No road trip to the Scottish Highlands is complete without a visit to the Isle of Skye, where you’ll be driving through an endless series of beautifully stunning and otherworldly landscapes! You will also find stunning castles, fantastic hiking opportunities, a delightful whisky distillery, jaw-dropping coastlines, and lots and lots of sheep. Whether you plan on staying for 1, 2, 3, or 4 days, our Skye road trip itinerary guide will provide you with ideas and suggestions to maximize your time in the area. We will start by presenting our ideal 4-day itinerary but will also suggest alternatives for shorter stays on Skye.
Disclosure: This page (Isle of Skye Road Trip Itinerary: How to Spend up to 4 Days) may contain product affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. We only recommend products or services we personally believe in. More details can be found on our disclosure and policies page.
You might also be interested in these pages:
Top Things to See and Do on Skye
Isle of Skye Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
Skye’s Best Hiking and Walking Trails
Skye Orientation: How to get to Skye
By Car
Getting to Skye will require a fair bit of driving. Assuming that you are likely to arrive in Scotland by plane to either Edinburgh or Glasgow, you are looking at a 5h30 drive from Edinburgh or a 5-hour drive from Glasgow to reach Portree, Skye’s largest city and main hub. These times are only valide if use the Skybridge from the east – if you prefer to take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale in southern Skye, you are looking at approximately an additional 45 min to complete the journey. Before 1995, when the Skyebrige was completed, the only way to get to Skye was by ferry.
If coming from Inverness, you’re looking at a much shorter drive, about 2h30 to get to Portree.
For advice and tips on how to drive in Scotland, check out our Scotland Roadtrip Driving Guide. For advice and tips that are more specific to Skye with a focus on single-track roads, check out our Isle of Skye Road Trip Driving Guide.
If you haven’t booked your rental vehicle yet, we highly recommend using Discover Cars to get the best rates on your rental in Scotland.
By Public Transport
You can reach Portree by bus from either Glasgow (Citylink Bus 914/915, with stops in Loch Lomond, Glencoe and Fort William, runs twice daily, 7hrs) or Inverness (Citylink Bus 916/917, with several stops along Loch Ness, runs twice daily, 3h30hrs).
By Tour
If you don’t have your own vehicle, joining an organized tour might be the best way to see what the Isle of Skye has to offer.
How Long to Stay on Skye
To get a proper sense of everything Skye has to offer, we think you should try to stay anywhere between 3 and 5 days. If you can only afford two days or less, that’s fine too. You’ll have time to see a few popular highlights and perhaps a few under-the-radar spots.
But with more time, you will get to visit several of the smaller lesser-known villages, hike some more scenic trails, go waterfall chasing, and explore the different corners of Skye, each more enchanting than the other.
In the next section, we will first start with our suggested 4-day Skye road trip itinerary, but afterwards will also provide some alternatives for tweaking the itinerary for 1-to-4-day stays on the island.
4-Day Skye Road Trip Itinerary
Note that the itineraries described below are only possible if you have your own vehicle. Although some sites and attractions are reachable by public transport, it would be nearly impossible to combine them in a similar itinerary.
The following itinerary suggestion also assumes that you will be staying in either Portree (or somewhere nearby), but things can easily be tweaked if you are staying elsewhere on the island.
It also assumes you will stop at Eilean Donan Castle either just before your arrival or after you depart from Skye, which is technically not on Skye but rather 15km east of it, so you’ll cross it before you enter the Isle via the Skye Bridge.
Eilean Donan is without a doubt one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland. Sitting beautifully at the intersection of three lochs, this castle was originally built to protect the region against Viking invasions several centuries ago, however, the version you see today was reconstructed as a family home in the early 20th century.
For more info check out our Eilean Castle Guide.
Day 1: (Northeastern Skye) Trotternish Peninsula Loop with Quiraing hike
The Trotternish Peninsula is probably what most people think about when they imagine Skye – a land full of unique and otherworldly mountainous landscapes. This was our favourite area of Skye, and if you have just one day here, we would definitely recommend focusing on this area of the Isle. The drive around the loop is just spectacular. There are so many beautiful sights and attractions along the way, including beautiful waterfalls and incredible hiking opportunities, such as the Old Man of Storr and The Quirang.
Driving the loop + stops will take you about 4 hours, including a leisurely 30-40 min stroll at the Fairy Glen. Hiking the Old Man of Storr will add about 2 hours, and the Quirang will add about 3 hours. We recommend doing the Quirang hike with the loop, and doing the Old Man of Storr trail the another morning, which is stunning just after sunrise.
