Ready to fall in love with Scotland once more? Then hop on and let’s get began on this information with the most effective issues to do in Portree, Scotland.
I’ve just lately visited Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye and stayed there for a few days whereas I explored the island and had the most effective time ever! I additionally got here again with a number of recommendations on find out how to take advantage of out of your journey!
I’ve included all of them on this submit, together with some info on find out how to get to Portree and the place to remain.
Portree is among the hottest locations in Scotland, as is the remainder of the Isle of Skye, so I like to recommend reserving your inns and actions right here prematurely.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
See shortly that are the highest issues that it is best to guide prematurely when visiting Portree, Scotland:
And listed below are the most effective inns: Cuillin Hills Hotel (luxurious), Bosville Hotel (mid-range), Rockview (funds)
1. Admire the views on the Scorrybreac Trail
Exploring the Scorrybreac Trail (map) is one of the simplest ways to kick-off your vacation in Portree!
This path is fairly straightforward (with just a few components the place you should take additional care) so that you don’t want to fret in regards to the problem. Although I’d positively put on some type of snug sneakers, ideally sneakers or climbing sneakers.
Set on the coast, the path provides some unimaginable waterfront views and on some good days, when it’s not too foggy you can even see the Isle of Raasay.
The Scorrybreac Trail is a loop, so that you’ll be returning to the identical spot from the place the path begins, which is that this automotive park (map). It often takes round 45 min to finish the path or extra, particularly if you happen to’ll cease to take some pics which is inevitable since every part seems so superb!
While on the path be sure you cease and admire the beautiful views! You’ll positively meet up with the well-known Scottish sheep. But don’t fear they’re innocent and often get scared fairly simply, so strive to not startle them.
2. Explore the Harbour space
Portree is thought for its Harbour (map) which is a brilliant good space, full of eating places and the well-known colourful homes which you may’ve heard of or seen in pictures (they’re type of the city’s emblem).
You can go on a stroll to discover the Harbour space and admire all of the boats docked there or these which can be out at sea (I’ll inform you in part #5 how one can on a ship journey from there, so be certain that to test that out).
Although you may see the colourful homes from up-close when you’re there, there may be this viewpoint (map) only a 4 min stroll away from Harbor, the place you may take some very nice photos of the homes, of their full glory!
Right close to the Harbour, there’s a brief strolling path that you are able to do, known as the Portree Walkaway (map). It takes round 20 to 30 min to do that path and it’s even simpler than the Scorrybreac Trail.
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3. Try some Scottish gin & whisky at a bar
Since Portree is the capital of the Isle of Skye, it has the largest focus of eating places, bars and retailers. So you’ll have loads of locations the place you may finish the day with a glass of Scottish gin or whisky!
When I went to the Isle of Skye, I actually wished to strive Scottish whisky, gin and beer since all are such an enormous factor and one among my favourite locations to try this in Portree was the Merchant Bar (map).
They had so many native manufacturers of whisky, gin and beer and in addition some from different components of the nation. The ambiance was tremendous cozy and it gave off that Scottish pub vibe that I simply cherished!
4. Have breakfast at Birch Cafe
Get able to eat in one of many cutest cafes that you simply’ve ever seen!
Since Portree is fairly small, there aren’t lots of locations the place you may take pleasure in breakfast or lunch. Luckily Birch cafe (map) appeared on the scene and because it was opened, everybody goes there, particularly vacationers, which additionally signifies that typically it’s tremendous crowded, particularly within the morning.
But positively go not less than as soon as there! Not solely is the cafe tremendous trendy nevertheless it additionally serves scrumptious meals, muffins and the most effective espresso that you simply’ll discover in Portree.
I cherished all my mornings at Birch cafe, and it’s so enjoyable to satisfy up with so many vacationers who’re exploring Scotland identical to you!
5. See some wildlife on a ship journey
As I discussed earlier, you may go on some enjoyable boat journeys from Portree Harbour!
