The largest and only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westmann Isles) group off Iceland’s southwest coast, Heimaey is home to just under 5,000 people. It came to international attention in 1973, when the lava flow from a nearby volcanic eruption nearly destroyed the town. Swimming, hiking, golfing, sailing, horseback riding and bird and whale watching are just some of the popular activities at Heimaey. Passage from the mainland takes about three hours by ferry or about half an hour by air.