The best Airbnbs in the Scottish Highlands

Location: Lairg, on the Sutherland coast, between the villages of Lochinver and Clachtoll

If you want total seclusion, this semi-detached cottage will do the trick. It's settled in on the Sutherland coast, perched above Achmelvich Bay, with nothing but miles and miles of mountain and seaside views outside your window. This also makes for some fantastic hikes during the day and a rather spectacular sunset over the cliffs. This Airbnb is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers: the coastal trail passes right by your doorstep, leading through secluded coves toward the abandoned millstones at Port Altan ‘Abradhan, the iconic silhouette of Split Rock, and the pristine sands of Clachtoll Beach.There’s also a full kitchen and open-plan lounge, so you’ll have everything you need. It sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms, making it ideal for families or couples.

Best for: Hiking

Price: From £150 per night

Sleeps: Four people

Time Out says: The picturesque fishing village of Lochinver is just four miles away, offering cozy cafes, bakeries, a 24-hour filling station, and a butcher for all your NC500 road trip provisions

Location: Within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, just outside Lochgoilhead

A former Victorian summerhouse, The Seal Cabin is one of the most romantic Loch Lomond log cabins you can book. Located right on the water’s edge, this little wooden abode has been transformed into as snuggly a spot as they come. When you’ve got over aww-ing at its little-house-on-the-prairie exterior (and that might take a while), step inside and go ‘aww’ all over again at the elevated platform hiding the double bed and the lovely wood burner and sofa down below. Imagine being cuddled up in here with a storm raging outside! Romantic and then some.

Best for: Seeing red squirrels

Price: From £350 a night

Sleeps: Two people

Time Out says: Visitors can rent a boat on the loch to spot local seals, take a scenic hike through the Cormonachan Community Woodlands, and finish with coffee by the water at the Boatshed Café

Location: Cawdor, near Inverness and a 10 minute drive from Inverness Airport

Nothing says romance quite like a fire pit and sauna. So chuck some logs on the fire and relax in this tranquil retreat set within the grounds of a long-ruined stone byre. Guests can take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains of the North West Highlands, forests, sea, and a nearby castle. The open-plan interior features a cosy lounge with a wood-burning stove, a bedroom area with a super king-size bed, and kitchen and dining spaces – each with wide bi-fold doors that open onto a spacious private deck. This stay also promises to be midge free over the summer – a rarity in the Highlands.

Best for: Couples

Price: From £172 a night

Sleeps: Two people

Time Out says: Take a peaceful stroll through the surrounding woodland trails right from your doorstep to visit the historic grounds of Cawdor Castle, or enjoy a scenic day trip along the shores of nearby Loch Ness

Location: Broadford, Isle of Skye

This is an Isle of Skye Airbnb that will make you say ‘wow’. This is not camping like you’d think of camping, oh no. This is true glamping, in a solo pod in the middle of the mountains in Broadford, right by the loch. You may see cows and sheep strolling past in the morning, and some seriously mind-blowing views right outside the pod door. Blissful, but mind the cow pat. The Airbnb sleeps two in a cosy king-sized bed, making this a great romantic getaway for couples wanting to de-stress from city life. 

Best for: Bird watching

Price: From £130 a night

Sleeps: Two people

Time Out says: There’s a great selection of restaurants just up the road in Broadford. Try The Shellfish Shack and Gasta. Read our guide of the best things to do on the Isle of Skye

Location: Fort Augustus in Loch Ness

This is a chapel, not a castle, but it'd be fit for royalty. Luxurious beyond belief, this two-bedroom apartment is located within The Highland Club, an award-winning development of luxury apartments within a former fort, monastery and abbey, overlooking Loch Ness. Gorgeous original stained glass windows show the Scottish saints, while arches and vaulted ceilings create an undeniable sense of grandeur. You'll have full access to the property's sauna, swimming pool, tennis court and more – but it's the proximity to Loch Ness which is the real drawing card.

Best for: A luxury stay in the Highlands

Price: From £555 a night

Sleeps: Four people

Time Out says: Youre just a short, scenic walk from the banks of Loch Ness and the famous Fort Augustus canal locks. Head down to the marina in the evening to watch boats navigate the Caledonian Canal while enjoying fresh fish and chips by the water

Location: Drimnin, on the north-east shore of the Sound of Mull

What do you do with a stunning spot of land on a Scottish lakeside? Pop an airship on it, of course. Sitting in delightful juxtaposition against sweeping views of the stunning Sound of Mull, this aluminium pod designed by Roderick James Architects is a highly sought-after Highlands Airbnb. Diminutive in size yet comfortable for two people, this insulated space features a queen bed and modern kitchenette. At either end of the airship, glass-panelled noses offer heart-melting views of mountains and lochs, reaching as far as the Isle of Mull. A load of natural light pours through the big glass ends and (aero)nautical circle windows throughout the accommodation. Restaurants tend to hibernate during winter, so don't forget to stock up beforehand.

Best for: Unique stay in the Highlands

Price: From £200 a night

Sleeps: Two people

Time Out says: Take a short drive along the peninsula to visit the organic Nc'nean Distillery for an eco-friendly whisky tour and tasting. Keep in mind that local village eateries often hibernate during the winter months, so be sure to stock up on groceries in Fort William or Oban before heading down the scenic road to Drimnin

Location: Near Alberfeldy in Perth and Kinross

We love a building with an interesting back story, and The Tabernacle certainly has that. It started life as the Mary of Mercy church in Aberfeldy before finding itself scheduled for demolition in the early noughties. Luckily, it was ingeniously saved by being de-flatpacked and rebuilt in its current location in 2008. Inside you’ll experience its high wooden walls, luxe bathing facilities and all kinds of nooks and crannies. Its mint green exterior is adorable, as is the vintage rocking horse and claw-footed bath.

Best for: Group stays in the Scottish Highlands

Price: From £294 a night

Location: Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross

Sleeps: Four people

Time Out says: The cottage is located near the humorously named village of Dull (twinned with Boring, Oregon!), but the surrounding area is anything but. You're just ten minutes from Aberfeldy's vibrant craft shops, Highland chocolatiers, and scenic trail walks along the Falls of Moness. It's also only a 30 minute drive from Loch Lomond

Location: Evanton, 10 minutes to Dingwall and 25 minutes to Inverness

Located near the birthplace of the real Macbeth (no, Shakespeare didn’t invent him), this castle-grounds bakehouse has something of the magical about it. The bakehouse is in the North/East wall of the castle grounds and gives all who stay here unadulterated access to manicured gardens, ponds and an arboretum. The home itself is precisely the kind of snuggly-but-expansive country abode that those of us with Aga-and-nine-kids dreams totally lap up. The Emperor Bedroom has a dark wood four poster bed to fight over, while the downstairs open plan kitchen/dining/living area makes for the perfect area of a relaxed big group brunch of eggs, eggs, eggs to power you through a Munro hike.

Best for: Large groups or family reunioms

Price: From £400 a night

Sleeps: Eight people 

Time Out says: You’re staying near the birthplace of the real-life King Macbeth. Take a scenic 30-minute drive over to historic Cawdor Castle to explore the ancient gardens and channel your inner Shakespearean drama

Location: Isleornsay, Isle of Skye

Want to stay on your own island, complete with a lighthouse? Yeah, we know you do. This unique home on the Isle of Skye boasts four acres of land including the working lighthouse. After arriving by boat, you'll discover a traditional home with a few modern specifications. Really though, it's all about the views. Sit out with your morning coffee and watch the waves lap against the shoreline and enjoy a well-earned break from society in a home that's been frequented by lighthouse keepers for centuries. It doesn't get quirkier than that.

Best for: Remoteness

Price: From £847 a night

Sleeps: Seven people

Time Out says: Hop back across the narrow sound to the mainland shore of Isleornsay to visit Eilean Iarmain, a traditional Highland hotel and pub famous for its cozy fireside drams, fresh local seafood, and Gaelic hospitality

Location: Bernisdale, Isle of Skye, near Loch Snizort and Portree

Not only is this one in the super-cute town of Bernisdale, Skye, but it’s in a supremely characterfully converted post office. Within walking distance of both Loch Snizort (great name, eh?) and loads of hiking trails, it’s got a double bed, two single beds and a cosy open stove. In other words, it’s as ideal for families as you can really get. It's the most idyllic place to rest your feet after a day of exploring the nearby area. Pop your feet up, grab a cuppa, and light the fire; it will feel like you've already retired. We wish. 

