As our name suggests, we’re big fans of holidays in warmer climes here at HotHolidays.co.uk but there is one destination that we love where sitting back on a beach and enjoying the sunshine certainly isn’t going to happen…

Iceland is actually one of our more popular options for people who are looking to head overseas, with the small island located in the North Atlantic Ocean being well visited by people heading north from the UK.

Whilst some are paying a flying visit on a cruise around the Baltics or as part of a multi-centre break with a city in the USA, with New York in particular being popular, an increasing number are eager to spend more time exploring the island to fully appreciate everything that Iceland has to offer.

But why?

Here, we run down six reasons why Iceland is a real favourite…

The Northern Lights
One of the biggest draws for anyone planning a visit to Iceland is the opportunity to marvel at the scenic beauty of the Northern Lights. Although there are a number of destinations where this is the case, Iceland is one of the very best, with the optimum time being during the winter months from September through to April.

Given how cold it can be during this period of the year, there is more chance of getting a clear night sky which in turn, provides the best opportunity of seeing the Northern Lights shining brightly in the sky.

Such is the wilderness of the island when you head outside the cities and towns, there is also little in the way of light pollution.

The History
Iceland is an island that is rich in history and there are number of sites that can be visited for those who want to learn more about Icelandic life.

A number of national treasures are housed in the Safnahúsið, which is a part of the National Museum of Iceland that dates back to the mid-1800s, whilst Reykjavik Cathedral and the Lutheran church of Hallgrímskirkja are two of the most important buildings in the capital city.

Another museum is located in Akureyri to provide further insight into island life, whilst the former trading site of Gasir is nearby and every summer, a medieval market is recreated by local craftsmen

The Wildlife
If you’re a fan of wildlife then Iceland is a fantastic place to visit for a holiday, with the island being home to a wide array of different species.

On land, there is a wide variety of different mammals that call Iceland home, which includes everything from artic foxes to reindeer, whilst a huge array of different birds are to be found in coastal areas - which range from puffins to terns.

Boat trips around the coast, primarily during the summer months, also open up the opportunity to enjoy some whale watching, with a number of different types of whales all being found in the surrounding waters. Various companies offer trips that will take you out onto the water to get up close to these majestic creatures in their natural environment.

The Food
Lamb, dairy and fish products are widely found across Iceland and are the main basis for a number of dishes you might want to try on the island.

Seafood from the surrounding waters is widely available, with popular dishes including Harðfiskur (a dried salted fish) and Plokkfiskur - which is a simple but tasty fish-based stew. If you’re feeling brave, you might also want to sample Hákarl - cured and fermented shark that is usually washed down with a shot of a local spirit.

Lamb can be served all manner of ways, from a more traditional roast through to simple but filling soups, whilst dairy products such as cheese and Skyr - which is now a popular dish in the UK - are also widely available.

The Landscapes
Icelandic landscapes are stunning - there is no other way to put it. The island is home to vast glaciers, wide open fjords and towering volcanic peaks that can be explored on foot, on water or by road and are one of the main highlights for anyone who who decides to pay a visit to the island.

The Blue Lagoon
Arguably the top visitor attraction in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon, a huge geothermal outdoor spa that is located near to Grindavík. With water averaging just under 40°C, it’s a great place to head for a range of treatments that will refresh both the body and the mind.