Package Holidays to Iceland

The most popular bases for a first visit combine easy access to flights with a strong range of sights within a manageable drive.

• Reykjavik: Reykjavik is the capital and the most practical base for a package, with a compact centre where most hotels, restaurants and museums sit within walking distance of one another. It lies roughly 50 km from Keflavik Airport, so transfers are straightforward on arrival. The trade-off is that the city itself offers less dramatic scenery than the countryside, so most visitors plan at least one day trip. We think it is the strongest choice for travellers who want nightlife, food and a central base. It is exactly the brief our Reykjavik holidays deals are built around.
• Akureyri: Akureyri is the largest town in the north and sits on the long Eyjafjordur fjord, with a relaxed pace and a botanical garden. It is a useful base for whale watching from the harbour and for reaching the Godafoss waterfall by car. The journey from the capital is considerably longer than a day trip, so it suits travellers who are happy to stay put for a few nights. We recommend it for visitors seeking a quieter northern base.
• Vik: Vik is a small village on the south coast along the Ring Road, famous for its dramatic black sand beach and its towering basalt sea stacks. It lies roughly 180 km from the capital, which makes it a natural overnight stop rather than a base for city life. Visitors should take care on the shoreline, as the waves are powerful and unpredictable. We suggest it for travellers who want coastal scenery at the centre of their stay.
• Husavik: Husavik is a small harbour town in the north and one of the country's main hubs for whale watching, with tours running from its quayside. The town is close to its harbour and centre, which keeps the atmosphere calm and unhurried. Its limited range of accommodation and restaurants means it works best as a short stay alongside the larger northern town nearby. We think it is ideal for visitors whose priority is seeing whales up close.
• Stykkisholmur: Stykkisholmur is a small town on the western edge of Iceland, with a harbour that serves as a ferry port for boat trips across the wide waters of the western fjords. The town is quiet and has a slower rhythm than the capital, which many travellers find restful, and it suits the same unhurried brief our Iceland Beach Holidays deals are built around. It is more remote, so you will need a car to explore the wider region and its coastline. We recommend it for those who want a peaceful base within reach of the western sights.