12 Best Black Sand Beaches In The World [2023]

Are you tired of the usual white sand beaches and looking for something unique and different? Look no further than the fascinating and stunning black sand beaches! 

These naturally beautiful treasures result from volcanic activity, which also creates distinctive and alluring landscapes that attract tourists from all over the world.

We listed the top 12 black sand beaches in the world and included information about their beauty, history, and hidden gems in this article. Join us on this journey to discover the mystique and allure of black sand beaches. So let’s start:

1. Lafayette Beach, Tahiti

Ever wished you could walk on the sand with black footprints? Travel to the South Pacific islands. Tahiti, the location of Lafayette Beach, is drowned in black sand. An excellent beach known for its cliffs covered in lush vegetation and ink-coloured bottom, this is a beautiful location for relaxing for the day.

The coal-black sand provides a fantastic photo backdrop and is so soft that your feet will sink right in. The water here is warm enough to attract beachgoers to spend hours swimming around, despite not being the blue you’d expect from the location (the sable sand makes the ocean appear much darker).

On the island’s northwest coast, close to the settlement of Papeete, is Lafayette Beach in Matavai Bay. Another black sand beach worth seeing is Point Vénus Beach, which is located a little further east.

2. Playa Jardín, Canary Islands

Playa Jardín, located in northern Tenerife, provides visitors with a tranquil retreat from the busy tourist area of Puerto de la Cruz. It is simple to understand why this inky utopia, located on one of the best Spanish islands, is regarded as one of the best black sand beaches in the world. It is a well-loved and exceptionally well-planned slice of heaven.

This black beach, created in the early 20th century by renowned Canarian artist César Manrique, is charming. Although trickling waterfalls and waving palms lead tourists through stone walls to the coal-black sand, lush gardens are bursting with vibrant blooms.

Most visitors come to take in the vivid blue waves, which beautifully contrast with the ebony coastline. The waves are ideal for boogie boarding and surfing in the open sections because a lateral breakwater shields them.

It’s simple to spend an entire day at the beach. A children’s playground, other amenities, and lifeguards are all on duty at the location.

Personal advice: Bring water shoes to guard against pebbles.

3. Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii

You won’t be alone when you visit Punalu’u Beach on Hawaii’s Big Island’s southeast coast. While other visitors will likely take advantage of its shiny, coal-black sand, hawksbill and green turtles are your significant rivals for a comfortable location.

Limit your contact with these beautiful, endangered animals. Visitors aren’t permitted to approach them closer than 15 feet since they are protected. You won’t even listen to keeping your distance because this broad beach has so much to discover. Visit the nearby Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park as soon as you can.

Due to the volcanic rock that gives the black sand its gorgeous dark colour, it can occasionally be rough. Moreover, be careful around the water because it has a strong current. Check out the fascinating creatures that have washed up in the tide pools of this premier black beach by visiting during low tide.

Also Read: 15 Best Black Sand Beaches in Bali, Indonesia: Complete Guide 2023

4. Kamari Beach, Greece

Talk about a beautiful place. On Santorini’s southeast coast, Kamari Beach’s black sands combine with the town’s whitewashed resort district of the same name. Kamari Beach is one of the island’s most extensive black sand beaches, with a great perspective of the imposing Mesa Vouno.

Many umbrellas and lounge chairs border the beach, drawing lots of visitors. But still, due to its popularity, there are restaurants, cafés, stores, and rental facilities for water sports. Lifeguards watch over swimmers in the summer since the water is calm and azure.

You should wear shoes to protect your feet from the hot rocks and pebbles scattered throughout the sand, as with most black-sand beaches.

5. Spiaggia di Ficogrande, Italy

Inky black beaches are one of the best advantages to having a volcano on your island. Use Stromboli as an example. The most well-known stretch of black sand on this picturesque Aeolian Island is Spiaggia di Ficogrande, one of the nicest beaches in the entire world.

Like Kamari, this Italian beach’s fame has certain benefits, including food stalls, places to rent equipment for water sports, lounge chairs, and umbrellas (for a fee). This beach is a photographer’s paradise, sandwiched between the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea and the lush top of the volcanic rock, Strombolicchio.

