From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, the world is filled with stunning beaches — all with their own special, stand-out features. From crystal clear waters and powdery white sands to dramatic, rugged coastlines and untouched natural beauty, beaches are majestic and romantic.
However, there’s one type of beach that often gets overlooked: black sand beaches. While black sand beaches may not be as common as their fairer counterparts, they can be found all around the world. These unique beaches are often formed as a result of volcanic activity and the erosion of dark volcanic rocks, giving the sands a distinct charcoal appearance.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the world’s most alluring black sand beaches, each with its own distinct charm. From intimate coves to the most bustling of tourist attractions, these beaches will leave a lasting reminder in the minds of all who experience them firsthand.
Kehena Beach – Hawaii
Kehena Beach is a secluded black sand beach located on the southeastern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, near the town of Pahoa. It’s widely known for its incredible beauty, natural hot springs, and surrounding lush jungle-capped cliff faces. It’s widely known as one of the most stunning beaches in the United States.
However, it’s worth noting that the beach isn’t the most swimmer-friendly. Unlike other beaches in Hawaii, it isn’t protected by a reef, and the current can be quite hazardous — particularly during higher tides.
Karekare Beach – New Zealand
Situated about 22 miles (35 kilometers) southwest of New Zealand’s most populated city, Auckland, Karekare Beach is a stunningly beautiful beach located on the west coast of the North Island.
With its stunning, rugged landscape, the area has become a hotspot for surfers, hikers, and nature lovers alike. One of the biggest draws of Karekare Beach is its gorgeous waterfall, cascading down from the ranges onto the beach.
Visitors can take a short five-minute hike to the top of the waterfall to take in a panoramic view of the area. Or, if they’d prefer, they can simply relax on the beach and absorb the wonders of mother earth.
Vieques – Puerto Rico
A small, picturesque island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, Vieques, was once a Unites States Navy bombing range until it stopped operation in 2003. Now a peaceful escape, it has become a tourist hotspot known for its picturesque beaches, luminescent bays, and unrivaled tranquil ambiance.
One of the features that makes Vieques so special is its bioluminescent bays, which contain microorganisms that generate a beautiful blue-green glow when they move about. To have a truly unforgettable experience, visitors can take advantage of one of the many guided kayaking tours that allow you to get a closer look at this natural phenomenon.
Playa Roque Bermejo – Spain
One of Spain’s finest natural treasures, the stunning black sand beach of Playa Roque Bermejo, is situated on the northwestern coast of Tenerife.
The beach, part of Anaga Rural Park, is acclaimed for its remarkable black sand and beautifully calm, crystalline waters. The beach can only be accessed by boat or a long hike, making for a beautiful day out for anyone looking to visit the area.
Black Sands Beach – California
If you are willing to take on the short, steep trail, you will find Black Sands Beach, a popular place for outdoor activities such as surfing, fishing, and hiking.
Due to its excellent surf conditions, the beach is a well-loved destination for experienced surfers. People from all corners of the globe are also drawn here by the diverse wildlife that calls the beach home, from playful otters to majestic gray whales, making it an ideal destination for any nature-loving wildlife enthusiast.
Keawaiki Bay – Hawaii
Keawaiki Bay, also known as Lone Palm, is a stunning and secluded bay situated on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii and nestled close to the town of Kailua-Kona.
While it isn’t the best beach for swimming along the Kohala coast, the bay has become well-known for its diverse marine life with its crystal clear waters and unspoiled coral reefs. There are spectacular fish and manta rays aplenty, making it the perfect place for those looking to enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving.
Tahiti – French Polynesia
Tahiti, a beautiful island situated in French Polynesia, is renowned for its gorgeous white sand beaches. Scattered among this paradise are hidden gems of black sand beaches that are well worth a visit as well!
One of the most famous black sand beaches in Tahiti is Pointe Venus, located on the northern coast. This beach — named after the goddess of love — is ideal for swimming and snorkeling and also provides breathtaking views of the ocean and the island’s wild, mountainous coastline.