Best for: Budget stay in the Isle of Skye

Price: From £147 a night

Sleeps: Two people

Time Out says: Head into the nearby village of Portree to explore its famous pastel-colored harbour, stock up on local supplies, and enjoy freshly caught fish and chips right along the pier

Location: Ballintuim, Perthshire, is in the central Highlands

Perched on its own bridge, this quirky home spans the River Ardle on peaceful Ballintum. Built in 1881, The Bridge House boasts charming features such as stone spiral stairs, traditional timber-clad walls, stone flooring and a privy directly over the river. You've got scenic views all around you, making for a relaxing stay. The sauna will help with that too.

Best for: Families

Price: From £252 a night

Sleeps: Four people

Time Out says: After a day hiking the Cateran Trail or skiing at Glenshee, drive five minutes down the road to Kirkmichael or Bridge of Cally for cozy fireside meals at traditional Highland pubs. Plus, you're a 30 minute drive from Dunkeld, Pitlochry, and the southern entrance of Cairngorms National Park

Location: Flesherin, Isle of Lewis

This cute little home on the Isle of Lewis started life as a coal shed for the nearby lighthouse (Tiumpan Head), but don’t be fooled into thinking that makes for a ‘rustic’ stay. Beautifully converted with lots of concessions to making it blend into the existing landscape, the really showstopping part of this home centres on the first floor living and dining space and its huge windows which look out across the waters. When bedtime calls, tuck yourself into a super king size bed under a lovely patchwork quilt.

Best for: Whale watching

Price: From £300 a night

Sleeps: Four people

Time Out says: This Airbnb is located next to the tiny fishing village of Portnaguran. Pack a high-powered telescope or binoculars. Tiumpan Head Lighthouse is widely considered one of the best land-based whale, dolphin, and porpoise watching posts in all of Europe, with regular sightings of minke whales, orcas, and risso's dolphins right off the headland

Location: Glendale, Isle of Skye

Is that a gorgeous landscape painting on your living room wall? No, it’s a window out onto the most painterly and lush of island scenery. Nestled into a westerly corner of Skye, this stunning cottage blends Scottish comforts with Scandi chicness. We love the dark-hued kitchen design, the witty Pantone colour posters in the bedroom and, of course, the outdoor fire pit for late-night whiskey. Village amenites can be found in both Lephin and Dunvegan.

Best for: Foodies

Price: From £350 a night

Sleeps: Four people

Time Out says: You’re in a premier spot for world-class Highland dining. Drive less than ten minutes to the legendary The Three Chimneys, an award-winning restaurant celebrating wild Isle of Skye seafood and local estate game. Visit the stunning castle in Dunvegan which is 15 minutes in the car

Location: Fort William, near Ben Nevis

Thinking of tackling (we mean walking up) Ben Nevis Scotland's highest mountain? Or simply dreaming of full Highlands immersion? This luxury eco-cabin offers three private acres with incredible views of the Nevis Range so that you can look at it and either say 'yes, I'll do that' or 'it's lovely here and that's massive so I'll just say I've been there'. This log cabin is powered by a solar and micro-hydro system, making it super energy efficient. It's mega-comfortable, too, thanks to underfloor heating, a wood fire, and a huge bath to soak your cares away. The three-bedroom space can fit up to five guests, making it ideal for a group excursion (or exertion).

Best for: Mountain climbing

Price: From £620 a night

Sleeps: Five people

Time Out says: Known as the outdoor capital of the UK, Fort William is an exceptional launching pad for Highland adventures. You're minutes from the dramatic glens of Glen Nevis and Glencoe (famous for their starring roles in Harry Potter, Braveheart, and Outlander), close to top-tier whisky distilleries, and perfectly positioned for day trips out to the islands of Skye, Mull, and Iona