Iceland
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Reynisfjara | The world's most famous black beach, with basalt columns and towering sea stacks. | Near Vík. The waves are sudden and dangerous, so stay well back |
| Diamond Beach in Iceland | Clear chunks of ice glittering on black sand. | Opposite the Jökulsárlón lagoon |
| Stokksnes and Vestrahorn | Black dunes with yellow grass beneath a jagged mountain mirrored on the wet sand. | Near Höfn; a small fee, as it is private land |
Greece and the Canary Islands
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Perissa in Santorini | A long beach of black volcanic sand and clear water. | South-east Santorini |
| Kamari in Santorini | Black sand and pebbles beneath Mesa Vouno. | East Santorini |
| Playa Jardín in Tenerife | A black beach with tropical gardens designed by the artist César Manrique. | Puerto de la Cruz, Spain's Canary Islands |
| Playa de la Arena in Tenerife | A calm black beach near the towering Los Gigantes cliffs. | West Tenerife |
Asia
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Lovina in Bali | A calm black beach in the north of the island, with boat trips to see dolphins at sunrise. | North Bali |
| Amed in Bali | A fishing village with a black beach and clear water for snorkelling over the reefs. | East Bali |
| Samyang Beach in Jeju | Black sand on Korea's volcanic Jeju Island. | East of Jeju City |
New Zealand and Hawaii
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Piha in New Zealand | A black beach on the west coast with Lion Rock in the middle and strong surf. | About 45 minutes from Auckland; strong currents |
| Punaluʻu in Hawaii | A black beach where green sea turtles rest; watch them from a distance. | Big Island, Hawaii |
Tips before you go
- Black sand soaks up the sun and gets very hot, so bring beach shoes.
- Iceland's beaches are for looking, not swimming: the waves are dangerous and the water ice-cold.
- The best photos are at sunrise and sunset, when the wet sand shines.
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Frequently asked questions
Where are the best black sand beaches in the world?
Reynisfjara and Diamond Beach in Iceland, Perissa and Kamari in Santorini, Playa Jardín in Tenerife, Lovina in Bali and Piha in New Zealand.
Why is the sand black?
It comes from volcanic lava that cooled and was broken down by the sea.
Is it safe to swim at Reynisfjara?
No, its waves are sudden and dangerous, so enjoy it from a distance.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.