Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

Skye is roughly 50 miles long and has one main road looping around it. Where you stay matters because it affects what you can see and how much driving you do each day. Choose the wrong base and you could spend half your time on single-track roads getting to where you actually want to be.

Accommodation books out early in summer – June to August can fill months ahead. If you are visiting in peak season, book as early as you can. This is not an exaggeration: popular places like The Three Chimneys and Kinloch Lodge can sell out six months in advance.

We drive guests to and around Skye regularly as part of our private tours and multi-day Skye itineraries. Here is where we suggest staying based on what people actually want to do.

Portree – the Main Town

The “capital” of Skye, with about 2,500 people. The coloured harbourfront is one of the most photographed spots on the island. There is a handful of restaurants, shops, a Co-op supermarket and a fuel station – which counts for a lot on Skye.

Pros: Most choice of accommodation and eating. Central location for reaching most of the island. The only place on Skye that feels like a proper town.

Cons: Busiest place on Skye in summer. Can feel crowded. Parking is tight, especially around the harbour.

Best for: Visitors who want restaurants and convenience. A good base for the Trotternish Peninsula (Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Kilt Rock).

Where to stay in Portree

• Cuillin Hills Hotel – overlooks Portree Bay. Comfortable and reliable with a good restaurant. A solid base.
• Viewfield House – period country house slightly outside Portree. Characterful, with lovely grounds.
• Marmalade Hotel – boutique feel in a central location.
• B&Bs and guesthouses – plenty of choice in and around Portree. The area has dozens. Book ahead for summer.

Sligachan – the Central Crossroads

A small settlement at the foot of the Cuillin mountains, roughly halfway between Portree and Broadford. The Sligachan Hotel is a Skye institution – the old bridge and river here are iconic photo spots.

Pros: Dramatic mountain views. Central for reaching both north and south Skye. The views of the Black Cuillin from Sligachan are extraordinary.

Cons: Very little here apart from the hotel. No shops, no other restaurants within walking distance.

Best for: Walkers, climbers and mountain lovers. Those wanting one dramatic base for exploring the island.

Where to stay in Sligachan

• Sligachan Hotel – old coaching inn with basic but comfortable rooms. Good pub food. A bar with 400+ whiskies. The setting alone makes it worth a stay.

Broadford – South Skye

The second-largest settlement on Skye. More spread out and less picturesque than Portree, but practical – there is a Co-op, fuel and a few restaurants.

Pros: Closest town to the Skye Bridge. Good access to Elgol (Loch Coruisk boat trips), Sleat and the ferry to Mallaig. Quieter than Portree.

Cons: Less charming than other areas. More of a practical base than a destination.

Best for: Visitors arriving from the south. Good if you plan to explore Sleat and south Skye.

Where to stay in Broadford

• Broadford Hotel – recently refurbished. Comfortable and central.
• Various B&Bs in and around Broadford offer good value.

Dunvegan and the West

A small village in north-west Skye, home to Dunvegan Castle – seat of the MacLeods and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. This side of the island feels quieter and more remote.

Pros: Away from the main tourist trail. Close to Neist Point (dramatic lighthouse walk) and Coral Beach. Good for sunsets.

Cons: Further from Portree and the Trotternish sights. Fewer eating options.

Best for: Visitors who want peace and quiet. Second-time Skye visitors who have already done the Trotternish.

Where to stay near Dunvegan

• The Three Chimneys – Skye’s most famous restaurant with rooms. Exceptional food in a remote location near Dunvegan. A destination in itself. Not cheap.
• Roskhill House – intimate guesthouse with excellent cooking.

Sleat – the Garden of Skye

The southern peninsula, greener and more sheltered than the rest of Skye. Close to the Mallaig ferry. Armadale Castle and gardens are here, and the landscape is noticeably lusher.

Pros: Quieter. Two excellent hotels. Beautiful, sheltered scenery.

Cons: Furthest from the Trotternish – 45 minutes or more to the Old Man of Storr.

Best for: Visitors wanting a luxury base. Those arriving or departing via the Mallaig ferry.

Where to stay in Sleat

• Kinloch Lodge – country house hotel with a Michelin-standard restaurant. One of the finest places to stay in the Highlands. Beautiful location overlooking Loch na Dal.
• Hotel Eilean Iarmain – small, traditional Gaelic-focused hotel with a whisky bar and seafood restaurant. Charming and authentic.

Trotternish Peninsula – the Dramatic North-East

The most dramatic part of Skye. The Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Kilt Rock and Fairy Glen are all here. Most visitors spend the bulk of their Skye time on this peninsula.

Pros: Closest to the best scenery. Staying here means you can beat the day-trip crowds in the morning.

Cons: Very limited accommodation and eating. Remote. Often booked up well in advance.

Best for: Photographers, walkers and early risers who want to be first to the viewpoints.

Where to stay on the Trotternish

• Flodigarry Hotel – at the northern tip of the Trotternish. Jaw-dropping location with views across to the mainland.
• Self-catering cottages scattered along the peninsula offer a good alternative if the hotels are full.

How Long to Stay on Skye

• One night: Possible but rushed. You see the highlights but spend a lot of time driving.
• Two nights: The minimum we recommend. Gives you a full day on the island to explore properly.
• Three nights: Ideal. Day one: Trotternish (Storr, Quiraing, Kilt Rock). Day two: west side (Dunvegan, Neist Point, Fairy Pools). Day three: south (Elgol, Sleat) or a rest day.
• Four+ nights: For those who want to walk, photograph or simply slow down. Skye rewards time.

For a detailed day-by-day breakdown, see our three-day Isle of Skye itinerary.

Practical Tips

• Book early for summer. Many places sell out three to six months ahead for June, July and August.
• Eating options are limited outside Portree. Check restaurant opening days and book dinner in advance.
• Fuel up in Broadford or Portree. There are not many fuel stations on the island.
• Mobile signal is patchy. Download maps offline before you arrive. Google Maps and OS Maps both support offline downloads.
• Some roads are demanding. The road to Elgol is single-track with passing places. The road to Neist Point is narrow. Both are worth the effort.
• Pack layers. Skye weather changes quickly. See our packing guide for Scotland.
• Check the season. Our guide to the best time to visit the Highlands covers what to expect month by month.

Isle of Skye Accommodation FAQ