Why Gotland is this summer's coolest island escape

Gotland is being promoted as this summer’s standout island escape in Sweden, centered on the idea that the best experiences come from driving rather than staying in one town. The island, Sweden’s largest, can be reached by flight or scenic ferry south of Stockholm, and is known for about 2,100 hours of sunshine a year. While Visby is highlighted for its medieval charm, travelers are encouraged to cross the island in roughly two and a half hours to move between giant sea stacks, pine forests, and small communities. The story points to Burgsvik in the south as the location of Sweden’s “sunniest square meter,” marked by an Ikea installation. It also contrasts north-focused tourism with the Sudret peninsula in the south, described as wilder and less crowded, with open landscapes and opportunities to roam under Sweden’s Allemansrätten. A suggested stay is Sibbjäns, a working farm with 22 rooms from £248.