THE CROWD-FREE NORTH

It’s worth the long drive or an extra flight to reach north Iceland, where the skies are clearer and the crowds are fewer. The entry point Akureyri is a lively city within easy reach of the impressive Godafoss waterfall and Lake Myvatn’s geothermal area of bubbling mud pots, pseudo-craters and nature baths. Whale-watching vessels also cruise along the fjord.

Best Served Scandinavia (020 4586 1024; best-served.co.uk) offers four days from £1,215pp, including flights, transfers and excursions

j On the whale trail: spot cetaceans iiBathe in the famous Blue Lagoon