Prepare to embark on a journey to the enchanting Isle of Skye, in Scotland, where Mother Nature herself seems to have unleashed her artistic prowess. This Scottish gem, known for its dramatic landscapes and mythical allure, offers a banquet of experiences that’ll make you forget all about reality.
In this guide, we’ll unveil Skye’s best hostels, each offering not just a place to lay your head but also a front-row seat to nature’s grand spectacle.
Our favorite hostels in Isle of Skye are:
- Skye Basecamp - best for Solo travelers
- The Cowshed - best for Backpackers
- Portree Youth Hostel - best for Couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Skye Basecamp
2. The Cowshed
3. Portree Youth Hostel
Traveling around? Here are the best hostels in Scotland.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all the guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Isle of Skye
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Isle of Skye cost around 40$ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around 150$ per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 p.m.), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 a.m.). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Budget-Friendly Buses: Consider using local buses instead of renting a car. They’re affordable and provide access to the island’s beauty.
Hidden Treasures: Besides well-known spots like the Fairy Pools, explore quieter places like the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr for a more peaceful experience.
Fresh Seafood: Try Skye’s fresh seafood. Fish and chips by the harbor are a classic choice, but local seafood restaurants offer unique flavors.
Pack Layers: Skye’s weather can be unpredictable. Layer your clothing and bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots.
Leave No Trace: Follow the “Leave No Trace” principles, respecting the environment, sticking to trails, and packing out all your trash to protect Skye’s natural beauty.
Sunset Views: Witness a Skye sunset – it’s a breathtaking experience. Popular spots include Neist Point and Talisker Bay.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Isle of Skye are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Isle of Skye.
- Skye Basecamp – best for Solo travelers
- The Cowshed – best for Backpackers
- Portree Youth Hostel – best for Couples
These are our favorite hostels in Isle of Skye. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Skye Basecamp
2. The Cowshed
3. Portree Youth Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Skye Basecamp |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Portree Youth Hostel |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | The Cowshed |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Portree Youth Hostel |
| 👯 For Groups: | Portree Youth Hostel |
| 🌆 For Best Views: | The Cowshed |
1. Skye Basecamp
Tucked away in the charming village of Kyleakin, Skye Basecamp is your cozy hideaway on the epic Isle of Skye. Imagine a hostel with a crackling fire and a sweet garden – that’s your scene here!
Use it as your launchpad to explore the wild Cuillin Mountains, haunted castles, and other legendary fairy tales. They’ve got dorms and a caravan in the garden if you’re feeling adventurous.
Expect free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, a killer kitchen, comfy bedding, and brekkie for a few bucks. They’ve got your back with parking, Wi-Fi, and laundry too.
Join island tours, kick back in the lounge, or wander the garden – this hostel offers more than a casual place to sleep in.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Facilities & Amenities:
- Open fire in the lounge.
- Lovely backyard garden.
- Free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.
- Self-catering kitchen.
- Day tours of the Isle of Skye.
Location: Skye Backpackers is situated in the picturesque fishing village of Kyleakin. It’s located on the seafront, offering scenic views of the surrounding area. The hostel is surrounded by mountains and the sea, providing a stunning natural backdrop.
The best choice in Isle of Skye for
- Solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. The Cowshed
This rural hostel perches on a hillside, presenting a fabulous view of Uig Bay, and serves as the gateway to the Outer Hebrides. The Cowshed offers an incredible location close to the enchanting Fairy Glen and a leisurely 20-minute stroll from the picturesque Falls of Rha waterfall.
Their lounge, decorated with a deck and a wood-burning stove, radiates with comfort and coziness.
Notably, their kitchen and communal dining area provide an inviting space to share meals.
This is one of the best hostes in the Isle of Skye in terms of views and scenery: travelers can appreciate the gorgeous bay views from the lounge’s windows and several view points throughout the property.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Facilities & Amenities:
- Cosy lounge with a deck and wood-burning stove.
- Kitchen and communal dining area.
- WiFi available in common areas.
- Board games shelf
- Wonderful views of Uig Bay from the lounge.
- Home to cute dogs, a cat, and chickens.
Location: Situated on a hillside overlooking Uig Bay. Short walk from the Fairy Glen. 20-minute walk from the picturesque Falls of Rha waterfall. deal for exploring scenic attractions.
Note: Steep and winding driveway may not be suitable for long vehicles or trailers.
A great choice for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
3. Portree Youth Hostel
Portree Youth Hostel is the perfect backpacker haven on the spectacular Isle of Skye. This hostel offers stunning views of the Sound of Rassay.
They also cater to a wide range of traveler types: From private en-suites to shared rooms.
Travelers can start their day with a delicious breakfast in their cozy dining room. Their list of amenities is pretty extensive – free WiFi, a small lounge, and a laundry room are all available.
Don’t worry about groceries, you can get snacks and drinks at the reception and even packed lunches for larger group wishing to explore the natural landscapes without running out of energy.
With the hostel situated so close to the north side of the island, you can explore the stunning Skye scenery in an easy and efficient way.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Facilities & Amenities:
- Dining room for breakfast and a well-equipped self-catering kitchen.
- Free WiFi, a cozy lounge, laundry, and drying room.
- Basic provisions and packed lunches for groups.
- Picturesque views over the Sound of Rassay.
Location: In Portree’s city center, close to shops, bars, and restaurants. A short walk from Portree’s small port and colorful houses. Set in a natural harbor surrounded by hills.
This is one of the best hostels in Isle of Skye for
- Couples
- Families
- Groups
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Isle of Skye for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Isle of Skye is
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth mentioning here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
What about the cheapest hostels in Isle of Skye?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Isle of Skye.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Isle of Skye
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Isle of Skye best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Isle of Skye?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
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Our Favorite Hostels in Isle of Skye put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Isle of Skye hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Isle of Skye?
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Flights to Isle of Skye?
The nearest airport to Island of Skye is Glasgow (GLA).
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in the Isle of Skye in style and on a budget. And hey, we’ve even collected the ultimate 19 greatest hostels in Scotland for you to visit!
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- best hostels in Edinburgh + Edinburgh budget travel guide
- best hostels in Glasgow, Scotland
- Best hostels in London and backpacker hostels in London
- Best hostels in Manchester
- Best hostels in Liverpool
- Best hostels in Dublin and the 24 best hostels in Ireland
- Party Hostels in Dublin
- Best hostels in Galway
- Best hostels in Brighton
- best hostels in Inverness
- best hostels in Cardiff
- best hostels in Cork
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Isle of Skye guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
