English (UK)
English (US)
Français
Deutsch
Español
Italiano
Nederlands
简体中文
A mini guide to
Isle of Skye: Portree & Dunvegan: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Use passing places
Many roads on Skye are single-track with passing places. Pull in to let oncoming traffic pass and never park in a passing place, as VisitScotland advises.
Plan fuel and food
Settlements are far apart outside Portree, Dunvegan and Broadford, so plan fuel and meals before long drives.
Respect crofts
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code covers walking on land with crops and livestock. Follow it near crofts and keep dogs under control.
Check the ferry
Weather can affect CalMac sailings. Check the CalMac website for service updates before you travel.
Armadale on foot
Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum of the Isles is a ten-minute walk from the Armadale ferry, according to its website.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Isle of Skye: Portree & Dunvegan?
Isle of Skye: Portree & Dunvegan is in Highland, Scotland. Harbour town, clan castles and the Cuillin, reached by bridge or ferry. Nearby stops and stations include Skye Bridge, Mallaig to Armadale, Citylink.
How long do I need in Isle of Skye: Portree & Dunvegan?
Three days or more, because roads are slow and sights are spread out. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Skye Bridge (Road); Mallaig to Armadale (CalMac ferry); Citylink (Coaches); Raasay and Uig ferries (CalMac). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 10 places to eat and drink in and around Isle of Skye: Portree & Dunvegan, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 10 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Isle of Skye: Portree & Dunvegan accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Isle of Skye: Portree & Dunvegan
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Sligachan
Settlement close to the Cuillin and a viewpoint for the Black Cuillin ridge.
Neist Point
Viewpoint at the most westerly point of Skye, with a lighthouse that has stood there since 1909.
Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
Seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod, first built in the 13th century above Loch Dunvegan.
The Scottish Highlands
More areas to explore
The Cairngorms: Aviemore & Grantown-on-Spey
Mountains, ancient pine forest, steam trains and wildlife around Strathspey
Open the mini guide →
Oban, Argyll & the Mull ferry
Harbour town and ferry gateway to Mull, Kerrera and the Inner Hebrides
Open the mini guide →
The Black Isle & Easter Ross
A peninsula of Pictish stones, Cromarty and dolphin-watching, with whisky country to the north
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls: David Dixon, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Sligachan: A forrest68, CC0, source
- Neist Point: Ian Cunliffe, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Dunvegan Castle and Gardens: Sarahteeco, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- The Cairngorms: Aviemore & Grantown-on-Spey: dave conner, CC BY 2.0, source
- Oban, Argyll & the Mull ferry: Mike Hudson, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- The Black Isle & Easter Ross: Vcarceler, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Inverness & Loch Ness: dave conner from Inverness, Scotland, CC BY 2.0, source
- Fort William, Glencoe & Ben Nevis: Viewfinder at English Wikipedia, Public domain, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring the Scottish Highlands