Carbost, Skye | Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
One of the highlights of our recent trip to Skye was spending the day in the charming village of Carbost. In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Carbost, coffee shops, and a few restaurant recommendations.
By: Lesley Stewart | April 2025
A strong contender for Skye’s most charming village, no trip to Skye is complete without a visit to Carbost.
This small but pretty spot is located on the southwest shore of Loch Harport on the Minginish peninsula, a gorgeous location with views over the Cuillin mountains.
One of the highlights from my most recent Skye road trip was spending the day in Carbost - an area of Skye that’s a surprising foodie hotspot and full of incredible sights, landscapes, and history. I’d say Carbost is a must on any Skye itinerary and the perfect slow day trip away from the crowds.
So, after careful research and numerous trips, I created this one-day itinerary that includes epic walks, wild beaches, and the most memorable experiences in Carbost.
I’d been looking forward to visiting this Skye village since discovering it’s the home of one of my favourite whiskies, but I quickly realised there’s so much more to see and do here than sip single malt.
My biggest surprise? The staggering number of seriously good places to eat and drink in Carbost.
Having visited three times and left on each occasion absolutely stuffed with all manner of delicious things from panckaes to whisky, I can now say that this tiny village is a treasure trove of eateries. That is to say, travellers seeking a taste of Skye’s best produce can expect to find themselves torn over where to indulge in coffee, cakes, seafood, and lunch - there are so many options.
But don’t worry; some of Skye’s most scenic walks are nearby to help you build up your appetite!
So, as you plan your Skye itinerary, spend a full day in Carbost - oh, and remember to pack your favourite hiking shoes. This is my guide to visiting Carbost, including the places I went and what I loved most about my visit.
CONTENTS:
Day trip itinerary
Where to stay
Things to see and do
Coffee shops
Restaurants
Why visit Carbost, Skye
With stunning scenery, coastal strolls, the island’s oldest working distillery, and seriously good places to eat, Carbost on Skye is well worth visiting. Best combined with an early morning trip to the Fairy Pools and Slighacan Old Bridge, Carbost is a must-visit.
Located east of the harbour capital Portree, and miles away from the ever-popular Trotternish peninsula with its major attractions, Carbost is a peaceful little spot with fewer crowds.
That’s not to say it’s without visitors, and it’s certainly not as sleepy as Waternish or Elgol. But Carbost is often overlooked by visitors seeking Skye’s more famous places, meaning this coastal community retains a sense of tranquillity—making it a perfect day trip for slow days on the island.
Quick Guide: Carbost day trip itinerary
Here’s how I’d spend the day in Carbost, Skye:
Arrive in Carbost
Brunch at Cafe Cùil
Stroll Talisker Bay Beach
Coffee at Caora Dhubh
Wander the pier & beach
Seafood at The Oyster Shed
Lunch at Three Chimneys Talisker
Talisker Distillery tour/tasting
Dinner at The Old Inn
Head back to your hotel
You’ll find full details on everything below, including booking links, timings, and where to find places to eat.
Travel tip: The best way to explore Skye is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Staying in/near Carbost, Skye
We recommend basing yourself in Portree when exploring Skye, where you’ll find the greatest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and amenities. However, there are also some memorable places to stay near Carbost - most small and cosy B&Bs and cottages that are especially good for travellers seeking an idyllic rural getaway:
Ullinish House: for a beautiful and modern B&B stay in nearby Ullinish.
The Tin Church: for a unique stay in nearby Portnalong.
Cuillin Hills Hotel: for a modern stay in Portree.
Edinbane Lodge: for a luxury, foodie stay in the north of the island.
Things to do in Carbost, Skye
The best things to do in Carbost, other than indulge in the village’s foodie delights:
Skye Road Trip Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Skye, don’t miss my Skye road trip itinerary, a carefully detailed guide to the best things to do on the island, hidden gems, and practical tips like avoiding the crowds!
