Black sand beaches, though not as common as the more popular brown and white sand beaches, deserve a spot on every traveler’s bucket list of “Places I would love to visit”… as you are about to see.
Not only are black sand beaches rare, they are as mesmerizing as those red sand beaches found on Prince Edward Island in Canada, green sand beaches of Talofofo Beach in Guam, and pink sandy shores in Bermuda.
For those looking to indulge in a different kind of experience, black sand beaches offer an exciting escape.
Black Sand Beaches in Photos:
Hawaii
Black sand beaches typically form from volcanic activity combined with the breakdown, transportation and deposition of lava stones.
Known for its active volcanoes, Hawaii is unsurprisingly home to some of the world’s most thrilling black sand beaches.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the popular ones.
Do not be surprised to find Hawksbill and Green Turtles strolling around on Punaluu Black Sand Beach.
“Coconut palms fringe the upper edge of sand and you may also discover large honu, (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles), basking on the beach. Although it may be tempting, do not touch these protected turtles…”
Tourists are thus advised to admire these endangered species of turtles from a distance.
Iceland
Welcome to Iceland! Believe it or not, Iceland is famous for its beautiful black sand beaches. Reynisfjara, Sólheimasandur, Vik’s Black Sand beach, Diamond Beach, and Stokksnes Beach to name some.
“Reynisfjara beach lying in the southernmost part of Iceland is undoubtedly Iceland’s, and one of the world’s most beautiful black sand beaches.” (BlackTomato.com)
Visitors to Reynisfjara are treated to gigantic cliffs, huge unusual basalt columns and out-of-the world views. No wonder Reynisfjara is featured in a couple of episodes of hit HBO drama series Game Of Thrones!
New Zealand
Alaska
Canary Islands, Spain
There are a number of black sand beaches on the Canary Islands. El Bollullo in Tenerife is beautiful, tranquil and popular with tourists.
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands of which there are 8.
For a beach experience that is both relaxing and dramatic, black sand beaches certainly come highly recommended. Would you visit?