Portree Isle of Skye

Largest town on the Isle of Skye, Portree is set within a natural harbour surrounded with brightly-coloured houses and rocky cliffs. Serving as gateway to the rock formations at Trotternish Ridge, the Tusdale ruins and Dunvegan Castle – seat of the Clan MacLeod since the 13th century. Close by is Loch Coruisk, home to puffins, golden eagles, oystercatchers and occasional sea eagles.
Top Experiences
Old Man of Storr
Located north of Skye, the Storr is the highest point on the Trotternish Ridge – the longest geological landslide in Great Britain, which has resulted in spectacular scenery stretching for more than 30 kilometres (18 miles). The Old Man of Storr – Bodach an Stòrr in Gaelic – is a large, impressive rock pinnacle which rises to 535 metres (1,755 feet) and dominates the area.
Dunvegan Castle
No visit to the Isle of Skye would be complete without discovering Dunvegan Castle, Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited castle. Situated on a rocky outcrop on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Portree, the castle has been the home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. On display here are a magnificent collection of oil paintings and clan treasures, including the Dunvegan Cup and the Fairy Flag, which is said to have magical properties. The estate also boasts extensive gardens with trees, plants, flowers and streams.
Eilean Donan Castle
Situated on its own small island overlooking the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most iconic sights of Scotland. One of the country’s most recognisable castles, this impressive fortress often appears in photographs, films including Highlander and The World Is Not Enough, and – most famously – on shortbread tins. The castle was founded in the 13th century and was home to Clan Mackenzie and Clan Macrae. After it was partly destroyed in 1719 during a Jacobite uprising, the castle lay in ruins for almost two centuries until Lieutenant Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap purchased the island in 1911. Over the years the castle was restored to itsformer glory and it reopened in 1932.
Cruises to Portree Isle of Skye



Scenic Isles of Scotland • L2314
- Experience the rocky landscapes of the Scottish Isles
- Discover Viking history and crofting in the Shetland Isles
- Spot whales and other marine wildife with ORCA



Scenic Isles of Scotland • S2311
- Experience Scotland’s rugged beauty
- From Borealis, spot marine life with ORCA
- Visit the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness



Scenic Isles of Scotland • T2319
- See the scenery of some of Britain’s most beautiful places
- From Bolette, marvel at rock formations and landscapes
- Spot marine and sea bird life with ORCA representatives



Bank Holiday Escape to Scenic Scotland • S2317
- Experience Scotland’s summertime beauty
- Seek out marine life and sea birds with ORCA
- Visit Orkney and the Isle of Skye for historic sites



Wildlife & Traditions of the Scottish Isles • L2420
- Enjoy birdwatching as Balmoral sails past Sumburgh Head
- Search for whales with help from ORCA
- Marvel at the Isle of Skye's scenery



Scenic Landscapes & Wildlife of the British Isles • S2416
- Discover the Scottish isles of Orkney and Skye
- Join ORCA to spot marine life from Borealis
- Visit the fortified Scilly Isle of St. Mary's



Scenic Isles of Scotland • S2512
- Sail past the Small Isles and along Pentland Firth
- Spot seabirds and whales from on board Borealis
- Explore the isles of Orkney, Lewis and Skye



Wildlife & Culture of the Scenic Scottish Isles • L2509
- Explore Lerwick, where only smaller cruise ships can dock
- Visit the Neolithic village of Skara Brae
- Sail past the coastal cliffs of Sumburgh Head



Scenic Scottish Isles in Five Nights • T2411
- Discover the awe-inspiring scenery of Skye
- Join ORCA on deck to spot marine life
- Cruise past the unspoilt Small Isles