Harbour
First-timersThe painted houses by the water.
Portree town guide
Things To Do In Portree
The main town on the Isle of Skye, with a harbour of painted houses, and the base for the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, the Fairy Pools and the Cuillin.
2 h
The Old Man of Storr return
800 years
MacLeods at Dunvegan
Book early
Summer beds sell out
The capital of Skye
Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye, though it is still small, built around a harbour of brightly painted houses. It is the natural base for exploring the island, and most of Skye's famous landscapes are within an hour.
Skye has some of the most dramatic scenery in Britain: the pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr, the landslip of the Quiraing, the jagged Black Cuillin ridge and the turquoise Fairy Pools.
It is also very busy in summer, with accommodation booking out months ahead and car parks full by mid-morning. Three days is right, and early starts make all the difference.
Where to stay
Portree is small. Stay near the harbour or the square.
Somerled Square
TransportThe centre and bus stop.
Map © MapTiler © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Portree
Walk up to the Old Man of Storr, a rock pinnacle on a ridge above the road north of Portree; it takes about two hours return. Further north, the Quiraing is a spectacular landslip with a walk along its edge.
The Fairy Pools, clear blue pools under the Cuillin at Glen Brittle, are a short walk from the car park. Neist Point lighthouse, on the far west, is the best sunset spot.
Dunvegan Castle, seat of the MacLeod chiefs for eight hundred years, and the Talisker distillery are the main indoor sights.
The Cuillin ridge is serious mountaineering; walk the lower routes, or hire a guide.
Free things
Free things to do in Portree
The Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, the Fairy Pools and Neist Point are free to walk, though the car parks charge.
Portree harbour is free.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking in Portree
Skye has excellent seafood, especially langoustines, scallops and oysters. Restaurants fill in summer; book ahead.
A pub meal is £14 to £20.
Nightlife
Going out in Portree
Portree has a few pubs, some with live music in summer.
A pint is £5 to £6.
Getting around
Getting around Portree
Buses run to Portree from Inverness and Glasgow. The nearest trains stop at Kyle of Lochalsh, across the Skye Bridge, and Mallaig, with a ferry to Armadale.
On the island, buses are limited. A car is the easiest way to see Skye, but roads are narrow and busy in summer, and car parks at the famous sites charge and fill early.
Costs
What Portree costs
Skye is expensive in summer, and accommodation books out months ahead. Dorms start around £25. A careful day is £50 to £65.
The costs that add up are car hire and parking.
The currency is the pound sterling, and Scottish banknotes are legal tender. Cards work almost everywhere, including contactless on buses.
Safety
Staying safe in Portree
Portree is very safe.
The weather on Skye changes fast; wear proper boots on the Storr and the Quiraing. The Cuillin is serious mountain terrain.
On single-track roads, use passing places and never park in them.
From late May to September, midges swarm in still, damp weather; bring repellent and a head net.
Emergency number is 999 or 112; for mountain rescue, call 999 and ask for police, then mountain rescue.
Day trips from Portree
Skye's famous landscapes.
Old Man of Storr
A rock pinnacle above the road.
Quiraing
A landslip with a walk along its edge.
Fairy Pools
Clear pools under the Cuillin.
Neist Point
A lighthouse on the far west.
Dunvegan Castle
The MacLeod castle.
What's on
What is on while you are there
The Skye Highland Games are held in Portree in August.
28 October
Rich Hall
Rich Hall delivers comedy that's both idle and intimidating — sharp, quick, and sublimely improvisational. His style lands somewhere between casual banter and a…
2 October
The Highest Stage
Theatre Gu Leòr celebrates a decade of Gaelic theatre with this special evening at the Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre. The showcase…
When to go
May, June and September are best. July and August are very busy.
Jan
Wet and quiet
Feb
Quiet
Mar
Spring
Apr
Spring
May
Good
Jun
Long days
Jul
Very busy
Aug
Highland games
Sep
Quieter
Oct
Wet
Nov
Quiet
Dec
Quiet
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs. Skye is wet and windy.
What your trip will cost
Pick how you travel. Per person per night, in pounds.
Excludes car hire and parking.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Portree travel questions
The ones we get asked most.
Do I need a car on Skye?
It is the easiest way; buses are limited.
How long is the Old Man of Storr walk?
About two hours return.
How do I get to Skye?
By bus to Portree, or train to Kyle of Lochalsh or Mallaig and then a bus or ferry.
Is Skye busy?
Very, in July and August. Book months ahead and start early.
Are the sights free?
Yes, but most car parks charge.
How many days do you need?
Three.
When is the best time to visit?
May, June and September.
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