1.4 G
- ND filter: K&F Concept 10-Stop
- Tripod: Manfrotto Element Traveller Tripod (Ball Head)
I hope this guide on the best places to stay on Skye was helpful!
For further reading on other Scotland destinations, discover:
🏞 24 Epic Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
🚗 How to Get to the Isle of Skye
⛵️ 19 Top Things to Do in Portree
🏴 18 Top Things To Do in Plockton, Scotland
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Thank you so much for this guide. It’s full of really helpful information and is very well written with excellent photos. Everyone who is planning a trip to Syke should use it. Thank you.
Hello, we are planning a trip to Isle of Skye in December. What town would you recommend to possibly see the Northern Lights?
I’ve never actually seen them myself, but I’ve heard you can spot them in Glendale.
Great article and super helpful for travellers!
Did you know that the tiny island with the lighthouse (Ornsay Light) in Isleornsay is actually called Eilean Sionnach? The lighthouse is named after the bigger island in front.
You can also stay in the old lighthouse keeper’s cottage and it’s absolutely lovely. It’s called Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage.