5 Best Hostels on the Isle of Skye, Scotland (2024 Shortlist!)

The ‘Misty Isle’ is one of Scotland’s premier destinations. Travellers of all stripes visit the island in search of adventure, wildlife and breathtaking vistas. Accommodation can be expensive so if you are on a budget, make sure you check out hostels on the Isle of Skye. 

As you’d expect from somewhere with so much competition, the quality of the hostels on Skye is very high. This can make choosing the right one for you a challenge! I’ve worked on the Isle of Skye since 2019 and come to know a thing or two about the hostels. Spoiler alert… I even work in one!

So grab your preferred Scottish tipple, I’m going to help you choose an amazing hostel on the Isle of Skye to make your visit truly unforgettable!


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Top Hostels on the Isle of Skye

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Best Hostels on the Isle of Skye – Quick Answers!


5 Best Hostels on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

1. Skyewalker Hostel 

Skyewalker Hostel
Skyewalker Hostel on a spring day!

Located in Portnalong, just down the road from Talisker Distillery and the Fairy Pools, the quirky Skyewalker Hostel is one of the most popular hostels on the island. Offering private rooms with shared communal spaces, it is best known for its geodesic solar dome which sits in the garden.

Skyewalker benefits from a rural location which makes it a great choice for those looking to spot some of the Isle of Skye’s most impressive wildlife. The downside of its somewhat remote setting is that it is really only suitable for those travelling with their own transport as bus schedules are infrequent in this part of the island. Don’t forget to bring food with you or it’ll be a drive back to the nearest supermarket! 

Skyewalker is an over-18s-only hostel, so it’s not particularly well suited for families. Still, if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a few laughs in the evening with great company, it’s a fantastic choice. Visit during September for beautiful starry nights where it is possible to see the Milky Way and even the Northern Lights (if you’re lucky)! 

For a unique stay that you’ll never forget, book early and try to bag one of the garden huts. Cabincore meets cosy Scottish decor inside, making these cute boltholes one to tick off the bucket list! 

For full disclosure, I work in Skyewalker Hostel so I am a little biased. Still, I think their reviews speak for themselves. Skyewalker Hostel is not on any of the major online booking engines so reservations will need to be made direct. 


2. Portree Youth Hostel

Portree Youth Hostel
Portree is the best location for hostellers travelling by public transport.

Sitting smack bang in the middle of the action, Portree Youth Hostel is the perfect choice for backpackers travelling by public transport. Portree is the island’s capital, meaning good restaurants, cafes, shops and pubs are just a stone’s throw away. 

Portree Youth Hostel offers both private rooms and dorms, including options for solo female travellers. The hostel itself does not provide parking but there is a car park very close by which isn’t too expensive. 

This hostel is well facilitated with a laundry room, drying room and spacious kitchen. Breakfast is not included in the rate, however, a ‘wee breakfast’ is available with prior reservation and at additional cost. The seafront views over to the Sound of Rassay are beautiful, especially first thing in the morning before the crowds make it into town. 

Despite many of the island’s main sights being located outside of Portree, it is one of the best-served places on the island by public transport. All of the bus tours of the island pass through Portree and pick-up can be arranged if you book in advance. There are also boat trips available within easy walking distance. 


3. Dun Flodigarry Hostel 

Quiraing views
If you want to base yourself in north, consider Dun Flodigarry Hostel!

If you’re looking to explore the most exciting part of the Isle of Skye, Dun Flodigarry Hostel is a great base. Close to the Quiraing, Kilt Rock and the Skye Trail, it benefits from some of the very best views on the island. Overlooking the sea, it is possible to see porpoises, sea eagles, seals and potentially even otters! 

A range of accommodation options is offered at Dun Flodigarry, from dorm rooms to privates and even camping in the garden! The hostel has everything you could need from a stay on the Isle of Skye, including a shared lounge and clean kitchen. Dun Flodigarry is also a family-friendly hostel so if you’re travelling with children, this is the place for you!

If you’re looking to make your stay on Skye as green as possible, this hostel is a great option. They have their very own wind turbine and also use eco-friendly cleaning products. Electric car drivers will be pleased to hear that for an additional fee, they can make use of the EV charging point. A laundry service is also offered on-site. 

There is an on-site shop which sells basic hostel food such as pasta, cereals, fizzy drinks and other essentials. This is handy if you realise you forgot to do your shopping beforehand! Dun Flodigarry is not on any of the major booking platforms so reservations should be made with them directly.


4. The Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse

Isle of Skye Brewing Company, Uig
This is my own personal highlight of Uig…

Overlooking the Uig ferry terminal, this is a great location for exploring the tip of the island or catching an early morning ferry to Uist or Lewis and Harris. The Cowshed is exactly as its name implies, boutique. All of the rooms are tastefully decorated with tartan detail. A stay here promises to feel very Scottish! 

