Atlantic Airways operates a direct flight from Paris-CDG to the Faroe Islands (2h40) from £265 return all-in since 24 April 2026 — the only non-stop option to the Faeroes from mainland Europe. This Faroese hub then connects to Reykjavik (Iceland) in 1h30 on the same airline. Gotland, a UNESCO-listed Swedish medieval island, is reached via Stockholm and makes a distinct third coolcation. For summer 2026, budget £295–£445 for Faroe flights, £165–£335 for Iceland (Icelandair/easyJet) and £125–£165 for Gotland. Book at least 3 months ahead — a passport is required for the Faroe Islands.
Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a scorcher across the UK, with heatwave alerts expected from June — so why not head north instead? The coolcation trend (holidays to cool-climate destinations, under 20 °C) has surged 300% in Google searches in 2026. Atlantic Airways, the national carrier of the Faroe Islands, launched a direct Paris-CDG ↔ Vágar flight in 2h40 from £265 return — an unprecedented way to reach one of Europe’s most dramatic archipelagos, with easy connections from London via CDG. That same plane then connects to Reykjavik in just 1h30. And if you want a sunny yet cool island without crossing the Atlantic? Gotland, the Baltic’s medieval gem, awaits via Stockholm. Three destinations, three atmospheres, one summer at 15 °C.
The coolcation trend in 2026: beat the heat without missing out on adventure
The coolcation in 2026: a mainstream travel shift
The portmanteau coolcation (cool + vacation) refers to holidays in genuinely cool-climate destinations — ideally under 20 °C in summer. It is no longer just about escaping the heat: it is a philosophy that prizes authenticity, low tourist density and landscapes you simply cannot find on a crowded Mediterranean beach. According to Guide to Iceland and Google Trends, searches related to coolcations have jumped 300% in 2026, with 42% of global travellers now actively choosing temperate destinations over hot-weather resorts.
Why Nordic coolcations win for British travellers
- Summer temperatures between 11 and 19 °C — no heatwave risk
- Minimal overtourism: the Faroe Islands receive just 100,000 visitors a year
- Dramatic scenery (sea cliffs, glaciers, medieval ramparts) without the crowds
- Extremely long days — up to 21 hours of daylight in Iceland at the solstice
Atlantic Airways: the direct Paris-CDG ↔ Faroe Islands flight that changes everything
Atlantic Airways: the pioneering Faroese carrier
Founded in 1987 and wholly owned by the Faroese government, Atlantic Airways is the only airline offering a non-stop service between the Faroe Islands and mainland Europe via Paris-CDG. The CDG ↔ Vágar (FAE) route resumed on 24 April 2026 using modern Airbus A320neo aircraft. In low season (April–May, September–October): 2 flights per week (Monday and Friday). From 25 May 2026: 3 flights per week, with Wednesday added. The flight takes 2h40, non-stop, with checked baggage (23 kg) and cabin bag included in the LOW fare. For British travellers, a simple connection from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Paris-CDG makes the Faeroes reachable in under 5 hours door-to-gate. Source: Atlantic Airways official.
Pricing and booking strategy
- Lead-in price: £265 return all-in (low season, early booking)
- Realistic summer price (June–August): £295–£445 return depending on booking date
- 23 kg checked bag + 8 kg cabin bag included in the LOW fare — no hidden extras
- Faeroes → Reykjavik (KEF) connection: 1h30, 2–3×/week, ~£105–£225 return
Faroe Islands: the wild archipelago 2h40 from Paris-CDG
Faroe Islands — 18 islands, 50,000 people, 500,000 puffins
The Faroe Islands consist of 18 volcanic islands between Norway, Iceland and Scotland — 1,399 km² and just 50,000 inhabitants. An autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Faeroes have their own parliament (the Løgting, founded in AD 900, one of the oldest in the world). A network of 23 tunnels — including 4 sub-sea — and ferries links all the islands. The remarkably low visitor numbers (100,000 per year) mean trails are often deserted and authenticity is preserved. According to GuideToFaroeIslands.fo, the daily budget ranges from £62 to £190 depending on travel style.
Must-see highlights in the Faeroes
- Sørvágsvatn / Trælanípa: 7 km hike with the famous optical illusion of the suspended lake (entry DKK 200 / ~£23)
- Mykines: colony of 500,000 Atlantic puffins (ferry DKK 60 / ~£7, advance booking required)
- Vestmanna: 700 m sea cliffs and sea caves by boat from Tórshavn
- Tórshavn: Tinganes quarter, turf-roofed houses, PAZ Restaurant (2 Michelin stars)
- World’s first underwater roundabout: Eysturoyartunnilin tunnel, 60 m below the Atlantic (DKK 175 / ~£20)
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Car hire (7 days) | £295 | £420 |
| Accommodation (camping/guesthouses) | £590 | £1,090 |
| Food (self-catering + restaurants) | £210 | £420 |
| Activities (tunnels, hikes, Mykines) | £67 | £168 |
| Total on the ground (excl. flights) | £1,162 | £2,098 |
Iceland: geothermal wonders, midnight sun and a total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026
Iceland — the most spectacular coolcation, reachable via Atlantic Airways
Iceland is reachable from the UK in two ways: direct via Icelandair or easyJet from London airports (3h, from £140 return), or via the Faeroes with Atlantic Airways (CDG→FAE in 2h40, then FAE→KEF in 1h30). This second itinerary — longer but unique — lets you combine the Faeroes and Iceland in a single trip with the same carrier. Summer 2026 is particularly special: on 12 August, a total solar eclipse will cross Reykjavik (~1 minute of totality) and the Westfjords (over 2 minutes). Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected — hotels are already at 200–300% of normal rates that week. Source: Guide to Iceland.
