Last Minute Holidays from Manchester to Iceland

These are the bases we rate highest for a fast-booked trip from Manchester, judged on transfer time and last minute value.

• Akureyri: Akureyri is the largest town in North Iceland, set on the long Eyjafjordur fjord and surrounded by mountains. It is a base that suits a quieter trip, with a botanical garden, cafes and a relaxed pace after the busier south. The town centre is a short walk from the harbour, and Godafoss waterfall is within driving distance. We find it strong value for last minute travellers who want scenery without the crowds. Explore more Iceland holidays with us.
• Husavik: Husavik is a small harbour town on the north coast and the main base for whale watching tours in Iceland. Tours operate from the harbour, which sits close to the town centre, so you can walk from your accommodation to the boats. Cruise calls arrive seasonally, which can change how busy the harbour feels. We recommend it for travellers who want a single clear purpose for their trip.
• Vik: Vik is a village on the south coast along the Ring Road, about 180 km from the capital city, which makes it a practical overnight stop. Its black sand beach and basalt sea stacks are among the most striking coastal views in the country. The village is small, so you will need a car to make the most of the area. For a last minute booking it works well as a stop on a wider south coast route, the same brief our Iceland Adults Only Holidays deals are built around.
• Hofn: Hofn is a fishing town in southeast Iceland and the gateway to the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon. Its location makes it a useful base for those who want to reach the lagoon and the nearby Vestrahorn headland without driving back each evening. The town itself is modest, so it suits people who value access to the scenery over nightlife. It is the sort of stop our Iceland Luxury Holidays packages are built around, since it puts the best of the south-east within easy reach. We see it as a sensible choice when your schedule is tight.
• Stykkisholmur: Stykkisholmur is a small town on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a harbour and ferry links for boat trips across Breidafjordur bay. It is quiet and peaceful, which is an advantage if you want a slower last minute break away from the capital, the same brief our Iceland All Inclusive Holidays deals are built around. The peninsula sits roughly two to three hours from the capital by road, so plan your driving carefully. We recommend it for travellers seeking calm over convenience.