Iceland Holidays in July

Iceland's beaches are dramatic and dark-sanded rather than the sandy, sun-loaded coves found in warmer destinations, and July is the month to visit them for scenery and walking.

• Reynisfjara black sand beach: The black sand beach near the village is one of the most striking coastlines in the country, with basalt columns and volcanic sand that look unlike any beach in the UK. In July the weather is more settled than in winter, which makes walking along the shoreline far more comfortable, though strong waves and sneaker waves mean you must keep well back from the water at all times. This is a coastline for looking rather than swimming, and the temperature of the sea is far too cold for most visitors. We recommend it for landscape lovers who want dramatic views rather than a sunbathing day. It is exactly the brief our Iceland Beach Holidays deals are built around.
• Stokksnes headland: The gateway to Stokksnes is a headland with black sand dunes and a mountain backdrop that is one of the most photographed coastal scenes in the country. July brings the longest daylight hours of the year, so you can visit in the evening when the light is softest and crowds are thinner. The sea is cold and the wind can be strong, so this is a place for walking and viewing. The nearby town also serves as a practical base for glacier lagoon visits in the same region.
• Seydisfjordur bay: Seydisfjordur is a small fishing town in the east with a colourful harbour and a ferry link to Denmark and the Faroe Islands, and its sheltered fjord gives the coast a calmer feel in July. The town is set among mountains with access to the water, and summer is the season when its harbour is most active. Expect a cool sea and limited sunbathing, but the bright evenings are ideal for coastal walks. It suits visitors who want a quiet fjordside setting with ferry connections.
• Harbour: The harbour in the north is a regular cruise stop and the base for whale watching tours that run during the summer months. In July the seas are at their calmest, which makes boat trips more pleasant, though the water remains very cold and bathing is not recommended. The harbour sits close to the town, so you can easily combine a boat trip with a walk. We suggest it for travellers who want a water-based activity rather than a traditional beach day.
• Djupalonssandur: Djupalonssandur, a pebbled shore on the Snaefellsnes coast's southern edge, is a place where July's long daylight hours make a visit especially rewarding. The beach is famous for its scattered stones, once used by fishermen to test their strength, and the surrounding lava fields are easy to explore at a leisurely pace, the same kind of unhurried exploring our Iceland All Inclusive Holidays are designed around. The Atlantic here is far too cold and rough for swimming, so this is a destination for beachcombing, photography and quiet reflection. Travellers should allow a few hours and wear sturdy footwear, as the terrain is uneven and the wind can be strong even on mild summer days.