The largest of the Hebrides, the Isle of Skye is a dramatic and remote place. Mist shrouded hills even out into heather clad moors, then rise up again into the jagged Cuillin Mountains before tumbling steeply into the sea. The best places to stay in Skye reflect this variety with its excellent range of cosy B&Bs, restaurants with rooms and smart country house hotels. Indeed the accommodation options have grown over the years as the number of visitors have soared.
Portree, the island's capital (and a great base for exploring the rest of Skye), is actually Scotland’s third most popular destination. It's close to the island’s museums, castles and ruins, and several of its distilleries.
But many come here for its epic scenery and fabulous opportunity for outdoors activities: hiking, cycling and climbing are high up many agendas. There are some pretty photogenic landmarks. For example the Old Man of Storr, a 50 metre high pinnacle of rock six miles to the north of Portree and just to the north of The Old Man of Storr is Kilt Rock, a basalt cliff, which has pillars which make it look like the folds of a kilt. The Quiraing, a basalt escarpment of pinnacles around Staffin Bay, is another of Skye's natural highlights. So is the Fairy Glen, which features small, conical hills around ruined cottages — a curious and atmospheric spot. Skye's flora and fauna are equally impressive and many come to see its Golden Eagles, Red Deer and Salmon.
The popularity of this island has sky-rocketed over the last decade or so and a word of caution — the roads can be very tiresome to navigate. It's pretty much single track the whole way round! This popularity also means that in the peak summer months it's very hard to find accommodation. If you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Skye from June to September you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.