Scottish Islands Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Isle of Mull showing a bay or harbour and a coastal town
Stromness showing tranquil scenes and rocky coastline
Isle of Skye showing rocky coastline, mountains and a lighthouse
Isle of Mull showing fishing, a coastal town and a bay or harbour
Isle of Skye which includes mountains, tranquil scenes and a river or creek

Surrounding the northern tip of the United Kingdom are nearly 800 individual islands, some inhabited, some not, but all beautiful. 

From rugged shoreline to rolling green pastures, the Scottish Islands offer outdoor vacations filled with adventure and serenity. Enjoy Scottish music, history, food and traditions as you hop between the Shetland, Orkney, Hebrides and hundreds of other islands in this northern archipelago.

Driving northwest from Scotland’s mainland, the Isle of Skye is one of the first islands you’ll encounter. It’s part of the Inner Hebrides, reachable by the Skye Bridge between Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin. Visit clannish castles or take a walking or boating wildlife tour to see red deer, seals and dolphins. Near Portree, climb the Old Man of Storr. In August, watch the Skye Highland Games, with bagpipes, hammer throws and plenty of men and women dancing in kilts and argyle.

Ride a ferry or fly to the Outer Hebrides, or Western Isles, along the Atlantic Ocean. Appreciate special historical significance following the Bonnie Prince Charlie Trail, seeing places on Eriskay, South Uist and Benbecula that Prince Charles Edward Stewart visited in 1745. The natural beauty of beaches, lochs and rolling greens hasn’t changed much in 250 years, but you’ll find more spots today to eat fresh and smoked seafood and black pudding.

To the northeast, the Orkney Islands celebrate 5,000 years of history with the Standing Stones of Stenness rising 18 feet (6 meters) tall in a henge monument. Stroll along beaches with dunes, towering headlands and offshore shipwrecks.

Farther north are the Shetland Isles, with Viking history and iconic Shetland ponies. Paddle a sea kayak to observe otters and rare seabirds. In winter view the northern lights.

No matter which of the Scottish Islands you visit, you’ll find a delightful combination of havens of solitude and welcoming communities. Enjoy single malt whiskey and lamb, two of Scotland’s famous specialties. Listen to the charming lilt of local residents. Fly into Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow and drive or ride a bus to Skye in just over 5 hours. Use ferries to hop among the main inhabited islands.

Where to stay in Scottish Islands

Portree which includes rocky coastline

Portree Town

If you're spending some time in Portree Town, Somerled Square and Portree Harbour are top sights worth seeing.

Portree Town
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Broadford

Unique features of Broadford include the restaurants and seaside views. Make a stop by Isle of Skye Market Square or Magpie while you're exploring the area.

Broadford
Talisker Distillery

Carbost

If you're spending some time in Carbost, Talisker Distillery and Isle of Skye Oysters are top sights worth seeing.

Carbost

Skinidin

Though Skinidin may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Dunvegan Castle and Skye Silver Gift Shop.

Skinidin

Edinbane

Be sure to enjoy the restaurants and waterfront views while you're in Edinbane, and make a trip to Skeabost Golf Course if you have time to see some sights in the nearby area.

Edinbane
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Breakish

While Breakish isn't home to many top sights, Isle of Skye Market Square and Skye Bridge are some notable places to visit nearby.

Breakish
Dunollie Hotel

Dunollie Hotel

3 out of 5
Broadford, Strath, Scotland
The price is ₹20,963 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹20,963
₹25,156 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Strath. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
6.8/10 (933 reviews)
"Lovely staff and hotel."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Dunollie Hotel
Isle of Skye Guest house

Isle of Skye Guest house

3 out of 5
Kyleakin Roundabout, Kyleakin, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Kyleakin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions Skye Bridge ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (278 reviews)
"Comfortable accommodation in a beautiful setting. Renovated period property. Clean, comfortable and reasonably priced."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Isle of Skye Guest house
Tongadale Hotel

Tongadale Hotel

3 out of 5
WENTWORTH ST, Portree, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Portree. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (789 reviews)
"The Tongadale is great value for Money, we had a great overnight stay with clean room, friendly staff and a very tasty breakfast."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Tongadale Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ardcana

Ardcana

3.5 out of 5
23 Lower Breakish, Strath, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Strath. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Magpie and Giant MacAskill Musuem are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"This property is amazing. Just as pictured. It is a bit remote as it is off the main roadway a bit but that is part of what I loved. The views from the porch were gorgeous. I only had one need to contact the property manager about a question but was responded to very quickly. Would absolutely stay ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Ardcana
House Of Juniper - The Cabins

House Of Juniper - The Cabins

2 out of 5
The Cabins, Lower Harrapool, Broadford, Strath, Scotland
Stay at this cabin in Strath. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a bar/lounge. Popular attractions Magpie and Isle of Skye Market Square are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (110 reviews)
"The cabins were so cute, spacious, and cozy! I enjoyed the ocean views from the deck!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

House Of Juniper - The Cabins
Armadale Castle Cabins

Armadale Castle Cabins

4 out of 5
Armadale, Sleat, Sleat, Scotland
Stay at this cabin in Sleat. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Armadale Ferry Terminal and Museum of the Isles are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"Beautiful view and beautiful property."

Reviewed on 28 May 2025

Armadale Castle Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Scottish Islands