Jemima Kirkwood
26 October 2020
The Isle of Skye is a magical island off the north west coast of Scotland, easily reached by car and popular with those looking to explore the wildness of the west. It has everything from beaches and mountains to castles and waterfalls.
The island is well set up for visitors from all over the world. If you were to fly to Inverness by plane and hire a car, you would be on the island within 3 hours, going at a leisurely pace. With all the amazing scenery and landmarks you will pass, like Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle, you wouldn’t want to rush the trip! The Isle of Skye is also accessible from Glasgow and Edinburgh; if you are travelling from further afield, you just need to expect a longer drive.
When you get to Kyle of Lochalsh you will reach an impressive arched road bridge which takes you over to the island, making the crossing over the sea quick and simple, and once you cross it you are thrown into a land of beauty and wonder. There is the option of a ferry ride from the mainland at Mallaig, if that is the mode of transport you'd rather take.
But why go to Skye? Many go for the views, the cycling, the walking, and the culture. With every twist of a country road, there is a new surprise waiting. The towering peaks of the Cuillin mountains entice you to climb their rocky forms and the impressive historic castles open their doors to visitors from all over the world. The coastline offers up lots of coves with white-sand beaches and you can take to the water by boat, kayak or paddleboard to view the island from another perspective. The coastal villages invite you in to browse their shops and enjoy tasty treats and meals in their many cafés and pubs, and cultural events running throughout the year provide fun and entertainment to those visiting for a trip of a lifetime. Don’t forget to visit the island distillery too!
Come and read all about the island and all the things it has to offer you in our informative guide to the Isle of Skye.
But where to stay? Accommodation is one of those things that we ponder over: which type do we go for? What type can we see ourselves enjoying the most? And for different types of holiday, whether it’s a romantic break or a family-packed adventure, different accommodation options offer different advantages. However, self-catering can tick so many boxes when it comes to all types of holidays. Our Isle of Skye holiday cottages offer the perfect base for adventures on the island ranging from family-friendly holiday homes and luxury cottages with hot tubs, to dog-friendly cottages too.
Here are some of the best holiday cottages on the Isle of Skye
This is one of two traditional white-washed cottages set in an elevated position overlooking the sea. It is a cosy romantic spot for those looking for a private place to get away from it all and enjoy the freedom of the countryside. On a clear day, you can even see the spectacular outline of the rugged Outer Hebrides coast. Dolphins, whales, basking sharks, seals, and sea otters all dwell nearby making it a really special spot for wildlife lovers. The cottage itself is cosy and compact inside but fully equipped with everything you are going to need.
Highlights:
- Perfect for a honeymoon or romantic getaway
- Four-poster bedroom for a sumptuous night’s sleep
- Picnic bench with sea views
- Wood burner for cosy nights in
Set right on the edge of Portree Bay, this charming holiday home makes the perfect base for any holiday on the Isle of Skye. Portree is the main town on the island and is well known for its lively community and colourful culture. You can enjoy panoramic sea views all day long, and enjoy watching all the boats coming and going at a gentle pace. Nothing is a rush on the Isle of Skye. The cottage is beautifully decorated with country charm with an Aga in the kitchen and a woodburner in the sitting room.
Highlights:
- Wildlife and Sea Eagle boat trips on the doorstep
- Beach garden with outdoor furniture and sea views
- Beach, shops, restaurants and pubs all within walking distance
This is an idyllic cottage situated in a tranquil spot on the northern side of the island, offering a great retreat for a couple or young family looking to enjoy some time out from their day-to-day lives. Set down a quiet lane, the cottage is quirky inside with lots of bright and colourful touches which give the cottage a lovely home-from-home feel. The kids will love the cosy book corner which is on the top landing by the stairs.
Highlights:
- You can spot eagles, deer and pine martens from the doorstep
- Three lovely bedrooms offering friends and family lots of privacy
- Great views from all windows
This is a charming bungalow resting beside loch Ainort, the picture-perfect setting for a holiday on Skye. From here you can enjoy stunning views of the Red Cuillins, Skye's famous mountain range and with surrounding rural countryside you can be promised a peaceful stay. Start your day with a coffee on the cottage bench and soak up the scenery before going on daily adventures to discover this magical island.
Highlights:
- Dolphins and otters can be spotted
- Wood burner offering cosy nights in
- Enclosed garden with furniture and BBQ set up
- Spectacular sunrises can be enjoyed from the cottage
Loch View Lodge is a modern log cabin nestled in a lovely location on the banks of Loch Portree. When staying here, you will be able to enjoy gorgeous views and the feeling of freedom with lots of space surrounding you. You have the best of both worlds here, with the historic village of Portree on your doorstep and easy access to the hills and wilderness to enjoy walking, cycling, fishing and more.
Highlights:
- Spacious and bright with homely décor
- Spectacular sea views from the living area with double doors
- Decked area with outdoor seating
This is a great property surrounded by breathtaking views of the glen and striking landscape that surrounds it. The large floor-to-ceiling window framing the end of the open-plan living space makes the most of the scenery, and it lets loads of light in throughout the day, making this a lovely place in which to socialise. Inside is really trendy with its raised kitchen area and upper landing overlooking the lounge below. The furnishings and decoration throughout exude quality and sophistication – this is a really special place to return to after days out.
Highlights:
- Perfect for families and large groups
- Wood burner for cosy evenings in
- Secluded patio for al fresco dining
Stay in a self-catering cottage on the Isle of Skye
So there you have six of the best holiday cottages on the Isle of Skye; we hope you have loved browsing them and that we have inspired you to come and visit the island for yourself. If you are keen to fit a trip to this enchanting island into your plans next year, make sure you browse our full collection of holiday homes on the Isle of Skye.
If you are looking for more ideas on the best places to visit in Scotland, check out our guide to top locations for short breaks in Scotland.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.