I discovered this superb firm known as Stardust Boat Trips that gives a few totally different boat journeys! I’ll record them beneath so you may choose whichever one calls to you:
- Sea Eagle Wildlife boat journey (2h for US$40)
- Catamaran Sea Eagle & Wildlife boat journey (2h for US$42)
- Sea Eagle & Wildlife Rib Experience (2h for US$39)
- Kilt Rock/ Isle of Rona Whale Trail (4h for US$97)
I’d positively go on one among these excursions because it’s an effective way to see all of the unimaginable wildlife, like dolphins, whales, puffins and seals!
6. Shop for souvenirs
As I discussed, Portree is the capital of the island and undoubtedly one of many finest locations to remain on Skye if you happen to don’t have a automotive.
The metropolis can be full of tons of memento retailers from the place you may get some superb souvenirs!
Some of my favourite ones have been:
- Carmina Gadelica (map) from the place you may get some superb books
- Isle of Skye Soap Company (map) which sells candles, soaps and different cute issues
- Isle of Skye Distillers (map) from the place you should purchase some native gin, whisky and beer
- ÒR (map), a beautiful present store that has all kinds of issues from cute wool mittens to books and tea cups
These are only a few although, positively discover the streets and see what else catches your eye, as there are many different cool retailers.
7. Take a full-day tour of Skye
My guess is that you simply’ll most likely wish to discover the remainder of Skye when you’re in Portree.
Now, the way you discover the island relies upon lots on whether or not you’ve a automotive or not. If you do then it’s straightforward peasy as you may set up your schedule as you need. If you don’t then the most suitable choice is to take a full-day tour of the Isle of Skye.
I stayed in Skye for a few days, and I had my resort in Portree. I used to be capable of go to among the major points of interest by bus (since I didn’t have a automotive) however this full-day tour allowed me to see many of the major websites in simply 1 day.
The tour included the Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse, the Fairy Glen, Quiraing and Old Man of Storr! The tour prices US$107 and it lasts 9h.
I actually appreciated it, not solely as a result of it included many points of interest but additionally as a result of our information was tremendous enjoyable and though it rained the entire day (be ready for that as Scottish climate is so unpredictable) all of us had such a good time visiting all these iconic locations.
PRICE: US$107
8. Hike as much as the Old Man of Storr
Luckily, Portree has some bus connections with different components of the island and points of interest! One of them is the Old Man Storr, a 55-meter-high peak of basalt rock positioned on the West finish of the Trotternish Ridge.
If you’re taking that full-day tour that I beneficial above, you’ll move by the Old Man of Storr, however only for some photos, to not do the entire hike! So take that into consideration when reserving the tour.
To attain the attraction you may take the 57A bus from Somerled Square (map) in Portree, or get there by automotive, if you happen to’re renting one. It takes round 15 to twenty min to get there from Portree, so it’s fairly shut.
PRO TIP: Make positive you put on climbing sneakers and waterproof garments!
The hike up begins proper from the bus station and automotive park, and don’t fear, it’s not too onerous! If it’s windy then you definitely’ll have to take a bit of additional care because the winds can get robust, however moreover that you simply’re good!
It takes round 45 min to 1h from the automotive park to succeed in the purpose from the place you may admire the beautiful views and in addition the rock itself.
Once I bought up I didn’t wish to go away! The views are unimaginable so be sure you keep there for a bit to admire them and to take some pics in fact!
9. Take the bus to Kilt Rock
Another excellent place that you could shortly take the bus to from Portree, is Kilt Rock, which is by far, one my favourite locations to see on the island!
In order to succeed in Kilt Rock you’ll have to take the 57A bus from Somerled Square (map) in Portree after which to get again to Portree (if you’re staying there) you may take the 57C bus from this cease (map).
However, it is best to know that the bus runs each 2h, so that you’ll have to attend for some time to get again to the city. But for the reason that views are so unimaginable in these highlands I’m positive the wait time received’t be too dangerous!
Named after the Scottish kilt as a result of it really resembles the standard garment, the rock seems completely unimaginable, as does the Mealt Falls cascade! I felt as if I may keep there to take pleasure in these views perpetually!
