The Isle of Skye is a stunningly scenic place with loads of history, and lots of businesses doing amazing things with food, arts, crafts and more. However, it is also very popular in comparison to some other islands and areas of Scotland.
This can make planning a trip to Skye a little trickier than to other destinations, as you want to ensure you have the experience you’ve dreamed of that suits you and what you like doing, and don’t make simple mistakes that could make things a little harder!
I think the first step in planning the best trip to Skye for you is in knowing more about the island itself. Knowledge is power, and these ten things will help to explain why travelling around Skye may be a little different to how you think it is, or to other parts of Scotland, and help you understand it all the better to make the best plans.

1. Skye Is Made Up of Peninsulas
The Isle of Skye is like a hand stretching out into the sea, with peninsulas forming its “fingers.” Each of the peninsuals have distinct characteristics, from Trotternish in the north with the dramatic ridge running through the middle of it, to the peaceful forest trails in Sleat, known as the garden of Skye.
Knowing this geography will help you map out your trip and discover Skye’s diverse landscapes.
I generally suggest looking for the main sites in each peninsula, and then researching what else is around them to do. You could easily spend a day in each, with walks, historical sites, eateries and plenty of local businesses like galleries and shops.

2. There Are Few Main Roads
While Skye might look small on a map, getting around can take longer than expected. Many people talk about driving “around” Skye, but there is definitely no road that you could take to do so.
The A87 is the main artery of the island, running from the bridge through Broadford and up to Portree. It is one lane on each side but often has drop offs and no road shoulder. Other roads with one lane for each direction of traffic extend from the A87 down Sleat to Armadale, from Portree up to Uig, and across to Dunvegan, and from Sligachan north to Dunvegan.
Other than these there are many smaller roads, mostly narrow single-track routes, connecting the island’s villages and attractions, including most of Skye’s most popular places to visit.
Patience and good road etiquette are essential—especially when navigating tight spaces or yielding to oncoming traffic. You can find tips on driving in Skye here.

3. Skye Is Seasonal
Timing is everything on Skye. Summer brings long days, milder weather, and vibrant wildflowers, but also more crowds and fully booked accommodation.
In winter, Skye transforms into a quieter, more introspective place, with moody skies and often lots of wind and rain. Daylight hours are shorter, and some businesses like museums, castles, accommodation and eateries close for the season.
You can read more about what to expect in Skye each season here.

4. The Population of Skye
Despite its popularity, Skye is home to only around 10,000 residents. Most people live in small villages. Portree has around 2000 residents, and Broadford around 1000, but most other places are much smaller.
This means a relatively small number of people are trying to service a large amount of tourists. During the summer months it wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume the majority of drivers on the roads are actually tourists rather than locals.
Many people work for themselves, running small businesses both in and out of the tourism sector, or work for those businesses. It’s important to support local businesses where possible and respect the character of the island.

5. How Many Visitors Come to Skye Each Year
Estimates for visitors to Skye in any given year vary from over 650,000 up to one million. Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular destinations.
This dramatic increase in foot and road traffic compared to its small population has put pressure on the island’s resources and natural sites.
It’s important to respect that many of the current places with carparks and infrastructure were set up in response to issues caused by large numbers of tourists. People living in Skye are reluctant to have problems caused at further sites, so are often wary of sharing information publicly about their favourite spots.
You can find more information here about how to find alternative things to do in Skye.
As a visitor, you can help by travelling responsibly and treading lightly on its fragile landscapes. Stick to marked paths where they are available, leave no trace, and support the infrastructure where it’s available (paying for carparking and toilets when necessary). Also do your own research to find other places to visit.
Telling you the difference in population vs tourist numbers is not meant to put you off visiting, but instead show you why locals may become frustrated with issues with drivers not following proper road etiquette, parking where they shouldn’t, or asking for local “hidden gems”.
It should inspire you to plan your trip to visit the popular sites at less busy times, and seek out other places you can enjoy in relative peace. Trust me, it’s possible!

6. The Popular Spots Are Busy
The iconic attractions—the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, and Quiraing—are breathtaking but often crowded. Visiting early in the morning or late in the evening can help you beat the crowds.
Daylight hours in the summer are long, so take advantage of them!
Alternatively, venturing off the beaten path to lesser-known areas can lead to equally stunning experiences with more solitude, as mentioned above!


7. The Cuillins Split the Island
The Cuillin mountains dominate Skye’s landscape and serve as a natural divider between the north and south. They can be viewed from so many places across the island and change their appearance dramatically depending on where you see them from.
The Black Cuillin ridge offers some of Scotland’s most challenging hikes, while the gentler Red Cuillin hills provide easier trails and panoramic views.
Whether you’re an avid climber or a casual walker, these mountains are a defining feature of Skye’s wild beauty. I absolutely love them and think they are very under-appreciated, as so many people don’t recognise how unique they are within the United Kingdom, being more similar to mountains you may find somewhere like Switzerland.
While I would recommend a guide if you want to explore them more fully, there are plenty of places to appreciate them from afar as well!

8. You Can Get to Skye in Multiple Ways
Reaching Skye is part of the adventure. You can drive across the scenic Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh, take a ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, or even arrive via Uig if you’re coming from the Outer Hebrides.
However, one of my favourite ways to get to Skye is via the Original Skye Ferry, the only remaining turntable ferry in the world. It is only a 5 minute crossing from Glenelg to Kylerhea, but the drive on both sides is absolutely stunning (single track!) and it is a prime spot for seeing wildlife, including dolphins, otters, and eagles. It’s a community run enterprise and I highly recommend it.
Public transport options like buses and trains make Skye accessible for those without a car, though having your own vehicle allows for more flexibility. You can read more about getting to Skye here and about getting around Skye by public transport here.

9. Book What Matters to You in Advance
Skye’s popularity means demand for accommodation, tours, and even restaurants often exceeds supply, especially in the summer months.
If there’s a specific experience or place you don’t want to miss—whether it’s a charming B&B, a boat trip to see wildlife, or dinner at a local restaurant—make sure to book well in advance.
There are actually a huge amount of eateries in Skye, if you’re willing to travel about to them. Many of them take bookings, but others don’t so knowing which ones do and don’t is an advantage in your planning.
Meals are generally served from 5-8 or 5-9pm, which often catches those used to later hours out as they turn up at 7.30pm or 8pm and cannot get a table. If you’re not making a booking be sure to go earlier in case you need to wait.
There are also lots of takeaway options available, which can be great after a tiring day exploring.
The most important thing is, if you really want to do something, get it booked in!

10. Stay Longer
Many visitors try to squeeze Skye into a day or two, but this often leaves little time to truly connect with the island.
Slowing down allows you to uncover Skye’s quieter charms: a hidden beach, an unexpected wildlife sighting, or an impromptu chat with a local.
Staying longer isn’t just about seeing more; it’s about experiencing Skye in a deeper, more meaningful way. This is so important!
I think the minimum should really be 3 nights, to give you 2 full days here, but even that won’t allow you to see even all of the “top” sites. People often ask me how long to spend… as long as you can! You really won’t run out of things to do.

Skye is an amazing place to visit, and I absolutely love living here. There is so much to explore, see, and do. I hope these tips help you to plan your trip in a way that lets you see the magic I know is here!
Sonja x