Dyrhólaey

A 120-metre-high promontory with a rock arch punched through its base — the name literally means 'door hole island.' The lighthouse on top gives you a panoramic view: Reynisfjara's black beach to the east, Mýrdalsjökull glacier to the north, open Atlantic to the south.

From mid-May to mid-August, puffins nest in the cliff sides here by the thousands. The road to the upper viewpoint closes during peak nesting season (May-June) to protect them, but you can still access the lower area. Even without puffins, the views are worth the short detour.

Dyrhólaey is about 10 minutes' drive west of Vík, just off Route 1. It's often combined with a Reynisfjara visit since they're so close. Budget 20-30 minutes. The wind at the top can be fierce — hold onto your hat and stay behind the safety barriers near the cliff edge.