PRO TIP: If you wish to kill among the time you’ve there, head to the Staffin Dinosaur Museum, which has a small assortment of dinosaur fossils discovered on the island. The entry payment is barely US$5.
10. Enjoy dinner at one among Portree’s eating places
After all of the strolling and climbing you’ll most likely be famished! Lucky for us vacationers, Portree has tons of fantastic eating places the place you may bask in Scottish delicacies.
If you want and eat fish, positively strive it out as among the eating places serve the catch of the day.
Here are a few of my favourite eating places within the city:
- Rosedale (map)
- Scorrybreac Restaurant (map)
- The Lower Deck Seafood Restaurant (map)
- Cuchullin Restaurant (map)
- The View Restaurant (map)
11. Catch a film at Las Port Righ
If you’re spending a few days in Portree, then you definitely may wish to take a look at the not-so-touristy actions and even mingle with among the locals, they’re all so pleasant!
One place the place you may go to do that is the Las Port Righ movie show!
Not solely do they showcase lots of cool, and new films however additionally they have a pizza place contained in the constructing! I imply, pizza and films? I’m positively in!
Besides the flicks, Las Port Righ additionally organizes reside music occasions and stand-up comedy occasions. The smartest thing to do is to test their web site and see what they’ve on whenever you’re visiting.
I’m positive you’ll discover one thing that you simply’ll like.
| ⛰️ Unique attraction: | Kilt Rock |
| ???? Best climbing path: | Scorrybreac Trail |
| ???? Best free exercise: | Old Man of Storr |
| ???? Must-try meals: | Haggis |
How to get to Portree
Wondering find out how to get to Portree? Don’t fear, I’ve bought you!
I do know discovering methods to get a vacation spot that’s a bit extra distant isn’t straightforward, so I’ve included beneath among the major ones and the one I used to get to Portree:
- By bus: I used the Scottish CityLink service and took a bus from Glasgow to Portree. The journey takes round 8h and also you’ll cease at Fort William for a brief break whereas they alter drivers. If you’re planning to make use of the bus, purchase your tickets prematurely from their web site. A return ticket often prices round US$93.
- By automotive: If you’re renting a automotive from Glasgow, Edinburgh or one other metropolis then it is best to positively plan your route prematurely as you may positively cease alongside the way in which to see some actually superb points of interest
Where to remain in Portree
Now that we’ve seen find out how to get to Portree and all of the enjoyable actions, let’s take a look at among the finest inns within the city, which I listed from most to least costly:
- Luxury: Cuillin Hills Hotel – a shocking resort that overlooks Portree Bay and Cuillin Mountains, and that has trendy rooms and an award-winning restaurant.
- Mid-range: Bosville Hotel – cozy rooms in a pleasant resort that gives a restaurant, a bar and room service.
- Budget: Rockview – this reasonably priced resort provides waterfront views and rooms with a espresso machine and a fridge.
FAQs about issues to do in Portree, Scotland
????Is Portree value a go to?
Yes! Portree is a tremendous city with a number of points of interest, issues to do and the right base for exploring the Isle of Skye.
???? Why is Portree well-known?
Considered to be one of the crucial lovely cities within the UK, Portree because it provides beautiful landscapes, fabulous inns and enjoyable issues to do!
???? How lengthy to spend in Portree?
I might say 2 days is sufficient to discover most of Portree however positively keep longer if you wish to go to different locations on the Isle of Skye.
???? Is Portree base for the Isle of Skye?
Yes! Portree is a good base for many who wish to discover Isle of Skye, particularly for many who don’t have a automotive as a number of excursions and buses go away from Portree.
Final ideas on issues to do in Portree, Scotland
I don’t learn about you however I can’t wait to return to Scotland! I’m positive you’ll really feel the identical after your go to!
I hope that this submit on the most effective issues to do in Portree, Scotland gave you an thought of what you wish to do there. Remember that this city is the island’s capital and the place most vacationers will keep so I like to recommend reserving your inns prematurely.
If anybody has questions on visiting Portree, simply drop me a remark beneath and I’ll be certain that to reply as quickly as I can.
Happy exploring,
Victoria
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