Another island destination is the equally enchanting Papenoo Beach. While surfing is popular here, general swimming is not recommended, as the potent currents and tumultuous waves can be dangerous.
Canary Islands – Spain
The Canary Islands, located off the coast of West Africa and Spain, are famous for their unique black sand beaches.
The combination of the black sand — the result of volcanic rocks that have eroded and weathered over time — and the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean makes these beaches a dramatic and striking must-see attraction.
One of the most sought-after black sand beaches in the Canary Islands is Playa de la Arena, situated on the island of Tenerife. This beach is renowned for its beautiful natural landscape, boasting steep cliffs and crystal-clear waters that make it the ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.
If you are looking for something a little more animated, then the beach of Playa de Las Canteras on the island of Gran Canaria may be just what you’re searching for! This area is well known for its excellent surfing and other watersport activities; it also boasts an array of vibrant cafes and top-notch restaurants.
Black’s Beach, San Diego – California
Black’s Beach in San Diego was formerly named after the nearby Black family’s horse farm, but the area is now surrounded by luxurious mansions and research labs located underneath the Torrey Pines bluffs.
It may take a little bit of effort to get to this beach due to its location, and visitors are advised to take caution as the track isn’t officially maintained. However, once you get there the panoramic views are absolutely incredible, and the world-famous swells make it well worth the trek!
You might also catch sight of the notorious Peregrine Falcon that has been nesting in the bluff cliffs for several decades — notably the fastest bird in the world.
Black Sand Beach, Prince William Sound – Alaska
Nestled in the wild beauty of Alaska, you’ll find the Black Sand Beach, home to a variety of wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and bald eagles. A great spot for wildlife watching, visitors will often get to see whales and porpoises in the surrounding waters.
You’ll also get a chance to see nature’s finest work up close at the nearby Harriman Fjord, an eight-mile-long tidewater glacier named after railroad tycoon Edward Harriman.
Courtesy of the climate of Alaska, swimming and sunbathing are not the most popular activities. However, Black Sand Beach has become a renowned location for kayaking due to its beautiful scenery and postcard-worthy views.
Muriwai Beach – New Zealand
The Muriwai district and the Waitakere Ranges to the south of the beach were formed around 17 million years ago, when a volcano that was situated 1000 meters below the surface of the ocean started to form an island. Home to a resident gannet population, Muriwai Beach is a popular destination for surfers on New Zealand’s west coast.
Offering some of the best surf breaks in the area, Muriwai offers a variety of spots along the coast that are suitable for all learning abilities, from beginners to the more advanced.
If you are feeling brave and wish to try your luck on the waves, surf lessons and board rentals are also available on-site!
Stokksnes – Iceland
On the southeastern coast of Iceland lies the breathtakingly beautiful peninsula known as Stokksnes.
This area has earned worldwide recognition for its breathtaking natural beauty, towering snow-capped mountains, and raven-colored sands. In addition to its raw natural beauty, Stokksnes is also known as a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
This area is a haven for a variety of bird species from the Arctic tern to the puffin, as well as a variety of marine mammals such as seals.
Dominica – The Caribbean
Situated in the Caribbean Sea, between the islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, sits the gorgeous island nation of Dominica.
Dominica has earned a nickname as the “Nature Island” due to the plethora of natural wonders and activities that attract nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Visitors are often drawn here for its abundance of lush rainforests, which cover a significant portion of the island and feature an array of stunning waterfalls. These include the iconic Trafalgar Falls, the only twin waterfall on the island.
Kaimu Beach – Hawaii
Formed when a volcanic eruption buried the original beach in several feet of lava, Kaimu Beach is a great spot for hiking and exploring.
A visit to the Kalapana Trail (which leads to where the original Kaimu beach used to be) will take travelers through a rugged lava field, providing breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape and the surrounding coastline.
And if you feel like delving into some Hawaiian history, the ancient Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs are located close by. This is where Ancient Hawaiians inscribed symbols and designs onto the lava rocks — a perfect visit for those interested in the history of the island if you’re willing to take a short hike.