Iceland highlights for summer 2026
- Golden Circle: Þingvellir (tectonic rift, parliament AD 930), Geysir (erupts every 5 min), Gullfoss — all three sites are free entry
- Blue Lagoon: iconic geothermal spa, Comfort entry from £68 — advance booking essential
- Midnight sun: in Reykjavik, sunrise at 02:55 / sunset at 00:03 on the summer solstice (21 June 2026)
- New in 2026: Laugarás Lagoon (new geothermal spa on the Golden Circle) + kilometre charge of 6.95 ISK/km to factor in
Gotland: Sweden’s medieval island, the Baltic’s best-kept secret coolcation
Gotland and Visby — Scandinavia’s Mediterranean island at 14 °C
Gotland is not served by Atlantic Airways — it is a separate destination, reached via Stockholm. From London airports: a direct flight to Stockholm Arlanda (2h30, British Airways/SAS/Ryanair, from £65 one way), then a ferry from Nynäshamn → Visby in 3h15 (up to 21 sailings per week in high season) or a short flight Stockholm → Visby in 30 min (~£48). The walled city of Visby, on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995, contains 3.4 km of 14th-century medieval ramparts, 13 church ruins and a Viking museum home to the « largest silver treasure in Europe ». According to Visit Sweden, the island is also Sweden’s sunniest (2,100 hours per year).
What makes Gotland unique
- Medieval Week (2–9 August 2026): 40,000 participants, 800 events across 40 stages, theme « Love » — Scandinavia’s largest medieval festival
- Fårö: Ingmar Bergman’s secret island, a free 6-minute ferry away — raukar sea stacks, wild beaches, Bergman Center
- Cycling: flat terrain, 81 signed coastal routes, hire shops at Visby harbour
- Lummelunda Caves: karst cave network 13 km from Visby (~£13)
Medieval Week 2026: Visby transforms into a 14th-century city
From 2 to 9 August 2026, Visby’s Medieval Week plunges the city back into the 14th century under the theme « Love ». Jousting tournaments, medieval markets, early music concerts, fire shows and costumed craftspeople: over 800 events — including 100+ free — fill the 40 stages set up among the ruins and on Visby’s ramparts. According to Medeltidsveckan.se official, 40,000 costumed participants create a time-travel atmosphere unrivalled in Northern Europe.
Medieval Week highlights
- 100+ free events on the ramparts and in church ruins
- Opening procession (historical cortège through the old town)
- Artisan market: leather, blacksmithing, calligraphy, pottery
- Medieval dining: banquets and period cooking
Comparison: Gotland, Faroe Islands, Iceland — which coolcation suits you?
| Criteria | Gotland (Sweden) | Faroe Islands | Iceland |
|---|---|---|---|
| From London | Flight LHR/LGW→ARN (2h30) + ferry/flight ARN→VBY | LHR/LGW→CDG + direct CDG→FAE (2h40) via Atlantic Airways | Direct LHR→KEF (3h) or via Faeroes |
| Return flight price | £125–£235 (London-Stockholm + ferry) | £265–£445 (Atlantic Airways via CDG) | £140–£335 (Icelandair/easyJet) |
| Summer temperatures | 14–19 °C | 11–15 °C | 10–15 °C |
| Daily budget/person | £84–£126 | £85–£150 | £100–£168 |
| Entry requirements | Passport (EEA) | Passport mandatory | Passport (EEA) |
| GHIC/EHIC valid | UK GHIC valid (EEA) | No (private insurance required) | UK GHIC valid (EEA) |
| Tourist density | Moderate (Visby busy in July) | Very low (100,000 visitors/year) | High (Ring Road) |
| 2026 event | Medieval Week 2–9 August | Puffin season May–August | Total eclipse 12 August |
For a combined Faeroes + Iceland itinerary (10 days), budget £3,000–£4,800 for two people including flights. The circuit London→(CDG)→Faeroes (3–5 days)→Iceland (4–7 days)→London is fully achievable via Atlantic Airways for the outbound leg (CDG→FAE→KEF), with a direct return from Reykjavik to London (Icelandair/easyJet, 3h).
Also see our roundup of 5 cool destinations to escape the summer heat, with guidance on Iceland, Scotland, Norway, Brittany and the Azores.
