Do you know what is black sand beach? So the black sand didn’t turn black on its own. It appears black as a result of lava and other volcanic materials being broken down over centuries by the ocean. This black sand beach is not common and they are also very beautiful.
These have an entirely different atmosphere from your everyday beaches. Black sand beaches are worth a visit once in a lifetime because of their otherworldly qualities. However, black-sand beaches attract travelers with their mystery and beauty.
Here are the Best Sand Beaches in the World
1. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Hawaii is popular for its incredible and beautiful beaches. The rural and remote region of Ka’u sits in the southern part of the Big Island. This place is known for one of the best beaches, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. It has an unusual look. Visitors can enjoy the usual activities at a beach, like swimming, and snorkeling. The beach has many rocks underneath the surface and the water is not so clear to see through easily. The most amazing part about Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is that visitors can interact with endangered sea animals. There are different varieties of sea turtles like green sea turtles or Hawksbill turtles. They can even find monk seals.
2. Karekare Beach, New Zealand
One can find Karekare Beach in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, a wilderness area on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, 20 miles southwest of Auckland. This is a remote and peaceful beach. It is known for its powerful surf and strong rip currents. Karekare Beach is also one of the most dangerous in the country for surfing. This beach was featured in many movies because of its stunning beauty. The beach preserves its natural look with rock cliffs and glittering black sand. There is a waterfall of the same name. Visitors can swim in the pool under the waterfall or simply enjoy the cool weather the trees create.
3. Playa Negra, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
There are two Playa Negra black sand beaches in the world that can confuse you. One is in Costa Rica and one is in Puerto Rico. This beach is popular for surfing. The advanced surfers enjoy at the fullest. The best time to surf in Playa Negra is during the high tides. Because there are rock and fast waves, it is best to avoid getting into the sea when the tides are low. Visitors usually visit Playa Negra in search of right-hand waves. There are also local restaurants or cafes. Visitors can even head to Las Baulas National Marine Park. It is only about 14 miles away from Playa Negra. Las Baulas National Marine Park contains four different beaches and a reputed shoreline of leatherback turtles.
4. Kamari Beach, Santorini, Greece
Located on the southern end of the island away from Fira. This stunning black sand beach is adjacent to Perissa. It is another popular resort town with charcoal-hued sand. There is a massive rock, Mesa Vouno, between the two beaches. This renowned destination is a hub for water sports enthusiasts, offering various exciting activities such as jet skiing, tubing, etc. Visitors can hire kayaks, surfboards, and other equipment. There are historical attractions near this beach like Ancient Thera or the Monastery of Profitis Ilias.
5. Reynisfjara, Iceland
Reynisfjara is one of the country’s most stunning black-sand beaches located next to the quaint fishing village of Vík í Myrdal on the southern coast of Iceland. Reynisfjara was featured in notable films like Star Wars and Game of Thrones. This beach is not ideal for swimming. Visitors can admire the majesty of nature, where the mighty waves crash to the black sand and sea stacks stand out in the water. This beach is famous for having sneaker waves, an unpredictable, dangerous wave with big and strong forces that can sweep anyone away. Visitors can even visit the Halsanefshellir Sea cave and the Dyrahoaey Sea Arch.
6. Anse Couleuvre, Martinique
Anse Couleuvre is a remote area in Martinique, with untouched plants and a wild look. The shore of Anse Couleuvre is not entirely pitch black but more like a dark grey color. The Anse Couleuvre River separates two beaches. The beach is settled near the active volcano Mount Pelee. This place can be an ideal spot for a picnic surrounded by coconut trees, one can also enjoy snorkeling. Visitors can camp here for a night just be sure to take everything you need as there are no shops around.
7. Perivolo Beach Santorini, Greece
Perivolos Beach is on the East Coast of Santorini. This beach is famous for its deep blue waters, warm weather, and stunning scenery, with its stacked white houses climbing hills toward blue skies. Perivolos Beach offers the same facilities and activities as Kamari Beach. Thus Perivolos have a more traditional vibe. Visitors can take a water taxi to travel. However, hotels in Kamari are better, so one can stay near Kamari Beach and visit Perivolos on a day trip to experience more.
8. Diamond Beach, Iceland
Diamond Beach is situated along the south coast of Iceland by the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. This beach is one of the most iconic destinations in the country. The beach is named Diamond Beach because of the big chunks of icebergs on the shore in various shapes and sizes. This area is popular with photographers. The white and blue colors of the ice stand out on the black sand background creating a stunning view. Visitors can spot seals along the shoreline. Diamond Beach is one of the best locations in Iceland to view orcas from the beach.