Sandoy Island

Sandoy Island is a beautiful yet sparsely populated and rarely visited part of the jaw-dropping Faroe Islands. Here, you will experience gentle landscapes, and a laid-back village life.

The island’s name translates to “The Sand Island”. This refers to the island’s beaches, which are some of the only proper sandy beaches in the rocky archipelago. The villages of Sandur and Húsavík have the two best beaches on the island.

The island is home to six villages, most of which have been inhabited since the Viking Age. Sandur and Skopun are the largest villages on the island, while Skálavík and Húsavík are mid-sized, and Dalur and Skarvanes are very small and remote.

Sandoy Island is quite flat for Faroese standards. The highest mountain, Tindur, rises only 479 metres (1542 feet) above ocean level. The island is a surprising contrast to the steep mountains that you see most other places in the Faroe Islands. Visit the island for its fertile countryside with steep cliffs on the island’s west coast. You will experience lush green valleys, peaceful lakes, idyllic settlements, beautiful views and pure serenity.

The Sandoyartunnilin Tunnel to Sandoy Island

On your way to Sandoy Island, you will drive through the subsea road tunnel, Sandoyartunnilin, from Streymoy Island. The tunnel is 10.8 km (6.7 miles) long. This subsea marvel gives you seamless access to the island.

Sandoyartunnilin is an engineering triumph that enables you to travel by ease between two of the islands in the archipelago. It opened on December 21st 2023, facilitating faster and more convenient transportation, and reducing travel time significantly compared to the previous ferry route.

As travellers delve into the depths of Sandoyartunnilin, they experience an awe-inspiring journey beneath the North Atlantic. As you drive beneath the ocean’s surface, the tunnel reveals a captivating underwater world with art installations by local artist Edward Fuglø. Illuminated by artificial lighting, the journey through the tunnel becomes an experience in itself.

You can also reach Sandoy Island by bus from Tórshavn. Remember to look out of the windows as you pass through the tunnel on your way to the island.

Hike to Líraberg Cliff

One of the best outdoor things to do on Sandoy Island is the hike to the majestic Líraberg Cliff. The route starts in the village of Skopun.

This out-and-back hike will get you to the most outstanding cliffs on the island’s rugged west side. Spend 2-3 hours on this attraction to get the full experience.

Sandoy Island on a Map

You can see Sandoy Island on the map of the Faroe Islands located in the southern part of the archipelago.

Fríða Weihe

Fríða Weihe is Faroese born and bred. She grew up in Tórshavn, the capital in the Faroe Islands. Graduated from Glasir Tórshavn College within Marketing Management, Fríða did her internship at Guide to Faroe Islands. Fríða has since then continued working within travel and tourism ensuring a high quality all way through.

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