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Carbost, Skye Day Trip
1. Arrive in Carbost
If you’re visiting Carbost for the day, I recommend starting early and visiting the Fairy Pools beforehand.
One of Skye’s most iconic places, the famous waterfalls (and their single-track access road) get BUSY, especially during summer. If you can, be there around 8am (the earlier, the better), and you’ll have pools to yourself before the crowds pour in.
Carbost is a 10-minute drive away, with the ancient stone bridge at Sligachan also easily visited en route.
Driving in Scotland is easy, but first-time visitors should read my tips on ‘how to drive Skye’s single-track roads’ before starting your Scotland journey!
2. Brunch at Cafe Cùil
For your first stop, head to Cafe Cùil for a hearty brunch. This red-roofed barn is one of the island’s best eateries and offers a unique menu and delicious dishes that are guaranteed to set you up for a day of exploring.
This Hebridean-inspired cafe is, in a word, excellent.
Their innovative menu includes crowd-pleasing favourites like Lochalsh beef brisket rarebit (phenomenal) and Scotch pancakes with highland rhubarb (mouthwatering). We also devoured some pastries that were almost too pretty to eat, followed by perfectly frothy flat whites. Highly recommend.
3. Explore Talisker Bay
From Cafe Cùil, it's a 20-minute drive to Talisker Bay Beach. You’ll bypass Carbost village (don’t worry; you’ll come back this way later) and head along a narrow road until it ends at the tiny settlement of Talisker.
Parking is pretty rough, on the side of the road, and limited, so you may need to drive further back to find a spot.
From the road's end, it's a 20-minute walk to the beach. Follow the “to the beach” signpost at the farm (keep an eye out for the free-roaming peacocks); the route first passes through a tranquil forest and then over grassy farmland. Be sure to avoid disturbing any livestock and keep dogs on a lead.
Once you reach the trail’s end, the views are some of Skye's best - dramatic sea cliffs, tranquil vistas, and a secluded beach. The sand here is a unique mix of white and volcanic black sands and is best visited at low tide. If you can, scramble over the rocky shoreline to see the impressive sea stack at the bay's south end.
From Talisker Beach, head to the tumbling Talisker Waterfall.
Located at the bay's northern end, follow the sandy sweep as it curves gently along the unique basalt cliffs. I recommend allowing at least 1.5 hours for this coastal walk, longer if the sun is shining; the sheltered bay is a beautiful spot for a paddle when the sea is calm.
Alternatives:
If you’d prefer a shorter walk, Carbost Burn Waterfall is a pretty spot (though the hillside trail to the bottom of the falls is a rough scramble).
Or take a mini coastal road trip to the tiny pier at Portnalong. A tranquil spot, you’re unlikely to meet anyone but the locals, and the views towards Ullinish and the surrounding seacliffs are impressive.
4. Coffee at Caora Dhubh
After the morning at the beach, it’s time for a well-deserved coffee break. Head back along the road and into Carbost. Park at the pier (£5 goes to the local community) and make your way to the high street, where you’ll find one of my absolute favourite coffee shops in Skye.
Caora Dhubh (pronounced coo-ra doo and meaning black sheep) is a seriously hip little cafe, with its on-site roastery providing excellent coffee from the distinctive tin and wood shed.
There are also yummy baked goods (I highly recommend the gooey millionaires shortbread), bags of beans, and a little covered terrace with seats and waterfront views. It’s a serene experience, often away from the crowds, and I’d highly recommend visiting even if you don’t spend much time in the village.
5. Stroll the pier and beach
With coffee in hand, stroll along Carbost beach and the harbourfront. The rocky shore is an excellent place for kids to spot crabs and other sea creatures, while the working harbour is a busy spot with creels and lobster pots on the move between colourful fishing boats boats and the pier.
Wander along the short harbour; the views over Loch Harport and the surrounding Cuillin mountains are spectacular no matter the time of day.
6. Seafood at The Oyster Shed
One of the things I love most about Carbost is the food scene - this village is a real foodie hotspot!