Ureki – Georgia
Known for its holistically therapeutic sands, Ureki is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing.
Every year, hundreds of people come to this location to take advantage of the medicinal properties of its magnetic sand, which is believed to help with a variety of health issues like joint pain and muscle tightness.
Georgia is also home to some of the best cuisine around. Tthe local town is no exception, serving traditional dishes such as khachapuri (a type of cheese-filled bread) and khinkali, a Georgian famous dumpling staple.
Perissa Beach – Greece
If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery, crystal clear waters, and lively nightlife, then Perissa Beach is the perfect place to visit.
Situated on the southern coast of the popular Greek Island of Santorini, this black sand beach was formed by volcanic explosions, the most famous of which was the Minoan eruption.
If you are interested in learning some of the local history, the majestic ancient city of Thera is located nearby. Just a short walk away, visitors can hike up the hill and see the ruins of this once-thriving city while enjoying stunning sunset views over the Aegean Sea.
Punalu’u Beach – Hawaii
With its volcanic sands and enticing waters, Punalu’u Beach is a must-see for those wanting to immerse themselves in seeing Hawaii’s abundant wildlife.
It’s home to a number of endangered species, including the Hawaiian green sea turtle and the hawksbill sea turtle. The nearby Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Park also harbors several species of birds, such as the Hawaiian coot and the Hawaiian stilt.
Punalu’u Beach is a site of vital cultural importance for the Hawaiian people, with locals considering the beach to be a sacred area. As such, visitors are kindly asked to show respect for its traditional significance.
Reynisfjara – Iceland
The Reynisfjara area is certainly a sight to behold, with its basalt columns, towering cliffs, and jagged rock formations all coming together to create a truly breathtaking experience.
Once voted by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit on the planet, it’s also home to Reynisdrangar rock formations that Icelandic folklore suggests were once trolls who were unfortunate enough to get caught in the sun’s rays and turned to stone. Another folklore legend of the area tells of a husband who sought vengeance after two trolls kidnapped his wife and subsequently ended her life. According to the legend, the heartbroken man followed the trolls down to the shores of Reynisfjara, where he froze them, ensuring that they would never have the chance to kill again.
Anse Couleuvre – Martinique
The northern coast of Martinique is home to the beautiful Anse Couleuvre beach, with its famous black sand and crystal-clear waters all framed by picturesque green hills and palm trees.
Famed for surfing and snorkeling, the easily visible seabed is home to a fascinating variety of fishes and marine life.
For those seeking a bit of land adventure, there are numerous hiking trails close by, including the much-lauded Mount Pelée trail that provides visitors with breathtaking views of the island from its highest point.
Honokalani Black Sand Beach, Maui – Hawaii
Honokalani Black Sand Beach is a unique beach located in Wai’anapanapa State Park on the eastern shore of Maui, Hawaii.
This beach offers some of the most stunning and awe-inspiring views. With its unique, beautiful black sand — formed from volcanic lava that has been eroded over time and the ancient ruined temple of Ohala Heiau, it’s one of the most beautiful and culturally immersive beaches on the island.
The park features a number of trails that run alongside the coast, each one offering stunning sights of the ocean and the cliffs. It’s ideal for those looking to experience the coastline from a different perspective.
Soufrière – St. Lucia
Soufrière is known for stunning beaches like Anse Chastanet and Sugar Beach, which both boast black sand and crystal-clear waters that make them a paradise for visitors.
Visitors can also take in the beauty of the rainforest near the town, which hosts an array of unique wildlife and exotic plants.
In addition to its natural splendor, Soufrière is the perfect destination for visitors wanting to experience (and learn about) St. Lucian culture and cuisine. The town is home to an array of historic buildings and churches, as well as vibrant local markets and festivals that take place throughout the year.
Well-known for its extraordinary geothermal features, Soufrière is also home to the world’s only drive-in volcano — Sulphur Springs Park!