The Most Beautiful Isle of Skye Villages & Towns To Visit
When it comes to the most beautiful villages and towns on the Isle of Skye, there’s almost too much to choose from. But after months of exploring, I’ve narrowed it down to the ones you simply cannot miss.
The Isle of Skye is the quintessential Scottish destination - wild, dramatic, and breathtakingly scenic.
While its elemental landscapes often take centre stage, the island is shaped as much by its communities, a patchwork of peaceful harbours, whitewashed cottages, and tiny hamlets, each offering a different way to experience the island.
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If you are looking for a starting point, we think Skye’s prettiest villages are also its smallest: Staffin, Dunvegan, Stein, Carbost, and Elgol rarely disappoint.
Then there’s Portree, the island’s largest town and colourful capital, a buzzy stopover and frequent base.
On our Skye trips, we naturally make a village our daily stop, each offering its own character and a unique glimpse into island life. For us, it’s a complete change of scenery from city life in our home of Inverness, and the slow pace of life in places like postcard-perfect Carbost is a joy.
So if you’re wondering which are the most beautiful Skye villages to visit, here’s my curated list - the most picturesque and memorable places from my trips, each one worth a stop on your journey.
My Top Picks for Where to Stay on Skye
My favourite places to stay on Skye (that often have availability), in the island’s most spectacular corners:
Bosville Hotel (Portree): a harbour view bolthole in the heart of the capital.
The Flodigarry Hotel (Staffin): stylish coastal hotel with spectacular views.
Monkstadt 1745 (Uig): an elegant stay in the north of the island.
House of Juniper (Broadford): a boutique small hotel near the town centre.
Hame Hotel (Dunvegan): a gorgeous boutique stay in the north.
Duisdale House Hotel (Isleornsay): a cosy luxury stay in the south.
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→ Read next: find your way around the island with this helpful Skye map
The Best Villages and Towns on Skye, Scotland
These are the most beautiful villages and towns on Skye - places we return to again and again. These are rural or coastal communities where life unfolds at the pace of the tide, where cafes, pubs, and harbour walks invite you to slow down and soak in your surroundings.
Portree
Skye’s main harbour town, Portree, is instantly recognisable for its colourful waterfront houses. It’s the quintessential Skye town, and one of the best towns on the Isle of Skye for first-time visitors. You’ll find a mix of cafés, restaurants, boutique accommodation, gift shops, and boat trips.
It’s the most common base for visitors exploring the island, and for good reason: from here, you can easily reach Trotternish, the Quiraing, and the northern coast, while still enjoying a lively town atmosphere at the end of the day.
There are too many fantastic spots to mention, but Cuillin Hills Hotel is our go-to stay and whisky bar; Birch is a must for speciality coffee and excellent flat whites; Skyeskyns for lush woollen products; and Òr is a treasure trove of Scottish-made gifts, souvenirs, and jewellery.
Of all the towns on Skye, this is the largest - so plan extra time to explore.
Broadford
Alongside Portree, Broadford is one of Skye's larger towns. Located close to the Skye Bridge, it’s almost certain you’ll pass through on the way north, and although not the prettiest on our list, it is a practical base and a destination in its own right.
In fact, you’ll often find accommodation in Broadford when Portree is booked out.
Small hotels, excellent cafés and restaurants, a micro-distillery, and nearby coastal trails make it appealing to travellers who prefer amenities but fewer crowds than Portree. Whether you’re just stopping for a break or staying, visit Lean To just outside town for sweet treats, toasties, and brilliant coffee.
From Broadford, you’ll drive further to reach northern highlights like Dunvegan or Trotternish, but the calmer atmosphere and gentler pace make it a restful spot to return to after a day of exploring.
Staffin
Staffin is one of the most visually striking villages on Skye, tucked into the dramatic landscape of the Trotternish Peninsula. Framed by the escarpment and wide views across Staffin Bay, the village tumbles gently downhill in a scattering of whitewashed cottages — easily one of the prettiest villages on Skye.
The surrounding landscape feels expansive and elemental, with cliffs, sea, and shifting light offering ample photo opportunities.