If you ask me where to eat for lunch, I’d say the tucked-away Oyster Shed, a no-frills seafood shack serving exceptional seafood from local waters. Famous for its oysters (hence the name), the menu also includes langoustines, lobster, crab, and scallops.
Set on a hill above the village, it's a unique place to enjoy the best of Scottish seafood. A casual spot, there’s a shared table in the shed, but it's almost open-air and warm layers are necessary!
My top tip is to grab at least a few oysters here, but if seafood isn’t your favourite thing to eat or you’d prefer a more formal experience, don’t worry - we have the perfect option below.
7. Lunch at Three Chimneys Talisker
Adjacent to the distillery, Three Chimneys at Talisker is one of the best foodie experiences on Skye.
Set in a waterfront location overlooking Loch Harport, this chic coastal restaurant serves sharing plates, oysters, seafood platters, and mains showcasing “the very best of Skye's land and sea”.
Run by the team behind the famous The Three Chimneys restaurant, this unique eatery opens exclusively for lunch and a minimal number of evening events in the summer. Eating here is a fantastic way to sample food from the renowned fine-dining restaurant - but at a reasonable price and in a casual setting.
If you’re looking for menu inspiration, we devoured the West Coast mussels and sourdough, and the Dunvegan black pudding bon bons were moreish. But the seafood platter at the neighbouring table had a serious wow factor and gave us major food envy… it was an easy decision to add this eatery to our best Skye eateries guide!
The staff are super friendly, the views are gorgeous, and a roaring fire keeps the vibe oh-so-cosy.
But, as you can imagine, Three Chimneys Talisker is a popular spot, and we saw numerous walk-ins being turned away. If you’re thinking of eating here, book a table in advance.
8. Whisky tasting at Talisker Distillery
Afterwards, wander through the village towards the marina and make your way to Talisker Distillery. Overlooking the loch, this whitewashed distillery is the oldest on Skye, making Talisker the perfect stop for a dram.
Traditional outside but contemporary and state-of-the-art inside, Talisker is one of my favourite Scottish whisky distilleries. Their coastal-inspired single malt is dangerously easy to drink!
If you have time and are interested in how whisky is made, book a tour. We chose this distillery tour and tasting option. Lasting an hour and costing £22 per person, it was one of the highlights of my Skye trip.
However, if a tour isn’t your thing, but you’d still like to sample the amber nectar, you can also visit the stylish Campfire Bar.
Dimly lit with wooden benches and comfy bar stools, the bar offers access to the brand’s excellent whisky range; you can choose a whisky flight from the menu, build your own tasting tray, or order a carefully crafted cocktail.
If you’re driving, ask for a miniature to take away. Or visit by taxi - several local taxis will arrange drop-offs and returns at the distillery.
9. Dinner at The Old Inn
From Talisker, head along the high street towards the Old Inn. A Skye institution, this charming and ancient inn is famous for its traditional Scottish fare and lively evening atmosphere. I recommend dinner here if you have time, though booking in advance is essential.
The menu is reasonably standard pub-grub, but the seasonal specials board is where the Old Inn shines. We devoured hearty plates of slow-cooked beef with buttery mash and baked North Sea cod with mussels and baby potatoes. Very, very delicious!
It’s a cosy and informal eatery with local craft beers, doesn’t mind muddy boots, and has a good balance of locals and travellers; it's the perfect place to soak up village life on Skye.
10. Head back to your hotel
After a busy day out in Carbost, you’re likely feeling exhausted. It’s time to head back to your hotel in Portree or another part of the island - be sure to get a good night’s rest because tomorrow, you’ll be up early and ready to explore another part of the island!
If you want island inspiration, check out my detailed Skye map and day-by-day itinerary. It’s packed with things to do, see, and visit. There’s also practical tips like how to maximise your time on the island and how to avoid the crowds.
Read next:
How to get from Edinburgh to Skye
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