Why many people think sand is sand, perhaps ranging from stark white to a tan or golden hue, sand actually comes in an array of colors, including black. When velvety black sands are contrasted against strikingly blue waters, it creates an absolutely breathtaking scene. If you’d like to experience these magical stretches, you’ll find them everywhere from the chilly shores of Iceland to tropical Hawaii.
Iceland
Iceland is home to 130 volcanoes, 18 of which have erupted since it was settled some 1,200 years ago. A number of black beaches have risen from those ashes, but the most famous, and arguably the most stunning, is Vik Beach, also known as Reynisfjara. This volcanic black sound beach was named one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches on the planet by Islands Magazine, renowned for its rock formations that rise out of the sea, like the Trolls of Vik. Legend has it that this unique formation of pillars was formed when trolls attempted to drag three ships ashore.
Hawaii
The Big Island is actually lacking in white sand beaches, but you’ll find one of the world’s best black sand beaches here. Punalu’u Beach is not only filled with billions of tiny black granules that sit at the edge of the azure Pacific, but it’s also home to many honu, or green sea turtles who enjoy resting on the shores. It’s a great place for snorkeling, picnics and short coastal hikes too. Just don’t give into the urge to collect the sands as they’re lava derived, and locals believe anyone who brings lava off the islands, will be cursed. While you might scoff, more than a few visitors have sent bags of black sands and lava rocks back to where they came from.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is not only famous for its whitewashed cave homes and blue-domed churches that spill down the rim of its ancient volcanic crater, but it boasts some exceptional black sand beaches, like Perissa. The black as midnight sands that are sprinkled with shady palapas, like in stark contrast to the glistening white homes and brilliant blue waters.
Dominica
Dominica is often called “The Nature Island of the Caribbean,” thanks to its spectacularly lush landscape, including an unspoiled rainforest, volcanic hot springs, 365 rivers and countless waterfalls. While it’s not known for white sand beaches, it is home to Number One Beach, an amazing volcanic, black sand beach with a backdrop of thick palms and imposing cliffs that was featured in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. While you’ll need to hike through the muddy jungle for 15 minutes to get there, it’s certainly worth the effort. As the island’s rich volcanic soil and plentiful rainfall results in especially tasty, fresh, tropical produce like guavas, cherries and mangoes, be sure to sample some of the fruit while you’re here, they’re great to take along on a picnic.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Vieques is often ranked among the world’s most romantic islands, situated off the coast of Puerto Rico. It’s here, following a 10- to 15-minute hike, that you’ll find Playa Negra, which literally translates to black beach, an isolated back sand beach where the island’s wild horses like to hangout. The beach also has swathes of contrasting golden sands adding to its allure. Plus, while you’re here, you can visit the rare bioluminescent bay, with the high temperatures, nutrient-rich waters, shallow depth and low circulation creating the ideal conditions needed for the proliferation of incredible, tiny creatures known as dinoflagellates. They release a spark of brilliant blue light that creates a constellation of stars in the dark waters of the lagoon, making a kayak tour here especially unforgettable.
Shelter Cove, California
Shelter Cove in Northern California sits along the rugged Lost Coast and is home to a 3.5-mile black sand beach. It’s a rare gem in a state filled with golden sands, and is also rather secluded, which means, chances are, you’ll see more wildlife than people. While the surf is too rough and too chilly for swimming, the shore is frequented by sea lions and seals, while gray whales frequently pass by between September and January, and again, from March through June. Instead of braving the waves, enjoy long walks, collecting silver dollars during low tide, and peering into the tide pools, often filled with a myriad of colorful creatures like starfish and hermit crabs.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Playa Jardin is located on Tenerife in the Canary Islands and is widely considered to be one of its most impressive beaches. Cerulean-hued waters gently lap the fine, black volcanic sands that are lined with gently swaying palm trees and colorful botanic gardens. Set against the near constant bright blue skies, it creates a spectacular contrast, a sight that can literally take your breath away. Not only does this beach that’s name translates to “Garden Beach,” boast beautiful flowers and rich plant life, but there’s even a waterfall, for especially picture-perfect photographs.
Tahiti
Quiet Lafayette Beach is surrounded by lush greenery and sits in front of the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort on the northeast side of Tahiti, which faces the island of Moorea. The narrow stretch of black sands are especially lovely against the calm, shallow blue waters of the bay. The sand is so soft in some places, you can sink down to your knees. You’ll find another impressive black sand beach just 10 minutes from here at Point Venus, a popular surfing spot that’s also home to a lighthouse and a number of memorials celebrating explorers like Samuel Wallis who discovered Tahiti in the mid-18th-century, and Captain James Cook who came to observe Venus with his team of astronomers.