The dorm rooms are the prettiest on the island by far and each bunk has a privacy curtain, personal reading light and locker. As well as dorms, The Cowshed also offers glamping pods in the garden. The pods are child and pet-friendly and generally budget friendly for the area. Each ensuite pod comes with its own kitchenette and terrace to relax on. 

The village of Uig has plenty of facilities and visitors to the area should be able to find all the essentials close by. There are restaurants, pubs and cafés, plus a petrol station and a local shop. Perhaps the best thing (in my humble opinion) is that Uig is the site of the Isle of Skye Brewing Company. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of the island’s best beer! 

Attractions that are close to the Cowshed include the Fairy Glen and Rha Falls. All of the other highlights on the Trotternish Loop are around a half-hour drive away. If you’re looking to get off the beaten track, have a chat with the staff – they have plenty of great recommendations! 

Good to know! You should not expect the hostels on the Isle of Skye to have a 24-hour reception. Many of these hostels are small, family-owned businesses and the limited staff need to have a chance to relax too! Make sure you double-check both the check-in and check-out times prior to booking. 


5. Skye Basecamp

Skye Basecamp
Skye Basecamp is ideal for Munro-baggers!

Established in 2016, Skye Basecamp markets itself as a climber’s hostel. Ran by the guys at Skye Guides, the staff are super knowledgeable about the local hills and trails, making it a great place to get professional advice about the surrounding area. Its location in Broadford is close to both the Red and Black Cuillin so it’s a great base if you want to check a few more hills off your Munro bucket list! 

If you’re visiting Skye for an active holiday, you are sure to meet plenty of like-minded travellers here. There is also a large communal area to sit and enjoy a cheeky beer while you share your adventures with your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

They offer private rooms and dorms catering for up to 32 people. As you’d expect from any hostel catering to outdoorsy folk, they have reliably hot showers, a great drying room and big kitchen so you can rustle up a feast after a windy day on the trails. 

Broadford is one of the major settlements on the Isle of Skye which means that guests of Skye Basecamp have quick and easy access to Co-op supermarket and petrol station – the cheapest place to get fuel on the island! There is a range of first-class restaurants nearby, including my personal favourite Cafe Sia. Don’t miss the banging six-cheese pizza here – it ticks all the boxes. 

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Isle of Skye Hostels FAQ

What do I do if the above hostels are fully booked?

The above are my favourite hostels on Skye and book up fast. To avoid disappointment, you should book your accommodation as soon as you have chosen your travel dates. If the above hostels are not available, also be sure to check out the following great options: 
Flora Macdonald Hostel: Close to Armadale Ferry Terminal
Glenbrittle Youth Hostel: Ideally located for hillwalking in the Cuillin

How much does it cost to stay at hostels on the Isle of Skye? 

The Isle of Skye is an expensive destination no matter where you stay. While hostels are still the cheapest accommodation available, you should be prepared to pay more for a hostel on Skye than you would on other parts of the Scottish mainland. A bed in a dorm usually starts at around £30 per night. For a basic private room in a hostel, expect to pay upwards of £60 per night. 

Can anyone stay at a hostel?

It depends on the policies of each individual hostel. Some hostels will only offer accommodation to those over 18 and not all hostels are pet-friendly. Broadford Youth Hostel and The Cowshed (pods only) accept visitors with dogs. 

Can you just walk into a hostel? 

If you don’t have accommodation already booked, you can walk into a hostel and ask about their availability. However, the Isle of Skye is a very popular destination and I wouldn’t recommend doing this. Cheap accommodation gets booked up very early and during peak season, there are often no beds left on the island. Be prepared to sleep in your car if you forget to pre-book during summer! 

Do the hostels on the Isle of Skye offer free breakfasts?

Most of the hostels on the Isle of Skye will not offer breakfast, however, they usually have communal kitchens so that you can prepare your own. Sometimes, breakfast is available to purchase for an additional cost. 


With so many great hostels on the Isle of Skye, knowing which one to pick can be daunting. Accommodation books up quickly on the island and visitors are always advised to book early to avoid disappointment.  

Skyewalker Hostel gets consistently great reviews and its staff is the best out there (though I would say that..! 😉). If you’re looking for good public transport connections, either Skye Basecamp in Broadford or Portree Youth Hostel are good options. Those wanting to be based in the Trotternish Peninsula should look no further than Dun Flodigarry and The Cowshed, both of which are excellent options. 

And, if you still can’t choose between the epic hostels on Skye, spend a few days here and base yourself somewhere different every night! That way you’ll really get the opportunity to delve into Skye’s secrets, experiencing far more than most tourists to the island. 

What is your favourite Isle of Skye hostel? Let us know your experience in the comments below!