Make time to wander along An Corran Beach, where dinosaur footprints are revealed at low tide, and consider a stop at the Staffin Dinosaur Museum for deeper context. The Hungry Gull is a favourite for brunch or coffee before or after exploring, perfectly placed on the way to the Quiraing.
Dunvegan
On Skye’s northwest coast, Dunvegan is a historic village best known for Dunvegan Castle and its gardens, as well as sweeping views and seal-spotting boat trips on Loch Dunvegan.
Its location makes it a natural crossroads, with routes leading to the Waternish peninsula and west into Duirinish. We always make a point of stopping for a leg-stretch and a coffee at The Dunvegan Café.
For many visitors, Dunvegan strikes the perfect balance between Skye’s best-known sights and its quieter, more understated landscapes — making it one of the best villages on Skye for exploring the west.
Single-track roads radiate from the village to Coral Beach, the sea stacks of MacLeod’s Maidens, iconic Neist Point, and pretty hamlets often overlooked by those sticking to the main roads, including Glendale and Skye Weavers.
This is also a standout foodie area, with Fire in the Dunvegan offering curated seafood menus and the iconic Three Chimneys nearby for destination dining.
Carbost
One of the most idyllic and most beautiful villages on Skye, Carbost is a must-see. Known primarily for Talisker Distillery, it’s also the gateway to the Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle, and some of the island’s prettiest coastal views along Loch Harport.
Allow an hour or so to explore and stop for coffee at Caora Dhubh. Afterward, visit Talisker Distillery for a tour, tasting, or relaxed whisky flight at the campfire bar.
Fellow foodies will love Carbost, with a range of amazing eateries to choose from. On our last trip, we loved the seafood and views at The Three Chimneys at Talisker for lunch, but the Oyster Shed and The Old Inn are relaxed options, while the ever-excellent Cafe Cuil is our top choice for brunch.
Stein
On the Waternish peninsula, Stein is a tiny coastal hamlet shaped by its fishing heritage. Narrow streets and a handful of whitewashed cottages lead down to the water, where small boats still bob gently in the harbour.
This is one of the most scenic villages on Skye, and though there’s little to see or do, it’s somewhere I never tire of visiting.
At the heart of the village is one of Skye’s most atmospheric pubs, the Stein Inn. While it’s a perfect stop for a seafood lunch, we’re big fans of an evening pint in the garden terrace with views over the bay. After lunch, head to nearby YURT tea and coffee, browse lush sheepskins at Skyeskyns, and visit ceramic specialists Skio Pottery for Hebridean homewares.
Come evening, make a point of visiting Loch Bay, Skye’s only Michelin starred restaurant. Tucked away at the street end, it’s an unassuming but world-class seafood eatery.
It’s quiet, photogenic, and effortlessly picturesque - one of those villages that feels like it has changed very little over the decades.
Elgol
Tucked beneath the Black Cuillin on the Strathaird peninsula, Elgol is a remote and dramatic coastal village. Reaching it requires a winding drive from Broadford, which is perhaps why many first-time visitors skip it — but those who make the journey are rewarded with some of Skye’s most stunning scenery.
Towering Cuillin peaks, wild sea lochs, and open spaces give a sense of isolation that’s increasingly rare on the island. Accommodation and dining options are small but exceptional, including Coruisk House and the Creel seafood shack.
We recommend a day trip to Elgol if you’re looking for the island’s best boat trip and a break from the crowds at more iconic spots. That is to say, a visit here feels like stepping off the beaten path entirely.
Armadale
Armadale is located on the Sleat peninsula, offering ferry connections and charming coastal walks, cafés, and gardens overlooking the Sound of Sleat.
We love how peaceful and green this corner of Skye is, and though it’s often overlooked by visitors rushing north, Armadale is perfect for those who want a slower pace and access to both nature and history.
You won’t need long to explore; Armadale is teeny tiny. But be sure to grab a coffee or delicious lunch from the wonderful Cafe 1925. While down towards the ferry terminal, Raggamuffin is a brilliant little shop selling gorgeous knits. The real beauty, though, is the stunning walks - Point of Sleat and Camas Daraich Beach are highlights.
This peaceful part of Skye is home to some of the island’s lovliest hotels, most with highly reviewed restaurants. We stayed at Kinloch Lodge a few years ago; it’s a luxury option and a real treat.
