A unique gem in Breiðafjörður bay, a two-kilometer-long island with a rich history and a charming old village. The houses on this remote island were built over a hundred years ago and are so well preserved that when you step off the ferry, it really feels like you are stepping back in time. With a sparse population of just a couple of farmers staying the whole year, Flatey can get quite "busy" in summer with visitors and tourists. It's also a haven for bird lovers, with an abundance of migratory birds like puffins and arctic terns. Its single road leads to the old village and church and the island hosts the oldest Icelandic library, established in 1864. You can stay at the inviting Hotel Flatey, which offers cozy rooms and delicious local food.

If you want to go to Flatey you need to take the ferry from either Stykkishólmur or Brjánslækur. No cars are allowed on the island so you'll have to leave your car at your port of departure or have it shipped across.

NOTE: Between June 9th and August 25th, the ferry does two trips across every day. If you don't want to stay the night, you can take the first ferry in the morning and then the second ferry later in the day so you'll have a few hours on the island. You can even have the staff park your car and hand you the key once you're back in the ferry.

QUICK NOTES:

• What it is: A tranquil island in Breiðafjörður - the perfect getaway from the crowds and modern civilization. Also lots of birds!

• Best season: Summer (there are fewer ferry rides in the winter and the only hotel on the island is closed. The island also gets incredibly dark, and there are no people to clear away snow).

• Best time of day: Any.

• Nice to know: If you want to venture off the beaten path, make sure you bring a stick to hold over your head (or an umbrella if it's a still day) because you'll be in arctic tern territory! But fear not, simply hold something above your head and you should be safe(ish).