Hostels in the Isle of Skye – Where to Stay

It doesn’t matter what you want from a holiday in the Isle of Skye; the island has it all, but accommodation can be hard to book and not exactly friendly on your wallet.

Isle of Skye hostels are the perfect accommodation compromise when you’re looking for a balance between budget-friendly accommodation and facilities.

Whether you’re looking at Skye hostels to travel solo, as a family, or as a group, this accommodation style has a rich history worldwide for its ease and cost, as well as the community and fun that can be had by sharing your experiences with fellow travellers.

Hostels also often offer amenities like a kitchen and laundry that may not be available at other accommodation options, such as hotels and B&Bs.

Why Stay in a hostel on the Isle of Skye?

1. Budget-Friendly: It’s no secret that Skye hostels are at the cheaper end of the accommodation spectrum. But this doesn’t mean the quality of service offered is less; it just means facilities may be shared or more basic than a hotel or Airbnb.
2. Social Life: Hostels are friendly places. They are full of travellers happy to share stories, food, and experiences with each other. Friends made in a hostel can make your trip all the more fulfilling, especially if you’re travelling solo.
3. Local knowledge: Hostel staff are often travellers just like you and have extensive knowledge of the area. This means they have a wealth of tried-and-tested information to share.
4. Ease: Hostels on Skye usually have just the right facilities for a comfortable night.
5. Options: Hostels offer a range of rooms, from shared dorms to private rooms, shared bathroom facilities, and en suites. These variations mean that hostels are not just for young people, as some assume, and can cater to a variety of travellers.

But which one should you stay at? What do each of them offer? How do you book them? This post will give you everything you need to know about the Hostelling Scotland hostels, as well as the privately run ones across the island.

Skye is a bigger island than many people realise when they’re planning their trip here, so it’s a good idea to consider where exactly you want to stay before booking.

We’ve grouped all the hostels in Skye by location to help you find the right one for you!

Kyleakin

The small fishing village of Kyleakin is situated just over the Skye Bridge, the first village you’ll come across if you turn left at the roundabout you come across after you’ve crossed over the water.

The village has a selection of eateries, accommodations, and public transport options. It’s built alongside the ruins of Castle Moil, located near the picturesque harbour.

1. Saucy Mary’s Lodge

Website: https://www.saucymarys.com

Saucy Mary’s Lodge is situated in the heart of Kyleakin. From here, you can view the famous Skye Bridge and the rugged coastline of the mainland.

Saucy Mary’s is more than just a hostel; it also has a restaurant bar, event space and guest house.  

The hostel has 2-8 person rooms, with shared and private facilities. It is close to the local bus stop, which provides access to the rest of Skye and the mainland.

2. Skye Backpackers

Website: https://skyebackpackers.com/

The second of the Kyleakin Hostels, Skye Backpackers, is a cosy little hostel with a natural, homely feel.  

This relaxed little place offers a range of facilities, including rooms in the house and mobile homes outside.

Broadford

Broadford is Skye’s second-biggest settlement. It is a picturesque village community with several bars, cafes, and restaurants. The island’s biggest supermarket and a petrol station are also located here, making it a true gateway to everything Skye has to offer.

All the hostels below are within walking distance of all Broadford has to offer and are on the main bus route of the island, allowing for easy travel options to either continue your journey or begin making your way home.

1. Broadford Youth Hostel (Hostelling Scotland)

Website: https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/broadford/

Broadford Youth Hostel is one of the Skye hostels that are part of Hostelling Scotland properties. Hostelling Scotland runs excellent hostels across Scotland that you can expect will reach certain standards. We have stayed at a good few in our travels on our own, as a couple and as a family and have only ever found excellent places to stay for good value for money.

Broadford Youth Hostel is no different. Its seafront location and easy access to Broadford make it the perfect base for exploring the Isle of Skye.

2. Skye Basecamp – Climber Hostel

Website: https://www.skyebasecamp.co.uk/

Skye Basecamp is known as the climber’s hostel, as it provides an excellent base for those looking to experience the fantastic number of climbs, hikes, and outdoor sports that Skye has to offer.

There is easy access to Broadford and its amenities, plus a comfortable, friendly atmosphere for their guests. The staff here are all into outdoor pursuits, so they are on hand to offer advice and local knowledge to those needing a little help.

