Portree

Travel Guide

Portree Harbour showing a bay or harbor and a coastal town
Kilt Rock showing rugged coastline
Old Man of Storr showing tranquil scenes and general coastal views
Old Man of Storr featuring general coastal views, hiking or walking and tranquil scenes
Old Man of Storr showing tranquil scenes and mountains

The biggest and busiest town on the Isle of Skye, Portree is built around a colourful harbour where fishing boats still arrive to offload their catch of the day.

Skye’s capital and cultural center, the lively town of Portree is awash with seafood restaurants, shops, hotels, B&Bs and traditional pubs. Admire the row of pastel-colored houses lining the harbor, browse locally produced crafts in independent boutiques and embark on a wildlife-spotting boat trip from Portree HarbourOpens in a new window.

Learn about the different theories regarding the origins of Portree’s name. Some believe it comes from “Port Righ,” Gaelic for “King’s Harbour,” referencing a visit made by King James V in the 16th century. Others suggest it may come from “Port Ruighe,” meaning “port of slopes,” referencing the hilly landscape.

Stroll around town and wander down to Portree Harbour, a picturesque area where fishing boats and pleasure craft moor. Go on a boat trip from the pier to the islands of Rona or Raasay. Seals, dolphins and golden eagles can occasionally be spotted out at sea.

Shops line the central Somerled Square and the streets branching off it. Purchase handcrafted cosmetics, carved wood crafts and locally made knitwear. Toward the south of the town is the Aros Centre, a cultural center that includes a theater, cinema and seasonal visitor center.

Choose from a range of dining options in town. Charming seafood eateries can be found down by the harbor with more restaurants and pubs scattered around town. The town is at its busiest during the annual Isle of Skye Highland Games, which features a program of events including traditional sports such as caber tossing as well as Scottish piping competitions.

With its proximity to the Old Man of StorrOpens in a new window, the Kilt RockOpens in a new window and the Trotternish ridge, Portree is a popular base for travelers. Pick up maps and brochures in the town’s tourist office for more information.

Portree is located on the east coast of Skye. To get here, ride buses from InvernessOpens in a new window, GlasgowOpens in a new window and EdinburghOpens in a new window or drive. Local buses connect Portree to other spots on the island, but are infrequent. Driving or cycling is more convenient.

Where to stay in Portree

Portree featuring rocky coastline

Portree Town

If you're spending some time in Portree Town, Somerled Square and Portree Harbour are top sights worth seeing.

Portree Town
Tongadale Hotel

Tongadale Hotel

3 out of 5
WENTWORTH ST, Portree, Scotland
The price is RM834 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM834
RM1,001 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Portree. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (796 reviews)
Comfortable stay with complimentary breakfast
"I had a comfortable stay at the Tongadale hotel. It's an old building but well maintained. Room and bathroom were compact but comfortable. One thing to be careful about is the bathroom shower. Make sure you figure out how the hot and cold settings work before using the shower. Breakfast was really ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Tongadale Hotel
The Marmalade Hotel

The Marmalade Hotel

4 out of 5
HOME FARM ROAD, Portree, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM2,050 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
RM2,050
RM2,460 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Portree. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (271 reviews)
"Good, old be well maintained hotel. A short distance from town-centre."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

The Marmalade Hotel
Bracken Hide Hotel

Bracken Hide Hotel

4 out of 5
Struan Rd, Portree, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Portree. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (208 reviews)
"A very special and unique place! Staff were incredibly helpful and attentive. Lots of fun riding up to the cabin on a golf cart. Very nice restaurant for breakfast and we had a wonderful dinner there the first night. Cabins are very thoughtfully designed and beautiful. Excellent shower and comfortable ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Bracken Hide Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pebble Cottage

Pebble Cottage

3 out of 5
3B Portree House Gardens, Portree, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Portree. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Portree Harbour and Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre ...
Pebble Cottage
Apartment 3 Pheonix Flats

Apartment 3 Pheonix Flats

3 out of 5
York Drive, Portree, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Portree. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Portree Harbour and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (22 reviews)
Lovely spot, great location. Three forks
"Overall, a great lodging in the heart of a quaint community. It was just a short walk from shops, restaurants, and a grocery. (BTW, if you arrive late, like we did shortly after 8, either quickly make to a restaurant–most close their kitchens by 8:30–or do what we did, go down the street toward the ..."

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Apartment 3 Pheonix Flats
Sidhean Dubha Holiday Home

Sidhean Dubha Holiday Home

4.5 out of 5
Sidhean Dubha, Staffin Road, Portree, Scotland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury vacation home in Portree. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Portree Harbour and Somerled Square are ...
Nice house at a convenient location
"They provide washer machine but not the dryer. One of the bathrooms is inside the queen bed room has very heavy smells. Needs to have more ventilation."

Reviewed on 1 Apr 2024

Sidhean Dubha Holiday Home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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