5 Reasons Why Travelers Should Visit This Lesser-Known Island This Summer

Posted on July 16, 2023 by Admin in Travel Guide

[ad_1]

Last Updated 9 hours ago

When you’re looking to wind down for the year, the best remedy is always an Island getaway. Whether it be boat hopping around the Croatian Islands or venturing to remote hideaways along the coast of Montenegro: there’s nothing a little sun and sand can’t cure.

With an influx of travelers venturing to various parts of Europe, how do you find the lesser-known beauties to visit this summer? Travel and Leisure recently released their awards, asking viewers to rate their favorite islands to visit.

Popular contenders dominated most of the list, with Italy and Greece having several of their islands featured; however, it’s not all tourist hotspots.

The Isle of Skye and the Hebrides ranked at number 2, putting Scotland on the map for the best Island this summer. The archipelago features rugged mountain-scapes, towering cliffs, and stunning coastlines.

Water Activities

With overall weather across the UK forecast to be warmer than years prior, now’s the time to soak up what the beautiful landscapes have to offer. While the rainy days are at bay, the Isle of Skye is an adventure-lovers haven with an abundance of activities to do outdoors.

Surprisingly clear waters make Skye a prime spot for kayakers looking to venture along the rugged coastlines and into hidden bays. Some popular starting points are Loch Duich and Loch Dunvegan.

If you’re a hiker, it’s best to take advantage of the sunny weather and explore while you can. Fairy Pools are dotted throughout the Island and can’t be missed with their vivid blue and green hues. Some of the waterfalls in this region are reminiscent of Iceland in the summer: whimsical and otherworldly.

Quiraing Loop

Thanks to the weather predicted for this summer yet again, walking through the lush landscapes has never been easier. With dreamy cliffs and thrashing waters, you never know what you’ll see on a stroll through the Isle of Skye.

The Quiraing Loop is a popular walking trail covering about 4.5 miles around. This is popular with nature lovers and adventurers looking to explore the wildlife of the Island. Overall, the walk typically takes around 2 hours and is located in Trotternish.

Whisky Tastings

With whisky connoisseurs coming out of the woodwork, whisky tasting has increased in popularity amongst all ages. While Scotland has an abundance of distilleries around the country, it’s an even more unique experience to explore the remote distilleries of Skye.

Beginning tours and tastings, Talisker and Torabhaig are within miles of one another. Experience the world’s most beautiful whisky trail as you take a visit to both distilleries.

There are tours offered here throughout the year if you’re looking to try a bit of the good stuff and witness Scottish charm at its finest.

The Food Scene

While Skye has always been on the radar for fine dining, there’s something to be said about the food trucks and casual eateries popping up around the Island.

According to Lonely Planet’s ‘Gourmet Trails Europe Guidebook’, the Isle of Skye was voted one of the best regions for food in Europe. Thanks to its coastlines and lush landscapes, fishermen catch fresh seafood daily for locals and guests to enjoy. Oysters, scallops, and seaweed are among many of the favorites found in many dishes here.

Most restaurants on the Isle of Skye are owned by locals born here: making the experience that much more unique and the dishes that much more intriguing.

Long horned red-haired Highland cow with her two calves on the moor. Highland cattle, or hairy coos, are a distinctive pedigree breed with long, thick flowing hair and sweeping horns that date from 1884 that thrive in difficult climates and conditions, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, UK, Europe

Wildlife and Natural Wonders

Calming lands and natural beauty, it’s no wonder the Isle of Skye sees an influx of wildlife during the summer months. Most recently, a Minke Whale was spotted off the coast, and it’s no secret that the Island is thriving with migratory birds.

If you’re exploring the Island, you’ll no doubt see lava rocks scattered throughout, with much of Skye covered in basaltic lava flows. These black rocks give Skye the contrasting landscape we’ve seen in pictures, from green mountains to dark rubble.