Hi all!

I understand that late June and early July are peak travel months in Iceland, so I am definitely not expecting empty roads or people‑free landscapes. That said, I am trying to get a sense of which regions might be relatively less crowded during that time.

Some of the sights along the Golden Circle and South Coast (Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Diamond Beach, etc.) look absolutely stunning, but I also know they are among the most visited spots and often packed with tour buses. We will probably still do the Golden Circle because there are some can’t‑miss stops, but we don’t plan to spend more than a day in that area.

We’re renting a car, so we’re flexible with timing.
Are there particular times of day when the Golden Circle and South Coast highlights are noticeably less crowded? Early morning? Late evening? (We are used to long days, so we can swing early/late visits.)

We have about 8 full days (excluding travel days), and we would like to spend most of that time exploring areas that are a bit less busy, even if that means more driving. We have heard from other travelers that simply being on the road in Iceland is one of the best parts of the experience.

So, my main questions:

1. Which regions of Iceland should I research if I want comparatively fewer crowds?
   
2. Any specific towns, peninsulas, or routes you recommend for a quieter experience?
   
3. Best times of day to visit the big-name Golden Circle/South Coast stops to avoid the worst of the rush?
   

Thanks in advance! Excited for this trip and hoping to balance the iconic spots with some quieter landscapes.