Kyle of Lochalsh, located on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, serves as a gateway to the Isle of Skye via the Skye Bridge, but the village itself deserves more than a passing glance. Once the terminus of the Highland Railway, the town still welcomes visitors by train on one of the UK’s most scenic routes. The line from Inverness to Kyle passes through remote glens, past lochs and mountain ranges, ending just steps from the waterfront. The village's maritime setting and railway heritage give it a distinctive character that blends highland traditions with a coastal way of life.

The local area offers striking views over Loch Alsh and toward the Cuillin Hills on Skye. Boat tours depart from Kyle Harbour and nearby Plockton, offering chances to spot seals, porpoises, and even sea eagles. The waters around the village are part of an important marine environment, sometimes clear enough to spot starfish and sea urchins from the pier. Just outside town, the viewpoint at Plockton Crags or the hilltop trail at Plockton Crags Nature Reserve provides a panoramic look over Skye, Applecross, and the Inner Sound.

One of the most recognizable sites nearby is Eilean Donan Castle, just 13 kilometers from Kyle of Lochalsh. Built in the 13th century and reconstructed in the early 1900s, the castle appears on postcards, calendars, and film screens worldwide. It has been featured in productions like Highlander and The World Is Not Enough. The castle sits on a tidal island at the meeting point of three sea lochs, and visitors can explore its restored rooms, stone towers, and small museum with Clan MacRae artifacts.