Deciding how long to spend on the Isle of Skye can be tricky. The island is packed with incredible landscapes, fascinating history, and unique cultural experiences, and there is ALWAYS more to see and do.
We’ve been tourists here a few times and now live here, and we still have plenty more to see and do.
While some visitors try to squeeze Skye into a day trip, others spend a week or more immersing themselves in everything it has to offer. I would always say the latter is the better option, but I also know that’s not possible for everyone.
Below is a breakdown of how much time you should plan for your visit to Skye.
Of course, your priorities will determine what you end up doing, so I’m not saying you can’t fit what’s in the longer trip in the shorter one. That’s up to you!
Should You Take a Day Trip to the Isle of Skye?
In short, if you can avoid it, don’t.
While a day trip to Skye is technically possible, it doesn’t do the island justice. The drive from Inverness (the usual day trip location) takes at least 2 hours each way, meaning much of your time will be spent in the car rather than actually exploring Skye.
And that’s just to the bridge! The journey to Portree takes 3 hours, with no stops. That means you can easily spend 6 hours in the car without even stopping to see anything.
The roads can be slow-moving and stressful, especially if you’re not used to driving in the highlands, and weather conditions may impact travel time.
THAT SAID, if a day trip is your only option, consider joining an organised tour.
These tours are carefully planned to maximise your time and take the stress out of navigating Skye’s winding roads.
You’ll likely visit some of the top spots, such as viewpoints for the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, and possibly the Fairy Glen or Fairy Pools, but expect a fast-paced day with limited opportunities for in-depth exploration.
For some people, this may be their only chance to visit, and while I think there are plenty of wonderful places in Scotland that you could likely visit with a lot more ease, I do understand. I would strongly advise taking a guided tour rather than trying to drive yourself, though!
Spending 2-3 Days on Skye: The Minimum Recommended Time
Two to three days is the minimum amount of time I’d recommend for visiting Skye, and by that I really mean two nights minimum, so you get at least one full day in the middle. Three nights is even better for two full days!
This is because getting around Skye can take longer than you might think. It’s not a small island, and there are not a lot of roads, so people tend to visit many of the same popular places at similar times, which can add travel time.
Also, most people are coming from at least a two-hour drive away and going to somewhere of a similar distance, so one night doesn’t give much time at all and is almost not worth it because you’ll be struggling to fit things into two half days.
Staying 2-3 days gives you enough time to see some of the major sights while allowing for a more relaxed pace compared to a rushed day trip.
With this timeframe, you can:
- Visit the Trotternish Peninsula, home to the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, the Fairy Glen and Kilt Rock. This would be a whole day if you did one of the hikes or explored a few more stops, such as Duntulm Castle and the Skye Museum of Island Life.
- Explore Portree, Skye’s largest town, and enjoy a meal at one of its fantastic restaurants.
- Take a boat trip from Elgol for breathtaking views of the Cuillin mountains, this would take the better part of one day, depending where on the island you’re based.
- Visit Dunvegan Castle and learn about the legendary Fairy Flag, and maybe a short visit to nearby Waternish.
- Walk to the Fairy Pools. Although this is in a more remote location, away from other popular sites, so take driving time into account. You could include this with exploring Dunvegan, Carbost, or other areas near there.
- You could possibly fit in a distillery visit depending on what else you’re doing.
With three days, you might also have time to venture off the beaten path a bit with a trip to Elgol and taking a boat to Loch Coruisk, or exploring more areas of Skye outside the usual Trotternish Loop. Of course, you could opt to skip some of the more popular sites for either of these things, too.
Spending 5-7 Days on Skye: The Ideal Trip
If you have the time, a five to seven day stay on Skye allows you to fully appreciate the island’s beauty and diversity without feeling rushed. In addition to the must-see sites, you’ll have time for activities like:
- Taking on more or longer hikes, such as the full Quiraing circuit, MacLeod’s Maidens, Sgurr an Stri, Camasunary Bay, or even a guided trek into the Cuillin mountains.
- Enjoying Skye’s food scene, from fresh seafood to cosy pubs and artisan cafes.
- Joining local experiences, such as whisky tastings at Talisker or Torabhaig Distillery, wildlife tours and boat trips.
- Venturing to quieter parts of the island, such as the Waternish Peninsula, Sleat, or taking a scenic drive to Elgol.
- Visiting local art galleries, craft shops, and the talented artisans who make pottery, jewellery, and woollen goods inspired by Skye’s rugged beauty.
- Taking a boat tour to see the famous Loch Coruisk or to spot puffins and dolphins around the Small Isles.
A longer stay also gives you the flexibility to adapt to Skye’s unpredictable weather. If mist or rain rolls in, you can take it slow, visit an art gallery or a local craft shop, and head back to the outdoor spots when conditions improve.
For those who love photography, a more extended trip also allows you to catch Skye in different lighting and weather conditions, ensuring you capture its breathtaking scenery at sunrise, sunset, and even under the stars.
What’s the Right Choice for You?
While a day trip to Skye is better than not visiting at all, the island truly deserves at least two or three days. If you can spare five to seven days, you’ll be rewarded with a deeper, more relaxed experience that lets you explore beyond the main tourist sites.
No matter how long you stay, Skye has a way of capturing hearts, and you may just find yourself planning a return trip before you even leave!
Sonja x