Skye Basecamp is the sister company to Skye Guides Mountain Guiding, so availability might be tight, as rooms are blocked out to support this side of their business. But they are well worth emailing even if their online bookings show full because guests are always more than welcome if they have the space.

It’s worth noting they also run a self-catering annexe, which does accept children under 16. The hostel itself is for 16+.

3. Skye Broadford Backpackers Hostel

Website: https://www.broadfordbackpackers.com/

Broadford Backpackers is clean, bright, and friendly. It is only minutes away from the centre of Broadford, and it welcomes children, though those under eight can’t stay in shared dorms.

Phil stayed here personally, though, several years ago. He had a great experience, which reminded him of his time travelling Europe and Asia. The same community feel exists for travellers to come together and swap stories.

It prides itself on safe, clean and comfortable accommodation.

Glenbrittle

Based in the west of Skye, Glenbrittle is a large glen that runs alongside the Black Cuillins, the largest and arguably most stunning mountains on Skye. Most people know it as the home of the Fairy Pools but there are also plenty of other walks up into the Cuillin Hills from here, as well as access to Glenbrittle Beach at the end of the road.

As places for a hostel go, you’ll struggle to find a more picture-perfect and visually stunning one than at the foot of the Cuillin Ridge.

Glenbrittle Youth Hostel (Hostelling Scotland)

Website: https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/glenbrittle/

Situated at the foot of some of Skye’s most rugged scenery, the Glenbrittle Hostel, also run by Hostelling Scotland, has a rich history of being a home for walkers and climbers alike.

A mile from the famous Glenbrittle beach and close to the Fairy Pools and Carbost, home to Talisker Distillery, this rustic Skye hostel ticks many of the so-called boxes that need ticking when visiting the island.

Portree

Portree is the Isle of Skye’s capital and most significant settlement. It has a busy little port, with plenty of shops, cafes, and pubs, and a thriving centre for the island.

It is also the most popular base for visitors who plan on exploring some of the most famous sights Skye has to offer in the north of the island, like the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, and Kilt Rock.

Now, we know Skye is much more than these few sights; however, they are stunning, and if this is your main reason for being on Skye, then Portree is an excellent base for your time on the island.

It’s also a good spot for those who are travelling by public transport as there are some tours available and more access to bus services.

1. Portree Youth Hostel (Hostelling Scotland)

Website: https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/portree/

Based in the centre of Portree, it’s within easy walking distance of all its offerings and public transport links. This means it’s a great place to stay if you don’t have your own transport, since you can get tours from Portree and walk to a number of eateries and facilities.

2. Portree Independent Hostel

Website: https://www.hostelskye.co.uk/

Located in the centre of Portree in a former post office, this Skye Hostel is a subtle bright yellow, so you certainly won’t get lost! This cheerful design carries on inside, with a wonderfully colourful decor.

It’s a wonderfully social space with views across Portree Bay and easy access to all Portree offers, including the local pubs and restaurants.

This is where I stayed the first ever time I visited Skye!

Kilmore

A small hamlet to the east of the Sleat Peninsula, Kilmore’s image on Wikipedia is of a phone box! Though small, Kilmore is home to a scattering of homes and is a quiet and peaceful area of south Skye.

Flora Macdonald Hostel

Website: http://www.skye-hostel.co.uk/

Named after Flora Macdonald, the heroine of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion, this independent Skye hostel has been welcoming visitors for the past twenty years.

Family-run and set on a working croft, this hostel offers a wonderfully peaceful and rustic experience.

Though it might be a distance from Portree, the Flora Macdonald hostel, Kilmore, is located just North of the Armadale pier and is easily accessible from the main bus route to Broadford and Portree.

The South of Skye is a lesser-known area compared to its northern counterpart. However, it is a stunning place to explore and should not be overlooked as there are plenty of things to see and do including Armadale Castle, Gardens & the Museum of the Isles, Torabhaig Distillery, and plenty of walks.

Uig

Uig, pronounced OO-ig, is situated on the West Coast of the Isle of Skye. A small port with a scattering of homes, several places to eat and stay the night.

This small village is close to the Trotternish Ridge and offers easy access to Skye’s most prominent attractions and stunning views.

The Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse

Website: https://www.skyecowshed.co.uk/

The Cowshed Bunkhouse is a unique Skye hostel with a stunning design and a focus on comfort. The Fairy Glen, the Quiraing, and the ferry port to the Outer Hebrides are all close by.

Carbost

Carbost is located on the Minginish peninsula on the southwest shore of Loch Harport. Quiet for half the year, the village comes alive during the summer season as visitors to the Isle of Skye explore the famous Talisker Distillery and the popular local pub, The Old Inn, one of the best on the island.

Waterfront Bunkhouse

Website: https://www.theoldinnskye.co.uk/the-bunkhouse.html

The accommodation element of the aforementioned Old Inn, the popular Waterfront Bunkhouse, has fantastic views over the water and—this might be the real selling point—is right next to the Old Inn.

The Bunkhouse is a hostel for hillwalkers and tourists alike. It is comfortable, in a good location, and has everything you need.

Portnalong

Like Carbost, Portnalong is on the Minginish peninsula overlooking Loch Harport. Founded by seafaring Crofters from Lewis and Harris in 1921, it should come as no surprise that Portnalong means ‘Harbour of the Ships’ in Gaelic.  

Skyewalker Hostel

Website: https://www.skyewalkerhostel.com/

This family-run, award-winning Skye hostel offers a mix of dormitory and private rooms, garden huts, and even five acres of garden to enjoy, with a glass solar dome for stargazing!

Situated in Portnalong, with easy access to the Cuillin mountains in nearby Sligachan, this Skye Hostel is an excellent base to enjoy all Skye has to offer. The Talisker whisky distillery and the famous Fairy Pools are nearby. Portree is less than a 30-minute drive away. There is also a local hotel five minutes away that serves excellent food.

This accommodation is for 18+ and is in a rural area, so please check for details on public transport.

Flodigarry – Staffin

Flodigarry is a small settlement on the northeast side of the island below the Trotternish ridge. This ruggedly beautiful area is as stunning as it is remote.

Dun Flodigarry Hostel

Website: https://flodigarry-hostel.scot/

Dun Flodigarry Hostel is a well-respected accommodation with stunning views of the sea and the mainland. This Skye hostel is very much a traditional hostel, both in quality and comfort. An independent, family-run establishment, the hostel and its family have been welcoming visitors for over thirty years.

It is close to many of Skye’s most famous attractions, such as the dinosaur footprints, Kilt Rock, and the Quirang, as well as many local walks to discover.

Booking Skye Hostels Tips

• If you’re travelling as a family, check the age range and suitability of the accommodation. Some hostels have strict rules regarding children.
• Check if pets are allowed if you’re travelling with your pup.
• Towels often need to be hired and should not be expected as part of the stay
• Some Skye hostels don’t have free parking available
• Some hostels don’t have lockers, so a good padlock for your pack will provide peace of mind
• Many hostels are close to transport links, but it is well worth checking when buses run. This is both for arriving at a time you’re able to check in and for continuing your journey. Public transport in Skye functions for local use and does not always run when you would expect it to.
• Some hostels are further off the beaten track. If you’re not driving, make sure you have arrangements and contact details for the hostel in case of any issues.
• Some dorms are female only, but many are mixed. Make sure you are booking a room that you are 100% comfortable with.
• Many hostels have strict check-in and check-out times but may have luggage storage. If you can’t meet the accommodation’s check-in times, contact them beforehand to see how it might work for you.

We’ve done our best to list all of Skye’s hostels, but please do let us know if you know of any others!

We have only stayed in them if we state that we have, so please check out the accommodations and their reviews. Contact them and ask them all the questions you have to make sure that it is the right place for you.

We love a hostel; we have stayed in them on our own, as a couple and as a family all over the world. They are an excellent way to save a little money while having a very different type of travel experience.

We love the ability to cook our own meals, have a lounge to relax in and meet others, and have either a room to share or the privacy of our own room when with family.

Enjoy your Skye hostel experience, and do let us know how you get on in the comments!

You can also join our Facebook Group where we answer your questions and provide all sorts of tips about travelling in Skye.

More About Skye

• Top 13 Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
• How to Find Unique Things to Do in the Isle of Skye
• 26 Tips for Visiting the Isle of Skye
• Booking Accommodation on the Isle of Skye: Top Tips
• How to Get to the Isle of Skye – All the Options!

Sonja x