For more info check out our Trotternish Loop Travel Guide.
Day 2: (Northwestern Skye) Dunvegan Castle, Coral Beach and Neist Point
After about a 30 minute drive from Portree, start your day at Dunvegan Castle. The ancestral seat of the MacLeods on Skye is the isle’s most stunning castle, and it is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland: over 800 years and counting. It’s also the only castle in Skye where you can tour the interior and learn about the rich history of the Clan Macleod. The castle’s gardens are also quite spectacular and vast, you can easily get lost in them for an hour or more.
For more info check out our Dunvegan Castle Visit Guide.
Once you’ve finished the Castle and Gardens, it’s time for some beach time. Located a 15-minute drive, and a subsequent easy 25-minute walk, north of Dunvegan Castle, Coral Beach is reminiscent of those found in warmer climates Despite its name, the beach is not actually made of coral but of fossilized and sun-bleached algae giving it its bright white appearance. The drive from the castle follows a single-track road until you reach a gravel car park. To reach the beach from there, follow the obvious path through farmland.
After you enjoyed your stroll at the beach, it’s time to head back to your vehicle and head to Neist Point, where you’ll find Skye’s most photogenic Lighthouse and beautiful sunset spot. Located near the westernmost tip of Skye, it’s a bit of a long drive along winding coastal roads to get here, but the views are oh-so worth it. You can also go for a short 2 km hike to visit the lighthouse up close (the interior is closed to the public, however).
To get the views seen in the pictures below, you only need to walk a few hundred meters from the parking lot. The landscape around the lighthouse is beautiful even if you view it from afar.
For more info check out our Neist Point Lighthouse Guide.
If you are also interested in splurging once (or more) on a delicious meal, Skye’s most famous restaurants are in Western Skye (either between Portree and Dunvegan or between Dunvegan and the Neist Point Lighthouse): Loch Bay (has a Michelin star), Three Chimneys (previously held a Michelin star), and Edinbane Lodge.
Day 3: (Southeastern Skye) Old Man of Storr, Sligachan, and Camasunary Bay
We really enjoyed doing the Old Man of Storr hike first thing in the morning, the light is beautiful and it is much less crowded than later in the day, and it’s not too far from Portree to justify combining it with the Southeastern Skye attractions.
The Old Man of Storr, a towering pinnacle and an iconic landmark of the Isle of Skye, is where you can experience one of Scotland’s most spectacular hiking trails. Although you have probably seen many pictures of the area before, there is definitely something special about seeing it with your own two eyes. Most people can complete this out-and-back hike in under two hours.
For more information on this iconic trail, check out our Old Man of Storr Hiking Guide.
After your done with the Old Man of Storr hike, head south through Portree and continue to Sligachan, a small settlement where you’ll find Skye’s most beautiful stone bridge, backdropped by the stunning Black Cuillin mountains.
A short walk from the bridge, you can find an idyllic waterfall in a beautiful natural surrounding. We highly recommend taking this short walk to truly immerse yourself in nature away from the busy road by the bridge.
For more information on this stunning area, check out our Sligachan Bridge and Waterfall Guide
After having visited the bridge and falls at Sligachan, continue your south towards Elgol. But before reaching the town, you’ll stop at the Camasunary Car Park, which across the road form the trailhead. Camanusary Bay was one of our favourite hiking trails on Skye. Though the landscapes are not quite as dramatic as those found in the Trotternish Peninsula, the scenery along the trail was no less spectacular, with only a fraction of the crowds seen at Storr or the Quiraing.
For more information on this hidden gem, check out our Camanusary Bay Hiking Guide.
Day 4: (Southern Skye) Fairy Pools, Talisker Walk and Distillery and Portree
Day 4 definitely has a little bit of everything. Starting your day at the Fairy Pools, you will quickly be enchanted by the beautiful setting of a series of idyllic water cascades and pools, backdropped by the imposing Cuillin mountains. Note that it does take a little bit of walking to reach the Fairy Pools (about 30 minutes each way), but it’s on a very level and easy trail with little elevation gain.
For more information on these magical waterfalls check out our Fairy Pools Guide.
After the Fairy Pools, make your way to Talisker Bay Beach where you can take a delightful stroll through sheep- and cattle-filled pastures on your way to one of Skye’s most dramatic beaches. On one side of the beach, you’ll notice beautiful sea stacks and on the other a towering waterfall that drops into the sea.
For more information on this beautiful beach check out our Talisker Bay Guide.
