With ‘freedom day’ in jeopardy – as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is likely to delay the lockdown end date (21 June) by four weeks – so too are summer holidays.
Many countries remain on the UK’s red and amber list but one spot has just opened for direct flights from Britain – and could be the trip you’ve been hoping for all year.
Introducing the Faroe Islands – a haven that consists of 18 remote islands where adventure and exploration awaits.
Although it has been on the UK’s Green List since 17 May, Brits were forced to reach the archipelago via Denmark – which could be a costly detour.
However, the Danish government has now since lifted its Covid restrictions with direct flights available from Edinburgh.
Better yet, it takes just an hour and a half to fly there.
The remote archipelago – located midway between Iceland and Norway – is the perfect place to get away from the crowds.
It has a population of just 50,000 across its 18 islands, along with 80,000 sheep.
The ethereal islands are surrounded by dramatic landscapes such as stunning waterfalls, rugged cliffs and quaint grass-roofed houses.
And you certainly won’t find yourself short of things to do; there’s a whole host of outdoor activities including hiking, birdwatching, fishing and adventure sports.
The islands are also home to a vibrant food scene (including Michelin-starred restaurant KOKS), and an exciting programme of summer music festivals, including the 20th G! Festival, which will be held in July.
An eclectic and intimate music festival, it is hosted in the tiny fjord-side village of Syðrugøta – home to just 400 people.
The G! Festival takes place from 15-17 July and tickets cost from £173 per person.
The islands are also home to the most remote James Bond movie location yet.
The island of Kalsoy was used in the third and final act of the upcoming and hotly-anticipated 25th James Bond film, ‘No Time to Die’.
While it can typically only be reached by helicopter or ferry, visitors can now take the James Bond Sightseeing Tour and hike their way around the film locations, led by a specialist guide.
Travellers interested in unusual manmade buildings and sites can also drive through the 11km Eysturoy Tunnel – the world’s first subsea tunnel with a roundabout, which was completed in December 2020.
Perhaps more enticing is that the tunnel connects the islands of Streymoy (home to Tórshavn, the Islands’ capital) and Eysturoy, giving easy access to explore even more of the area.
The roundabout also features a dramatic light installation by Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson.
Fully vaccinated travellers from the UK are now allowed to enter the Faroe Islands without the need to quarantine.
All visitors still have to be tested on arrival at the airport (at a cost of £36) and should self-isolate until they have received the result (usually within half a day), with a follow-up test to be taken on the fourth day of their stay.