Practical essentials: eSIM, travel insurance and connectivity for all 3 destinations
One eSIM covers all 3 destinations via Eurolink regional plans. No physical SIM card needed — activate in 5 minutes before departure. New user code: NEWTOAIRALO15 (−15%).
From $4 / 1 GBThe UK GHIC does not cover the Faroe Islands — travel insurance is compulsory. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance provides worldwide medical cover from $56/4 weeks, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Get 10% off via our link.
From $56 / 4 weeksFrequently asked questions — Faroe Islands, Iceland and Gotland coolcations
Does Atlantic Airways fly direct to the Faroe Islands from Paris?
Yes. Atlantic Airways relaunched a direct Paris-CDG ↔ Vágar (FAE) service on 24 April 2026, taking 2h40 with no stopover. It is the only non-stop option to the Faeroes from mainland Europe. The route operates twice a week (Monday and Friday) in low season, and three times a week from 25 May 2026 (Wednesday added). The service runs until approximately mid-October 2026. British travellers can connect easily from London Heathrow or Gatwick to CDG. Source: Atlantic Airways official.
Do British travellers need a passport for the Faroe Islands?
Yes, a valid passport is required for the Faroe Islands. Although the Faeroes are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, they are not in the European Union or the Schengen Area. No visa is required for stays of less than 90 days. The UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is not valid in the Faeroes, so private travel insurance is essential. Source: UK Government — Foreign travel advice: Faroe Islands.
Is the UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) valid in the Faroe Islands?
No, the UK GHIC is not valid in the Faroe Islands. The Faeroes are an autonomous territory outside the EEA, so reciprocal healthcare agreements do not apply there. The GHIC is valid in Iceland (EEA) and Sweden (EEA, so also in Gotland). For any stay in the Faeroes, private travel insurance is mandatory to cover medical expenses. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance (from $56/4 weeks) is well suited to hiking and outdoor activities in challenging terrain. Source: NHS — Using a GHIC or EHIC abroad.
Can you easily combine the Faroe Islands and Iceland in one trip?
Yes. Atlantic Airways connects Vágar (Faeroes) to Keflavík (Iceland) in 1h30, two to three times per week. An itinerary of London→(CDG)→Faeroes (3–5 days)→Iceland (4–7 days)→London is perfectly feasible. For the return from Reykjavik to London, Icelandair and easyJet operate direct flights in around 3 hours. Budget approximately £105–£225 for the Faeroes–Iceland sector depending on season. Total cost for two people over 10 days: £3,000–£4,800 including flights. Source: FlightsFrom.com.
Is Gotland accessible via Atlantic Airways from London?
No, Gotland is not served by Atlantic Airways. It is a Swedish island reached via Stockholm: fly from London (Heathrow/Gatwick/Stansted) to Stockholm Arlanda in about 2h30 (British Airways/SAS/Ryanair, from £65 one way), then take a ferry from Nynäshamn to Visby in 3h15 (up to 21 sailings per week in summer) or a 30-minute flight. British travellers need a passport for Sweden. The UK GHIC is accepted (EEA). Source: Visit Sweden — Gotland.
Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in summer?
No, the northern lights are not visible in Iceland in summer because the sun barely sets between mid-May and mid-August (the midnight sun phenomenon). Auroras require very dark skies, available only from September to March. However, summer 2026 offers a rare daytime spectacle: the total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026, visible from Reykjavik (~1 minute of totality) and the Westfjords (over 2 minutes). Source: Guide to Iceland — 2026 solar eclipse.
Sources
- Atlantic Airways — Paris route (official) — schedules, fares and information on the CDG-FAE 2026 service
- UK Government — Foreign travel advice: Faroe Islands — passport, health and safety requirements for British travellers
- NHS — Using a GHIC or EHIC abroad — GHIC not valid in the Faroe Islands
- GuideToFaroeIslands.fo — daily budget in the Faeroes ($75–$226/day/person)
- GuideToFaroeIslands.fo — Tunnels — Eysturoyartunnilin (DKK 175) and Vágatunnilin (DKK 100) tolls
- Guide to Iceland — 2026 eclipse — total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, impact on bookings
- Medeltidsveckan.se official — Medieval Week Visby 2–9 August 2026, theme « Love »
- Visit Sweden — Gotland — Sweden’s sunniest island, access and points of interest
- Direct Ferries — Nynäshamn → Visby ferry (3h15, up to 21 sailings per week)
- Guide to Iceland — Coolcation trend 2026 — +300% in Google searches, 42% of travellers choosing cool destinations
- GuideToFaroeIslands.fo — Hiking — Trælanípa and Sørvágsvatn access details
- FlightsFrom.com — FAE to KEF — Faeroes to Iceland connections and schedules
Research conducted on 17 May 2026 — prices and availability are indicative; verify at time of booking.
Ready to plan your Nordic coolcation for summer 2026?
Faroe Islands, Iceland or Gotland — each destination offers a cool, authentic alternative to the summer heatwave. Book your Atlantic Airways flights early to secure the best fares on the London–(CDG)–Vágar route, and start exploring our itineraries to plan every step of your Nordic adventure.
Explore our Nordic itineraries