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City guide

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye, or simply Skye, is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous hub dominated by the Cuillin, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country.

Type City

Why go

  • Island of the Inner Hebrides, Scotland.
  • Known for Cloud Island, Norse languages, bridges, nature.
  • 1 curated must-see attraction on record, including The Quiraing.
  • Served by Stornoway Airport (SYY).

History

The Isle of Skye, or simply Skye, is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous hub dominated by the Cuillin, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. Although Sgitheanach has been suggested to describe a winged shape, no definitive agreement exists as to the name's origin.

Must-see attractions

Outdoor

Airports

Stornoway Airport (SYY) 59 mi to the centre
Stornoway, Western Isles, SCT, GB — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day. ✈ 2 airlines (Flybe, Eastern Airways) · direct flights to 5 destinations incl. Aberdeen, Benbecula, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 2 airlines, 5 direct destinations

Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.

Indoor | Outdoor
Benbecula Airport (BEB) 40 mi to the centre
Balivanich, SCT, GB — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day. ✈ 1 airline (Flybe) · direct flights to 2 destinations incl. Glasgow, Stornoway (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 2 direct destinations

Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.

Indoor | Outdoor
Barra Airport (BRR) 49 mi to the centre
Eoligarry, SCT, GB — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day. ✈ 1 airline (Flybe) · direct flights to 1 destination incl. Glasgow (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 1 direct destination
  • Flybe BE (DHT) · 1 route: Glasgow*

Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.

Indoor | Outdoor
Broadford Airstrip (SKL) 19 mi to the centre
Ashaig, Highland, SCT, GB — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Plockton Airstrip 24 mi to the centre
Plockton, SCT, GB
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

waiting room
Ferry terminal · 7.9 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Sconser – Raasay
Ferry route · Caledonian MacBrayne
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Stornoway Airport (SYY); 4 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: SYY has direct flights to 5 destinations on 2 airlines (incl. Aberdeen, Benbecula, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness). By water: 1 ferry terminal within 12 mi (nearest: waiting room, 7.9 mi); routes include Sconser – Raasay.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Isle of Skye, Scotland. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach

Tours & experiences

Sightseeing