The Isle of Skye is a fantastic family destination on your Scotland family vacation, offering spectacular scenery, exciting outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife watching, a rich history and culture to explore, and charming towns and villages to visit with plenty of accommodation and dining options to suit all budgets and tastes. Here’s our recommended Isle of Skye itinerary for 2 days:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Portree and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Old Man of Storr, a 60-foot-tall rock formation.
- Hike to Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, a dramatic waterfall cascading into the sea.
- Explore the Quiraing, a natural wonder of rock formations and mountains.
- Have dinner at one of Portree’s many restaurants.
Day 2:
- Visit Dunvegan Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland.
- Hike to the Fairy Pools, a series of cascading waterfalls.
- Visit the Talisker Distillery, one of the oldest whisky distilleries in Scotland.
- Go for a walk along Portree Harbour.
- Have dinner at one of Portree’s many restaurants.
Things to Do in the Isle of Skye With Kids
There are endless things to see and do on your Isle of Skye itinerary for 2 days, from hiking and exploring to visiting castles and playing in the water. Here are a few ideas for things to do on the Isle of Skye with kids:
- Hike to the Old Man of Storr. This iconic rock formation is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Isle of Skye, and it’s a great hike for families. The trail is relatively easy, and the views from the top are stunning.
- Visit Dunvegan Castle. This is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, and it’s a great place to learn about Scottish history and culture. There are also gardens and a playground on the grounds, making it a great place for kids to run around and explore.
- Go for a swim in the Fairy Pools. These stunning waterfalls are a popular spot for swimming, and they’re sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the rocks can be slippery.
- Take a boat trip to the Isle of Raasay. This small island is just a short ferry ride from Skye, and it’s a great place to go for a hike, have a picnic, or just relax on the beach.
- Visit the Talisker Distillery. This is one of the oldest whisky distilleries in Scotland, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of whisky and sample some of the local produce.
- Go for a walk along Portree Harbour. This picturesque harbor is a great place to take a walk, have a bite to eat, or just people-watch.
Where to Stay in the Isle of Skye With Kids
For your Isle of Skye itinerary for 2 days, consider these places where you can stay:
- Portree: Portree is the main town on the Isle of Skye, and it’s a great base for exploring the island. There are a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts in Portree, as well as restaurants, shops, and a museum.
- Dunvegan: Dunvegan is a small village on the east coast of Isle of Skye, and it’s home to Dunvegan Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland. There are also a number of hotels and guesthouses in Dunvegan, as well as a restaurant and a few shops.
- Sligachan: Sligachan is a small village on the Trotternish Peninsula, and it’s a popular spot for hiking and fishing. There are a few hotels and guesthouses in Sligachan, as well as a restaurant and a small shop.
- Kyleakin: Kyleakin is a small village on the Sound of Sleat, and it’s the ferry port for the Isle of Raasay. There are a few hotels and guesthouses in Kyleakin, as well as a restaurant and a few shops.
- Broadford: Broadford is the largest town on the Isle of Skye, and it’s a great place to stock up on supplies before heading out to explore the island. There are a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts in Broadford, as well as restaurants, shops, and a museum.
Where to Eat in the Isle of Skye With Kids
There are many great places to eat during your Isle of Skye itinerary for 2 days. From traditional Scottish cuisine to international fare, here are some recommendations:
- The Old School Restaurant: This family-run restaurant is located in the former village schoolhouse, and it offers Modern Scottish cuisine. The menu varies depending on produce availability on the Isle of Skye, but all dishes are highly recommendable.
- Cafe Arriba: This cafe offers a range of vegetarian food and drinks, with colorful decor and old-school menus. The cafe is popular with locals and visitors alike, who come for the friendly atmosphere and great food.
- The Isle of Skye Brewing Company: This brewery offers a range of craft beers, as well as a food menu that includes pizzas, burgers, and salads. The brewery also has a beer garden, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a drink on a sunny day.
- The Portree Fishmarket: This fish market offers a range of fresh seafood dishes and a takeaway counter. It’s a great place to find fresh seafood for a picnic lunch or dinner.
- The Harbour View Cafe: This cafe offers stunning views of Portree Harbour, as well as a menu that includes breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. The cafe is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with a view.
When to Go to the Isle of Skye
The best time to visit the Isle of Skye is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and the days are longer, providing more time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, this is also the busiest time of the year, and accommodation and attractions can be crowded and more expensive. The shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer fewer crowds, lower prices, and beautiful landscapes with changing colors. Winter (November to March) can be very cold and dark, but it’s a great time for seeing the Northern Lights and experiencing a more peaceful side of the island.
How Long to Stay on the Isle of Skye
The ideal length of stay in the Isle of Skye depends on your interests and preferences. To see the major attractions and experience the island’s unique atmosphere, stay for at least 3-4 days.
This would allow time for visiting iconic landmarks such as the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, and the Quiraing, exploring the island’s history and culture at sites like Dunvegan Castle and Armadale Castle, and enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and boat tours.
However, if you have limited time, you can still get a taste of the island’s beauty and character with a shorter stay of 1-2 days.
Isle of Skye 3-Day Itinerary
Here is a possible 3-day itinerary for the Isle of Skye:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Portree and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Old Man of Storr, a 60-foot-tall rock formation.
- Hike to Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, a dramatic waterfall cascading into the sea.
- Explore the Quiraing, a natural wonder of rock formations and mountains.
- Have dinner at one of Portree’s many restaurants.
Day 2:
- Visit Dunvegan Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland.
- Hike to the Fairy Pools, a series of cascading waterfalls.
- Visit the Talisker Distillery, one of the oldest whisky distilleries in Scotland.
- Go for a walk along Portree Harbour.
- Have dinner at one of Portree’s many restaurants.
Day 3:
- Take a boat trip to the Isle of Raasay.
- Visit the Skye Museum of Island Life, a museum that tells the story of the people of Skye.
- Go for a hike in the Cuillin Mountains.
- Have dinner at one of Portree’s many restaurants.
How to Get Around the Isle of Skye
The most popular way to get around the Isle of Skye is by car. This gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and stop at any of the many scenic viewpoints. There are a number of car rental companies on the island, and you can also bring your own car if you are driving from the mainland.
If you do not have a car, there are a number of other ways to get around the Isle of Skye. There is a bus service that operates on the island, and there are also a number of taxi companies. You can also hire a bicycle or take a boat trip.
Here are some tips for getting around the Isle of Skye:
- If you are planning on doing a lot of driving, be sure to rent a car with a four-wheel drive. The roads on the Isle of Skye can be quite challenging, and four-wheel drive will give you the extra traction you need.
- If you are planning on taking the bus, be sure to check the timetables in advance. The bus service on the Isle of Skye is limited, and buses can be quite busy during the peak tourist season.
- If you are planning on hiring a bicycle, be sure to choose a bike that is suitable for the terrain. The roads on the Isle of Skye can be quite hilly, and you will need a bike that can handle the terrain.
- If you are planning on taking a boat trip, be sure to book your tickets in advance. Boat trips can be quite popular, and they can sell out quickly.
