Portree Isle of Skye
Portree is the Isle of Skye's largest and liveliest town. Set within a pretty natural harbour with brightly-coloured houses and surrounded by rocky cliffs and rolling hills, Portree is a truly beautiful place to explore.
Its name (from the Gaelic for King's Harbour) commemorates James V, who arrived here in 1540 to pacify the local clans.[ReadMoreMob] The town is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning coastline and interesting attractions that include the Aros Centre and the An Tuireann Arts Centre, which celebrate the island's Gaelic heritage.
Portree also serves as a gateway to other attractions on the island, such as the intriguing rock formations at Trotternish Ridge, north of the town, the ruins of Tusdale, and the peninsula unflatteringly known as ‘The Lump’, which once provided a setting for public hangings.
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 the UK • T2212
- Visit the UK’s most hard-to-reach islands
- Marvel at wildlife in natural habitats
- Explore off the beaten track on remote islands
Scenic Isles of Scotland • S2215
- Look out for marine life with ORCA conservationists
- Calls into remote Islands, such as Orkney
- View seabirds & sea stacks on the Isle of Skye
Scenic Isles of Scotland • S2219
- Tour to see Loch Ness from Invergordon
- Call at the hard to reach Shetland Islands
- With the help of ORCA, look out for marine life
Scenic Isles of Scotland • S2215BFS
- Look out for marine life with ORCA conservationists
- Calls into remote Islands, such as Orkney
- View seabirds & sea stacks on the Isle of Skye
Scenic Isles and Lochs of Scotland • T2219
- Scenic cruise the picturesque Sound of Mull
- Explore the remote Orkney & Shetland Islands
- Look for native marine life with ORCA
Scenic Isles of Scotland • S2219BFS
- Tour to see Loch Ness from Invergordon
- Call at the hard to reach Shetland Islands
- With the help of ORCA, look out for marine life
Scenic Isles and Lochs of Scotland • T2313
- Marvel at the natural wonder of the imposing Needle, Old Man of Hoy and Duncansby sea stacks
- Visit Lews Castle from Stornoway
- Look for native seabirds on the cliffs of Marwick Head
Scenic British Isles • T2217A
- Discover the beauty, history and wildlife of rugged and remote Scottish isles
- Look out for native seabirds in Shetland, Orkney and on the Isle of Skye, and marine life with ORCA
- Experience memorable scenic cruising, and visit Belfast, Cobh and the Isle of Man too
Scenic Isles of Scotland • L2314
- Experience the beauty of Scottish isles and waterways to the full
- See dramatic rock formations, rugged island landscapes and native wildlife
- Ashore, explore seabird havens, craggy coastlines and discover historic sites too
Scenic Isles of Scotland • S2311
- Sail to some of the UK’s most remote places and experience Scotland’s rugged beauty
- From Borealis, see dramatic natural wonders, wild landscapes and native fauna
- Visit and explore scenic islands, as well as the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness
