Holiday homes & rentals in Portree

What could be better than coming home to spacious Portree accommodation after a day of exploring Skye's attractions? Holiday cottages in the town range from traditional whitewashed croft houses to sleek modern properties for those with an eye for design.

Local produce and the water of life

Any visit to Scotland wouldn't be complete without a trip to see whisky, the national drink, being produced. Skye is home to three distilleries, two producing whisky and one making gin. Both of the whisky distilleries at Talisker and the recently opened Torabhaig distillery are open for tours, with Talisker being best set up for tours, tastings, and shopping opportunities.

Skye has some of Scotland's finest dining establishments, with restaurants such as the Three Chimneys regularly winning gourmet awards. A meal here will be the highlight of your Skye trip. There are many other brasseries and bistros in Portree and surrounds, where you can enjoy superb food made with the freshest local favourites, such as prawns, fish, and venison.

Beaches and wildlife for the whole family on Skye

Skye boasts beautiful, deserted beaches with white sands and clear waters. Camas Ban is the closest beach to Portree, and as the only access is by foot or boat, you'll probably get the whole place to yourself. Talisker Bay, flanked by cliffs and waterfalls, is also a must-see, with the added bonus of a whisky distillery next door.

There are many opportunities for wildlife watching on Skye, both on land and in the ocean. Birds of prey such as buzzards, sparrowhawks, and sea eagles are a common sight, and red deer are often spotted in the hills. In the water, otters make their home by Skye's shore, where seals are often seen basking on the rocks. Take a special boat trip further out to sea – if you're lucky, you could spot porpoises, dolphins, whales, or basking sharks.

Some of Skye's best scenery

Most visitors are drawn to Skye for its spectacular scenery – you won't be disappointed. One of the most scenic spots on the island is at Elgol Beach, where the views across the water to the Black Cuillin Mountains have been voted among the finest in Britain. Also popular are the Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle, a haven of waterfalls and turquoise waters. Getting to the Fairy Pools involves a hike up from the road, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes.

A circular road starts and ends in Portree – follow it around the Trotternish peninsula in the north of Skye. There are plenty of places to stop along the way to take in the mountain and coastal landscapes. Don't miss the cemetery at Kilmuir, the burial place of local heroine Flora Macdonald.

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