After your walk on the beach, make your way towards Talisker Distillery, Skye’s oldest whiskey producer. They offer great tours of the facilities with tastings, and there are a few nice places to stop for lunch nearby.
For more information on how to visit check out our Talisker Distillery Guide.
If you didn’t get a chance to visit Portree, it’s time to take some time to stroll around the town and enjoy some of the sights. Portree is more than just a welcoming gateway for discovering the rest of the Isle, it is also a beautiful and quaint little town well deserving of some of your time. It’s also where you’ll most of the eating and lodging options on Skye.
For more information on Skye’s capital check out our Portree Travel Guide.
Itinerary ideas for shorter Skye stays
Just 3 full days on Skye – itinerary
If you have just 3 days in Skye, we would suggest the following itinerary (with a stop at Eilean Donan either just before your arrival or after you depart from Skye):
Day 1: (Southern Skye) Sligachan, Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery, and Talisker Bay walk
Day 2: (Northeastern Skye)Trotternish Peninsula loop, Quiraing hike, Old Man of Storr hike, Fairy Glen walk
Day 3: (Northwestern Skye) Portree, Dunvegan Castle, Coral Beach, Neist Point Lighthouse
Just 2 full days on Skye – itinerary
If you have just 2 days in Skye, we could suggest the following itinerary (with a stop at Eilean Donan either just before your arrival or after you depart from Skye, and a quick stop by Sligachan on your way out of Skye):
Day 1: Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery, Talisker Bay Walk, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse
*This will be a busy day with a fair bit of driving to do, but it’s definitely doable because, well, we did it! Heavy rains on other days forced us to combine these activities within a single day. We left Portree around 8 am, and we were back in Portree around 6 pm, we didn’t rush anything and took our time at every attraction or walk.
Day 2: Trotternish Peninsula Loop and the Fairy Glen walk, the Quiraing hike, the Old Man of Storr hike, and Portree.
*This has less driving than Day 1 but more time walking beautiful trails (about 5 hours total) and sightseeing in Portree.
Just 1 full day on Skye – itinerary
If you have just one full day on Skye, we would suggest the following itinerary (while visiting Sligachan and Eilean Donan castle on the morning of your Skye departure):
Morning: Trotternish Peninsula Loop with either the Quiraing or the Old Man of Storr hike. Stop in Portree for lunch.
Afternoon: Either the Fairy Pools combined with Talisker Distillery or Dunevegan Castle & Neist Point Lighthouse, depending on your preferred attractions and activities.
Best Time to Visit Skye
Technically Skye can be visited year-round, but off-season daylight hours will be very short, rain is more likely, and several accommodation options will be closed. It’s not uncommon to see snow on the Isle of Skye but most of it falls in the hills and mountains rather than the lowlands. Roads can however still get icy all over the island.
We generally recommend shoulder season for most destinations. For Skye, the same logic applies, but for even more reasons than most. As with most destinations, there are fewer tourists during shoulder season, minimizing the chance of reaching your attraction of interest only to find the parking lot full, or that you will be annoyed by how many people you have to share the hiking trails with. You will also probably have a better choice of accommodation options, with lower daily rates daily rates.
In our view, the best months to visit Skye are May, June & September. In addition to the reasons listed above, the weather is almost as warm as it is mid-summer without being too rainy and, perhaps most importantly, you are less likely to have to deal with the notorious highland midges, Scotland’s version of the mosquito, which can become quite bothersome during the summer as their numbers peak during July and August. They aren’t too bad if it’s sunny or windy, but on calm overcast days, they can come out in numbers. October can be a good month to visit with some nice autumn colors, but the days are getting shorter quickly, reducing the amount of time for outdoor activities.
The best months for aurora sightseeing are March, September and October around the equinoxes. You’ll never see them in June or July as the nights are too light. But there’s no guarantee, although we visited Skye in September, we didn’t get lucky with clear night skies.
Where to Stay on Skye
We cover in greater detail where to stay on Skye in our Where to Stay on Skye guide, but the short of it is that we recommend staying either in or near Portree, Skye’s main town. The main reason for this is that Portree is fairly centrally located on the Isle, making it easier to reach the different attractions without having to change accommodations during your stay. We specifically chose to stay in Bernisdale, a small township just outside of Portree (about a 10-minute). It was enough to Portree for shopping, restaurants, and groceries, but far enough to find ourselves surrounded by lochs, mountains and sheep. For a more upscale option nearby, check out the Skeabost House Hotel, which has its own highly-rated restaurant on-site.
If you would prefer moving around Skye and changing your home base a few times, that’s also an option to experience different areas of Skye for longer periods. It does, however, come with the drawback of more frequent packing/unpacking and lost time due to check-in/check-out processes.
