The island lies in the Norwegian Sea, about 18 kilometres (11 mi) west of the mainland of Norway.

The islands of Igerøya and Ylvingen lie between Vega and the mainland.

The main villages on the island are Gladstad, the administrative centre of the municipality, and Holand.

[2] The southwestern part of the island is mountainous, with the highest point being the 803-metre (2,635 ft) tall Trollvasstinden.

There is also a ferry from Igerøya to the village of Tjøtta which is just south of the town of Sandnessjøen.