EDIT: I mixed up clockwise and counter-clockwise in the title, but the post still stands!
Most people seem to go counter-clockwise - south coast first, big highlights early. I did the opposite, and honestly, I don't have any regrets.
My reasoning: I wanted to tackle the longer driving days (west -> north, north -> east) earlier, while I had the most energy. And I wanted to save the south coast for last - Jökulsárlón, Skógafoss, the black sand beaches - it felt like the most rewarding stretch, and I didn't want to peak too early.
Ending the trip on the south coast with that build-up felt like a proper finale.
For those who've done it: which way did you go, and was it a deliberate choice? What were your reasons? Would you do it differently next time?