Isle of Skye in One Day: The Only Itinerary You’ll Need

isle of skye in one day

Making your way to Scotland and dreaming of all the places you want to see?? You DO NOT want to skip Isle of Skye!!! If you’re worried you can’t make the time to explore this MAGICAL place, let this girl help you out. I have created the best and only itinerary you will need to see Isle of Skye in one day!

I have even included an itinerary you can download below that includes some bonus spots not found in this post, so make sure to fill out the form at the end of this post to get the itinerary delivered straight to your inbox.

Before I jump in the biggest tip I can give you is to wear proper shoes, There are many parts of Isle of Skye that are wet and muddy, so having good shoes makes all the difference!

First Stop: Fairy Pools

I am adding this as the first spot, both because of the location and because it’s one of the most popular spots in Isle of Skye! It gets crowded quickly so get here early.

We visited in November, so there were little to no crowds but summer it’s especially crowded. Also, be prepared for midges if you’re going in summer.

Parking: The parking lot is £5 and restrooms can be found here.

Estimated Time: 1.5 hours to enjoy a relaxing walk by the river and take lots photos

Tip: If you’re brave, feel free to take a dip in the pools although the water is quite cold!

Second Stop: Portree

A cute seaside town surrounded by hills and is best known as the capital of Isle of Skye. You will find everything you need here including: shops, restaurants, movie theater, library, gas stations and supermarkets. This makes for the perfect lunch spot!

Parking: Parking can be difficult to find, so be prepared to spend some time looking for a spot but parking is free

Estimated Time: 1 hour max if you want to see the many beautiful spots Isle of Skye has to offer!

Tip: Most shops close by 5 pm, so if you like shopping and want to explore the shops around here make sure to do so well before 5 pm.

Third Stop: Old Man of Storr

This will be the longest, but BEST spot on Isle of Skye! Old Man of Storr is one of the most photographed landscapes in the world, so you know this place is going to be so, SO, good!!!!!

We visited in November, and the weather was cold, foggy, windy and raining which made the trails extra muddy and even though we couldn’t spot the iconic old man of storr rock formations we still fell in love with this hike!

Parking: Parking lot can be found just in front of the trail marker, but it fills up fast in the summer so get here early if you can!

Estimated Time: 2 hours. The hike is 3.8km (2.4mi) and is said to take about 1.15 hours. It is rated as medium in difficulty, but we saw people of all ages on this hike. We spent closer to 2 hours here taking photos and admiring the views, and I highly recommend!

Tip: We were here in November and the weather was less than ideal, making the hike just a little more difficult with high winds, rain and mud but we still enjoyed it! Don’t let rain deter you from going on this hike.

Fourth Stop: Mealt Falls

BLOWN AWAY!!! That’s the best way I can describe this place. Trust me when I say your future self will be in heaven when they see Mealt Falls. Think Cliffs of Moher but smaller.

Parking: Parking lot found here, but again it can get crowded quickly. Free.

Estimated Time: 15 minutes, the falls are an easy pit stop and just a couple minutes from the parking lot

Tip: A food truck can be found in the parking lot if you are looking to pick up a snack or maybe some hot chocolate

Fifth Spot: Quiraing

Not originally included on my list of places to see when planning my visit to Isle of Skye in one day, but I had multiple locals recommend this place. I am SO GLAD I listened!!

Pictures DO NOT do it justice, but this can either be a pit stop where you enjoy the views or you can take a hike here.

Parking: Plenty of parking available here, and when we visited in November 2021 they were expanding the parking lot. Free.

Estimated Time: 20 minutes if you just want to check out the views, but if you want to hike the trail plan on 3 hours! Since we visited in November, daylight was not on our side and we opted to just stop for the views.

Tip: There is a parking lot located at the highest part of the single track road (you are going to want to remember that, because google maps does not take you there). Follow the single track road all the way up to the top where you will see a parking lot.

Final Spot: Fairy Glen

Another spot that was highly recommended by locals was Fairy Glen. The most unique landscape known for its folk tales about fairies.

Parking: Google maps will take you to a parking lot that is not conveniently located near Fairy Glen. Instead continue to drive past the parking lot Google Maps takes you and you will pass a pond on the right. You will want to park right past the pond on the north side. You will find a trail to the right of the pond and it will take you to Fairy Glen. Keep in mind we visited in November and did not have to deal with crowds, so there is a possibility parking will not be an option here if you go during the peak of summer.

Estimated Time: 30 minutes. Not so much a hike, as it is a casual stroll up a hill to explore the beautiful landscape.

Tip: This place can be tricky to find, so review what I wrote under parking to find Fairy Glen.

End your day in Portree and enjoy dinner at one of these popular places.

Although seeing Isle of Skye in one day may seem challenging I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time here! AND if you need some additional help on what else to see in Scotland make sure to check out my ultimate guide to Scotland here!

Don’t forget to fill out the form below to get my Isle of Skye itinerary delivered straight to your inbox with BONUS spots to see here!!!