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Today, let’s talk about the beautiful black sand beaches, the enigmatic wonders of the world that will leave you spellbound.
Sure, they may not be your typical sunbathing hotspots but don’t let that fool you. These beaches boast a certain charm that’s nothing short of magical. The stark contrast of the jet-black sand against the shimmering sea is a sight to behold, one that will leave you breathless.
These stunning natural creations are formed by the powerful forces of nature, as volcanic materials and lava fragments mix with the ebb and flow of the ocean’s tide. Witness the majestic spectacle of old lava, basalt, and minerals being torn down by surging waves, leaving behind sparkling sand as dark as the midnight sky.
But black sand beaches are not just another pretty sight – they are a true marvel of nature that should not be missed. Each beach has its own unique charm, offering freezing sea views and sunsets that will take your breath away. No picture can capture the awe-inspiring beauty of stepping onto their coastlines and breathing in the sharp, crisp air.
Here are our top recommendations for the best black sand beaches on the planet…
The 3 Most Beautiful Black Sand Beaches (Photo Credit: @targoszmagda, @pawitnon, and @laurinedroal)
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Perissa Beach (Santorini, Greece)
Hike through the ancient ruins of the city of Thera!
Perissa Beach is the pinnacle of Santorini charm, with palm leaf umbrellas, pagodas, and sparkling electric-blue seas that lap softly on the black lava beach. The primary attraction at the beach and in the region is a gigantic rock named Mesa Vouno that rises from the water.
Sink your toes into the velvety black sand while sipping on a refreshing drink and basking in the sun’s warm embrace. Feeling adventurous? Dive into the crystal-clear waters and snorkel among an array of colorful critters in the shallows. For those who want to take their underwater experience to the next level, sign up for a diving class and explore the mesmerizing reef with a professional guide.
It is more developed than other Santorini beaches, such as Red Beach, Black Beach, Caldera Beach, and Vlychada. Perissa is one of Santorini’s most developed tourist areas, with a vibrant nightlife, pubs and cafes, and various restaurants ranging from traditional Greek taverns to cosmopolitan cuisine. If you want to soak up some rays, the best time to visit Perissa is between June and September.
Ancient City of Thera, Perissa (Photo Credit: @andreasrumpf71)
Museum of Minerals and Fossil, Perissa (Photo Credit: santorini-more.com)
Tranquilo Bar, Perissa (Photo Credit: @threecsphotography)
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Miho Beach (Shimizu, Japan)
Check out Japan’s national treasure, the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
The Miho Peninsula stretches from Shizuoka City into Suruga Bay and is famous for its vistas of Mount Fuji and the pine tree-lined Miho Beach. Imagine a stunning beach with no sand but instead small, smooth stones that cradle your feet as you walk along the shoreline. And if the weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji, rising majestically in the distance like a painting come to life.
Miho No Matsubara is so magnificent that legend has it that a celestial fairy fell here, lured by the natural beauty of the place. She placed her wonderful robe on one of the nearby pine trees and went to wash and frolic in the sea’s blue waters.
Surprisingly, the sand in Miho No Matsubara was once white but has since become black due to the natural weathering of volcanic rock. Miho Shrine and the pine grove seashore are linked by a wooden walkway known as Kami no Michi (or the “Road of Kami”).
Nihondaira Plateau (Photo Credit: @chan.haru)
Nihondaira Plateau (Photo Credit: @murakami1991)
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (Photo Credit: @tokyonohana13)
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Reynisfjara (Iceland)
Explore the breathtaking Halsanefshellir sea caves
What do Game of Thrones and Star Wars have in common? They were both shot in Reynisfjara, a famous Icelandic city with an even more renowned black sand beach. Located nearly 112 miles (180 kilometers) from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, Reynisfjara is a popular stop-over for visitors on sightseeing tours along the renowned South Coast.
This breathtaking location is home to some of the world’s most erratic waves. The locals refer to these sudden changes in tempo as “sneaker waves.” Swimming here is never a good idea (mainly because it’s chilly! ), but the foggy views are unforgettable. It spans from Dyrhólaey in the west to Vik in the east and is framed by two spectacular rock formations. Arnardrangur, a jagged stack of black volcanic rock, is located at the Dyrhólaey end.
The beach is surrounded by sheer cliff sides that rise skyward like a gray pyramid on the opposite side of the water. The rock face, named Garðar after a neighboring farmstead, has been carved by ancient lava flows into near-perfect octagonal columns, which are a wonder in and of itself.
Reynisfjara can be visited at any time of year. The beach is equally stunning under the midnight sun when the basalt columns are covered in snow. You can even find yourself under a Northern Lights-illuminated sky!
Here are our top spots to visit for Reynisfjara!
Basalt Column (Photo Credit: @racht0326)
Halsanefshellir Cave (Photo Credit: @viv_ventures)
Reynisdranger Sea Stacks (Photo Credit: @gingerentola)
More Featured Photos
(Photo Credit: @stefunsnapshot)
(Photo Credit: @imcindyrella_xvi)
(Photo Credit: @hood_built_951)
(Photo Credit: @chan.haru)
(Photo Credit: @racht0326)[Hottest]
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And that brings us to the end of our 3 Most Beautiful Black Sand Beaches!
Beaches can be found in practically every rainbow color, from immaculate white sands to fashionable pink shorelines. But there’s something really beautiful about black sand beaches. Check out these black sand beaches worldwide if you’re looking for your next seaside vacation spot—and want to step up your Instagram game.
To read more content about other travel inspirations, visit our journal page.
Until next week, enjoy and safe travels,
Team Hotala
All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost.
J.R.R. Tolkien
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