Portree

Travel Guide

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

The biggest and busiest town on the Isle of Skye, Portree is built around a colorful harbor 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 which includes rugged 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
$201 nightly
The price is $241 total per night from Jul 11 to Jul 12
$241 total
Jul 11 - Jul 12
Total includes taxes and 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! (788 reviews)
"The Tongadale is great value for Money, we had a great overnight stay with clean room, friendly staff and a very tasty breakfast."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Tongadale Hotel
Bracken Hide Hotel
Bracken Hide Hotel
4 out of 5
Struan Rd, Portree, Scotland
$566 nightly
The price is $680 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$680 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (195 reviews)
"The room was nice. View is great. The restaurant was good"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Bracken Hide Hotel
The Marmalade Hotel
The Marmalade Hotel
4 out of 5
HOME FARM ROAD, Portree, Scotland
$478 nightly
The price is $574 total per night from Jul 11 to Jul 12
$574 total
Jul 11 - Jul 12
Total includes taxes and 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! (269 reviews)
"Whilst our stay was good and the staff friendly I thought it was quite expensive in comparison to other hotels I have stayed in"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

The Marmalade 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.
stoirm - a tranquil rural hideaway
stoirm - a tranquil rural hideaway
Penifiler
Stay at this cottage in Portree. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Portree Harbour and Aros Centre are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"Our stay here was perfectly timed in the middle of our trip, giving us the peaceful place to rest and recharge...not to mention wash clothes. It's modern with all amenities, beautiful and with tremendous views. All we would add would be a couple of hammocks and it would be perfect. Thank you for ..."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

stoirm - a tranquil rural hideaway
New - Central Portree Sleeps 4
New - Central Portree Sleeps 4
Portree
Stay at this vacation home in Portree. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Portree Harbour and Somerled Square are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (92 reviews)
Isle of Skye
"Highly recommend this townhouse. The owner was very nice and attentive, and it has a wonderful location with the ability to walk for groceries, restaurants, and anything else you would need."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

New - Central Portree Sleeps 4
Sleeps 6: Large 4 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom House in Central Portree
Sleeps 6: Large 4 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom House in Central Portree
Portree
Stay at this vacation home in Portree. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Portree Harbour and Somerled Square are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
Terrific home base
"Terrific location and comfortable accommodations for a family adventure to Skye. Very easy walk into town for restaurants and shops, of which there are many. Portree is a central location for exploring the rest of Skye. Nice to have separate rooms - and bathrooms, for all of our boys. Showers are ..."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Sleeps 6: Large 4 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom House in Central Portree
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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