15 Stunning Black-sand Beaches Around the World
When you think of a beach vacation, you probably envision pristine golden sand and turquoise waters. And while that might be a typical picture, why not explore the drama and mystery of a black-sand beach?
The fascinating dark hue of the sand is caused by volcanic lava flow over time. Black sands can be found around the world, from Iceland to Japan to Dominica. Below is a list of 15 must-see black-sand beaches that offer a stunning and unexpected contrast to the blue waters that lap their shores.
Punaluʻu Beach, Hawaii, U.S.
Punaluʻu Beach on the southeastern Kaʻū coast of Hawaii’s Big Island is a popular spot for sunbathers to sprawl out between coconut palms and the Pacific coastline. Like other beaches across Hawaii, it gets its jet-black color from years of volcanic activity, which created lava fragments.
Punaluʻu is one of the largest, most accessible, and most popular black-sand beaches in the state. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the beach “isn’t ideal” for swimming, but it’s perfect for nature lovers: It’s a hot spot for the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle, called “honu,” and the Hawaiian monk seal.
Playa Jardín, Canary Islands, Spain
On the northern coast of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, lies touristy Playa Jardín. Considered a true city beach — complete with a promenade that connects the sand to restaurants, children’s playgrounds, and more — this stretch was landscaped by artist César Manrique to create a juxtaposition of black volcanic sand and the lush plant life that lines the nearby shore. The name itself, “Playa Jardín,” is Spanish for “garden beach.”
The beach stretches more than half a mile and is divided into three sections: the small Playa Chica flanked by two larger bays, Playa del Castillo and Punta Brava.
Ureki Beach, Ureki, Georgia
Appropriately, Georgia’s black-sand Ureki Beach sits on the Black Sea. And while many beaches on the Black Sea do not have sand (they’re rock or pebble), this one does — and its alleged healing properties have attracted people for centuries.
It’s believed to have the highest concentration of “magnetic sand” among Georgia’s beaches. The sand contains minerals like magnetite (iron oxide) and zircon, which reportedly retains heat. This is said to help expand blood vessels and improve health.
Perivolos Beach, Santorini, Greece
Santorini is known for its stunning beachfronts and stark white-stone buildings, but Perivolos Beach on the island’s southern shore is more famous for its sand than anything. In true Santorini fashion, the blackness of the beach contrasts with colorful beach chairs and the deep-blue hue of the Mediterranean. While it’s one of Santorini’s quieter areas, visitors can expect some overflow from the busier Perissa and Agios Georgios beaches nearby.
Kehena Beach, Hawaii, U.S.
Glowimages RM/Alamy Stock Photo
Kehena Beach, on the east shore of Hawaii’s Big Island, is a small, narrow strip of inky-black sand surrounded by spectacular volcanic cliffs. It’s been dubbed Dolphin Beach because spinner dolphins are known to frequent the water. Disclaimer: This beach is a popular choice among visitors who like to sunbathe naked. Nudity is technically not allowed, but it’s one of Hawaii’s most popular unofficial clothing-optional stretches of coastline.
Piha Beach, Piha, New Zealand
On the western coast of New Zealand’s North Island, less than an hour’s drive from bustling Auckland, is an iconic and often rough surf beach with beautiful black sand. Visitors claim that the sand at Piha Beach is hotter in the summer than on other beaches, but the locals don’t let that deter them. Just remember to bring your “jandals,” what the kiwis call Japanese sandals, to avoid foot burns.
Miho no Matsubara, Shizuoka City, Japan
For centuries, Japanese artists have depicted the majestic Mount Fuji from the shores of Miho no Matsubara, a black-sand beach that provides perfect views of the volcano’s summit. The scene is made even more distinctive by the tens of thousands of pine trees that line the beach. Come with a canvas if you’re feeling inspired to paint the landscape, or join the adventurous in diving or windsurfing.
Diamond Beach, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Iceland is a hotbed of volcanic and geothermal activity, and these natural forces are what created the black sand at Diamond Beach on Iceland’s most famous glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón. Located in southeastern Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park, this beach is known for its glistening black sand covered in large pieces of ice — hence the “diamond” in its name. While the frequently seen seals enjoy hunting for fish in the frigid waters, visitors are advised not to venture in or climb on the ice.
Playa Negra, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Surfers of all skill levels head here for sought-after right-hand barrel waves and warm water, but the main draw of Playa Negra is its carbon-colored sand. The beach is walkable from the town of Los Pargos, which has many hotels and restaurants to accommodate tourists. Other things to do in the area include zip lining through the rainforest, renting paddleboards, and snorkeling in the shallow water.
Papenoo Beach, Papenoo, Tahiti
Tucked away next to the green mountains of Tahiti and surrounded by lush greenery, Papenoo Beach draws adventure seekers because of the river mouth that empties there. That river break provides surfers with left- and right-hand waves galore, but if you’re not qualified to go up against rough waters, admiring the experts from the safety of Papenoo’s stark black sands is a perfectly acceptable alternative.
Spiaggia di Ficogrande, Stromboli, Italy
Italy is known for its picturesque coastline, but this volcanic island off the coast of Sicily offers a contrast to the golden-sand beaches most people imagine. Tiny black pebbles cover the coastline, intensifying the hue of the sea. Spiaggia di Ficogrande is a Blue Flag-status beach, meaning it’s managed sustainably and its waters are highly swimmable and fishable.
Black Sands Beach, California, U.S.
You don’t have to hop on a long-haul flight to see a dramatic dark coastline. Black Sands Beach, just a 30-minute drive from San Fransisco in the Marin Headlands, provides an option for beachgoers in the continental United States.
A departure from the usual light-colored, quartz-rich sands you find on the California coast, this small black-sand beach — formed from ancient lava-based pillow basalt — in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a hidden gem.
Playa Negra, Vieques, Puerto Rico
Not to be confused with Costa Rica‘s black-sand beach of the same name, Puerto Rico’s Playa Negra occupies the south side of Vieques, an island known and celebrated for its bright-white sand. Rough waves and a rocky bottom make swimming a challenge at times, but the dramatic scenery — with its steep surrounding cliffs — is worth a visit.
Rosalie Bay Beach, Rosalie, Dominica
This black-sand beach is located just steps from the Rosalie Bay eco-resort, where guests can enjoy views of the distinctively colored sand from their own rooms. Besides the stunning scenery — think rainforest, mountains, and beach wrapped in one — Rosalie Bay is known for being the nesting site for endangered sea turtles from March to October. Come to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle, but don’t touch the animals or get in their way.
Keramas Beach, Bali, Indonesia
This stunning beach in Bali is especially popular among surfers, so it’s a great place to hit the waves or watch as surfers ride in. Its sparkling black volcanic sand is quite pebbly, but it’s comfortable enough to stretch out on for sunbathing. Expect a locals-only vibe with lots of peaceful, natural scenery. Despite its surf appeal, Keramas Beach remains remote, even though it’s just a 30-minute drive south of Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali.