Isleornsay
You’ll find this tiny coastal hamlet tucked along the sheltered shores of the Sleat peninsula. I’d say Isleornsay is one of Skye’s most quietly beautiful coastal villages. Looking out across the Sound of Sleat towards the mainland, its setting is calm and picturesque - the kind of place where you slow down without meaning to.
The village is best known for the Eilean Iarmain Hotel and its much-loved pub, Bar Am Praban, where locally caught seafood takes centre stage. Sitting outside with views over the water, enjoying fresh langoustines or scallops landed nearby, is one of those simple Skye moments that stays with you.
There’s also a small art gallery showcasing local talent, and a Gaelic whisky and gin shop that celebrates island distilling traditions - perfect for picking up something special to take home. After you’ve wandered the coastline, stop in at nearby An Crùbh for a coffee and sweet treat.
Isleornsay isn’t about big sights or busy streets. It’s about atmosphere, sea air, and the pleasure of lingering somewhere that feels genuinely rooted in place.
Edinbane
Edinbane is a small inland hamlet, tucked between Portree and Dunvegan. If you blink, you may even miss it as it is that small. Chances are, you’ll only stop in Edinbane if you’re staying or eating at luxury destination Edinbane Lodge (which offers an experiential, island-focused tasting menu).
Equally wonderful is Edinbane Pottery, a treasure trove of beautifully handcrafted ceramics, which cannot be missed. We love the relaxed, slow-paced charm here that makes it feel like a hidden retreat, and the little river that flows through is a pretty spot.
Struan
Struan is not a classic village in the traditional sense - there’s no obvious centre or harbourfront - but this small scattering of homes along the west coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of Skye. Set between Loch Beag and Loch Bracadale, the views here are glorious.
You’ll likely drive this road if you head to Dunvegan from Sligachan, though most people skip this section and Struan entirely.
However, Bog Myrtle Café alone is reason enough to stop for its delicious brunches, coffee, and cakes. Just up the hill, Dun Beag Broch offers a tangible link to Skye’s ancient past - a short but rewarding climb to an Iron Age ruin with panoramic views over the loch. And on certain tides, you can also walk across to Oronsay, a small tidal island that feels wonderfully removed from the modern world.
This stretch of coastline is dotted with boutique stays, many carefully restored and beautifully positioned to maximise the views, and it makes a solid base for exploring the northwestern peninsulas like Dunvegan and Waternish. One of the standouts is Ullinish House, a small hotel known for its exceptional hospitality and refined, intimate atmosphere.
Struan may be understated, but for those who value space, heritage, and sea air, it’s a quietly unforgettable corner of Skye.
Uig
Uig is a coastal village and ferry port on the northern Trotternish coast, where cliffs meet open hills. Beyond its role as the gateway to the Outer Hebrides, Uig has its own quiet charm, but is most often visited by travellers on their way to the nearby Fairy Glen or Rha Falls.
The village is little more than a scattering of white cottages dotted along the hillside, with a few local cafés and shops. We think the Ferry Inn is a highlight, a small hotel with a fantastic restaurant and regular live music. We also always make a point of visiting the Isle of Skye Brewery shop for excellent, locally made craft beers and ales.
Inverarish
While not technically on Skye, the small village of Inverarish on the Isle of Raasay is absolutely worth including. Just a short, 20-minute ferry ride from Sconser on the island’s southwest coast, Raasay feels like stepping into a quieter, more intimate version of the Hebrides.
A key highlight is Raasay Distillery, one of Scotland's most stylish distilleries, which includes a hotel, bar, gift shop, and café. The landscape and surroundings enhance the picturesque atmosphere, and you can see plenty from the shoreline.
For walkers, Dun Caan offers a rewarding hike to the island’s highest point. And Calum’s Road, hand-built by a local crofter in the 20th century, provides both a scenic bike ride (hire from Raasay House). Before getting the ferry back, pop into Thyme & Tide Bakes for coffee.
Finally, while a day can give you a taste of Skye, I’d recommend at least three days to explore properly - enough time to linger over a harbour coffee, wander a coastal path, and take in the picturesque villages and viewpoints that make Skye so special.
