The Westman Islands, or Vestmannaeyjar, are found five miles off the south coast of Iceland. The archipelago numbers around 8, islands but only one is inhabited. The main island of Heimaey (or 'Home Island') can be reached by regular flights or ferries from the mainland. The islands provide spectacular scenery of soaring cliffs, rock stacks and volcanic caves. The climate is milder than the mainland but wet and windy. A major eruption in 1973 caused Heimaey to be evacuated but today it's perfectly safe for visitors who hire a car in Vestmannaeyjar to tour the island.
Visitors hiring a car in Vestmannaeyjar can fully explore the roads of Heimaey, an island which measures more than five square miles. The town lies on the north of the island around a sheltered natural harbour. The airport is south of it, in the centre of the island. Attractions on Heimaey include the stave church on the waterfront, which was a gift from the Norwegian government, and the volcanic peak of Eldfell; the mountain that caused Heimaey's 1973 crisis. There's a busy fishing harbour and trips to other islands on offer. The sea bird population on the Westman Islands is particularly impressive.
