For a road trip like no other that takes you through alien landscapes with volcanic fields and stunning waterfalls, you need to hire a car and drive the 828-mile Route 1 in Iceland. This once-in-a-lifetime trip has recently been named one of the best in the world by Harry Anapliotis, the CEO of Rental Centre Crete and road trip expert.

He said: “Road trips offer a special kind of freedom that's hard to find elsewhere. After decades in the car rental industry, I've seen how a good road trip can transform a regular holiday into an unforgettable adventure.” It’s not just his opinion though - earlier this year, Route 1  secured the top spot in a Lonely Planet list of the 10 ‘dream trips’ to take in Europe. It’s easy to see why this trip is so popular - over the seven to 10 days it takes to drive, you’ll circle the entire island, driving past two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls -  Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

After seeing these incredible falls, you can pull up and wander the jaw-dropping black sand beaches of Iceland.

One of these beaches is located in the gorgeous village of Vík - and is also one of the most dangerous beaches in the world.

Reynisfjara became the best beach in Europe in 2023, according to Tripadvisor's annual ranking, with stunning black sands, basalt pillars and tumbling oceans.

It has some of the largest waves in the world, reaching up to 120 feet. These waves are known to sneak up on unsuspecting tourists and sweep them out to sea - so keep your wits about you when visiting this wild beach. 

Once you’ve marvelled at the beach, hop back behind the wheel and drive on to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This wondrous lagoon is filled with floating icebergs and offers boat tours as well as spectacular photo opportunities.

If you want to take this trip, then the best time of year to embark on it is the summer months, when you can reap the benefits of the midnight sun, which gives you almost 24 hours to explore.

Just make sure you are well-rested before you get behind the wheel.

If you choose to visit in winter, it is still beautiful, but you need to make sure you are prepared for sudden weather changes and have alternative travel options.