Book ahead (months in advance, if possible)
There aren’t many (if any) large hotels on Skye, meaning vacation rentals and accommodation options can fill up pretty quickly. We recommend booking your stay at least a few months in advance, and even earlier if you plan on visiting during the busier summer months. The earlier you do, the more options you’ll have at reasonable prices.
Where to Eat on Skye
You’ll find good and fun eating options all around Skye. A greater concentration of restaurants are found in Portree:
Dulse and Brose – Refined but unpretentious, it serves delicious modern takes on traditional Scottish cuisine. Our favourite restaurant in Portree. (4.4 Google Maps rating, 2023)
Restaurant Rosedale – Warm, laid-back pick with harbour views offering seafood dishes & Scottish tapas. We had a great time with delicious food at Rosedale’s. (4.4 Google Maps rating, 2023)
Cafe Arriba – Fun and welcoming space that offers great dishes for breakfast or lunch. (4.5 Google Maps rating, 2023)
The Lower Deck Seafood Restaurant – Great food right by along the harbour – the only drawback is the waiting line that can occur as reservations are not possible here, so arrive early. (4.2 Google Maps rating, 2023)
Scorrybreac Restaurant – If you want to splurge on a fine dining experience in Portree, this is the place to go. (4.6 Google Maps rating, 2023)
Near the Talisker Distillery, there are a few fun options nearby in Carbost:
Caora Dhubh Coffee Company – a small coffee shop right across the street from the distillery with delicious sandwiches and pastries. Though there is no indoor seating, there are several lakeside picnic tables to enjoy the food with a view.
The Oyster Shed – Here you can enjoy delicious fresh seafood in a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.
Near Uig, along the western shore of the Trotternish Peninsula, the Galley Cafe & Takeaway offers delicious hearty dishes and seafood plates for a quick lunch stop when looping around the peninsula (or after a good hike at the Quiraing or a nice stroll through the Fairy Glen).
If you are also interested in splurging once (or more) on a delicious meal, Skye’s most famous restaurants are in Western Skye (either between Portree and Dunvegan or between Dunvegan and the Neist Point Lighthouse): Loch Bay (has a Michelin star), Three Chimneys (previously held a Michelin star), and Edinbane Lodge
Preparing a trip to the Highlands?
You might be interested in these pages:
1-Day Glen Coe Loop Road Trip Itinerary from Oban
Top Things to See and Do in Glen Coe
Best Hikes and Walks in Glen Coe
Glenfinnan Viaduct and Jacobite Steam Train Travel Guide
Top Things to See and Do on Skye
Skye’s Best Hiking and Walking Trails
Preparing a trip to Scotland?
You might be interested in these Scotland pages:
10-Day Scotland Roadtrip Itinerary (Edinburgh and Highlands)
Scotland Driving Guide and Tips
7 of the Best Castles to Visit in Scotland
Best Things to See in the Scottish Highlands
Best Hikes to do in the Scottish Highlands
We also highly recommend these guidebooks:
Rick Steves Scotland
Lonely Planet Scotland’s Highlands
Photography Gear
If you like our photography, you might be interested in some of the gear we use to shoot our travel and hiking destinations.
Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
Other Travel Essentials
Travel Insurance
SafetyWing is a travel insurance company that offers comprehensive coverage for travellers. Includes Medical Insurance and Travel Insurance. Primarily geared towards long-term travellers, digital nomads, and expats.
e-Sim cards
Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions worldwide. With Airalo eSIMs, travellers can get connected the moment they land at their destination and avoid nasty data roaming charges
eSIMS are a sustainable alternative to single-use SIM cards – they are 100% digital, require less energy to produce and be re-used rather than disposed of.
Car Rentals
Discover Cars is our go-to website for car rentals. We almost always find our preferred rate there.
Transfer from Airport
Welcome Pickups is our favourite private transfer service, which you can pre-book at a fixed price. Currently available in 220 cities all over the world (mostly in Europe, but with several major cities in Asia, the Middle East and the US).
Kiwitaxi is another private transfer service – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s currently available in a few more countries (102 as of 2024).
Hotels and Accommodations (coming soon)
Photography Prints
If you found this blog useful, you can help support our blog by purchasing low-cost digital prints. Printed physical prints are also available for purchase.
—–
Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Isle of Skye Road Trip Itinerary: How to Spend up to 4 Days guide and that it will prove useful for planning your trip to Scotland’s beautiful Isle of Skye.
—–
You might also be interested in these related pages:
4 Comments