Portree

Portree is Skye's capital and by far its largest town, built around a natural harbour on the island's east coast, and it's where most first-time visitors end up basing themselves.

The harbour is the town's centrepiece — a row of brightly painted buildings looking out over the water, with fishing boats still working alongside the tourist traffic. Above it, the town centre is arranged around Somerled Square and Bayfield, a compact grid of shops, cafes and small hotels that makes Portree easy to explore on foot. The name itself is thought to derive from the Gaelic Port Rìgh, "the king's port", recalling a royal visit in the 16th century, though the town's own history as a trading and fishing settlement goes back further.

Where to base yourself

Staying in or near the harbour puts you within walking distance of restaurants, shops and the bus stance, and it's the obvious choice if you don't want to drive every evening. Portree also works well as a touring base precisely because of its position: it sits roughly midway along the island's main road network, with routes north to the Trotternish Peninsula, west to Dunvegan, and south towards the Cuillin all radiating out from the town, so it cuts down on backtracking compared with staying further out.

Where to Stay in Portree

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  Cuillin Hills HotelGrounds above the harbour with views across to the Cuillin
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  The Bosville HotelCentral, in the town itself
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  Rosedale HotelFormer fishermen's cottages right on the harbour
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  The Royal HotelSeafront position overlooking Portree Bay
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  Marmalade HotelShort walk from the town centre
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  The Portree HotelRight on Somerled Square, in the heart of town
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  Caledonian HotelFamily-run, sea and mountain views, near the centre
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  Skeabost HotelCountry-house hotel by the River Snizort
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  The Skye InnTraditional inn, free parking, pets welcome
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  RockviewTop-rated guest house on Mill Road
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  Redwood HouseAdults-only, restaurant and bar with sea views
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  Bracken Hide HotelAdults-only, mountain views and an on-site spa

Getting there

Portree is reached by road over the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh, or via the seasonal Glenelg–Kylerhea ferry for a shorter, more scenic crossing. There's no railway station on Skye itself — the nearest is Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland, with a connecting bus service into Portree. Traffic on the island's single-track sections can be heavy in summer, so it's worth building extra time into any journey during peak season.