Inside ‘Scotland’s most beautiful town’ which has been likened to a fairytale

IF you are looking for a stunning holiday spot this summer, then look no further.

Scotland is home to some great staycation destinations, especially when the sun is shining.

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The Isle of Skye was named one of the most beautiful places last year by global travel site Big 7 Travel.

The largest of the Inner Hebrides, the island is known for its gorgeous coastline, tiny fishing communities and awesome scenery.

It even boasts a Michelin star restaurant, Loch Bay.

The Big 7 Travel ranking stated: “It’s got all the fixings of the rugged Highlands. We’re talking forgotten medieval castles, sleepy fishing villages, and endless otherworldly landscapes that’ll stop you in your tracks.

“In all of Scotland’s glory, the Isle of Skye is easily the most iconic and breathtaking area of the islands, and that’s saying something.”

The isle is popular with tourists keen to see some of the beauty spots, including the Old Man of Storr and the famous Fairy Pools.

And the island’s largest town of Portree is one of the highlights of a trip to the Isle of Skye.

The small port town is surrounded by stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Its harbour has a colourful waterfront with brightly painted toy-town-looking houses, shops and restaurants that stare out at a vista of the loch and its striking mountains.

The town itself is around 200 years old and was created as a fishing village at the start of the 19th century by the then Lord MacDonald.

It has everything a visitor is looking for from a cinema, swimming pool and library to book and gift shops, and a tourist information centre.

Portree also holds several annual events in the town such as the Portree Show and the Skye Highland Games – which is the island’s largest event, attracting a huge number of tourists.

The Visit Scotland website also recommends a visit to the town, saying: “The town is a popular base for exploring the rest of the island.

“Many visitors are drawn to the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Ridge to the north as this wild area is dominated by weird and wonderful at the same time rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the truly extraordinary pinnacles of the Quaraing.”

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It’s not only people who can’t get enough of visiting Skye either, with whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea eagles and basking sharks among a number of creatures that can be seen around the isle’s waters.

Sea tours leave from Portree’s harbour, including the Seaflower Skye, which won a TripAdvisor travellers’ choice award last year.

One of the best places to find a view in the town is the tower that stands on an outcrop of rock – known either as ‘Fancy Hill’ or ‘the Lump’ depending on who you talk to.

Either way, it can be climbed and offers a fantastic vantage point over the town.

One tourist said: “You’ll see a 19th-century Apothecary’s Tower amidst a quiet garden. Climb up the tower for a bit of a fairytale vibe and a great view of Loch Portree and the surrounding hills.”

Many tourists have taken to Tripadvisor and left glowing reviews about the place.

One person said: “Portree, the capital town on the Isle of Skye. A beautiful little town, harbour, coloured houses, boats, shops, lots of tourists, restaurants and pubs!

“There was a pipe band the evening we were there and a few highland dancers! Lovely atmosphere.”

Another wrote: “The harbor of Portree is adorable and a must visit when in Skye. The colorful houses with the boats in the water.

“Get to the viewpoint opposite to the water and have the best view. This is easy to find and don’t need to much time.”