Ficogrande is an exceptionally clean beach with crystal-clear water and is designated as a Blue Flag beach, which denotes that it is open to the public and upholds strict environmental requirements. On this spotless and welcoming beach, it’s simple to lose sight of time.

6. Lovina Beach, Bali

On Bali’s northwestern, black Lovina Beach, you may relax with comfort. This 12-kilometre length of volcanic sand runs around seven little settlements along the coast and is both broad and massive. Due to its ideal location, numerous local businesses and eateries are nearby.

Less well-known than Bali’s top beaches (Kuta, Amed, and Jimbaran Bay), Lovina Beach provides visitors with a peaceful setting to unwind without having to contend with crowds. Fewer waves also make swimming safer for families vacationing with little children.

The two most well-liked activities at Lovina Beach are snorkelling and dolphin watching, so you can easily use Bali’s best asset, its underwater life. Just offshore, dolphin pods are frequently seen playing in the waves.

Bring your snorkelling equipment because a healthy reef is near the sand.

7. Karekare Beach, New Zealand

Karekare Beach, a jet-black beach on New Zealand’s northwest coast, is a beloved beauty that lies 35 kilometres southwest of Auckland. Karekare is considered even more picturesque and quiet than the more well-known Piha Beach, just a 12-minute drive north.

In the sunlight, the black sand shimmers, and on cloudy days, the volcanic base produces an unsettling, otherworldly glow. This raw and untamed beauty, found in Karekare Regional Park, is near a waterfall, has black dunes, and offers breathtaking views.

Due to the great waves, it’s an excellent location for surfers. Although swimming isn’t the safest activity, you won’t care because you can cool off by dipping your toes in the water, and you’ll probably have the beach to yourself.

Wear shoes while you’re talking toes! Because black sand absorbs heat, it is very hot in the summer. It will keep you warm if you plan to visit in the spring.

Read Also: 15 Best Things to Do in Miami Beach, Florida

8. Black Sand Beach, California

I bet you were shocked that the United States has a beach with black sand. This blue gem, Black Sands Beach, is in California’s King Range National Conservation Area. It is located at the southernmost point of a 20-mile stretch of coast that connects Shelter Cove with the Mattole River Campground.

This beach is not a place for sandcastle construction. You’ll want to keep your shoes on because the base is primarily black pebbles rather than sand. Yet, for those who are prepared to descend (and then climb again) a steep stairway, this calm stretch is a lovely reward.

From here, you can climb the Lost Coast Trail to locate campsites or explore the coast when the tide is out, searching for hidden treasures. The area is protected, so don’t take anything home, or you’ll get fined. You can also swim if you are aware of the tide’s timetable.

9. Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia, Caribbean

Anse Chastanet in western Saint Lucia is one of the island’s most picturesque locations. This dark-coloured beach at Soufriere, a part of the Anse Chastanet Resort and open to the public, is a photographer’s paradise. Although luscious hills and mountains rise in the background, tall palm trees wave hello and provide relief from the blazing heat.

One of the best things to do in St. Lucia is snorkelling and scuba diving at this beach, located within a marine reserve. The quiet, clear water and on-site diving shop make swimming and exploring the vivid underwater environment simple.

On the island, there are other beaches with black sand. Thanks to its volcanic makeup, you’ll discover a few wonderful dark beaches to explore while you’re here.

Anse Cochon Beach is immaculate and situated between Soufriere and Castries, Cas en Bas Beach is a more isolated choice in the north, while Anse L’Ivrogne is safely tucked in a deep cove on the west coast.

10. Number One Beach, Dominica, Caribbean

On your way to Number One Beach in the northern part of Dominica, prepare to be get dirty. To reach this spot, you must make a 15-minute trip through a thick jungle, but once you see this beautiful sable area, you’ll be pleased you made the effort.

In this undeveloped black sand beach, there are no amenities. To wash off the muck, jump into the inviting (though occasionally choppy) waves. Then prepare a picnic area for yourself on the soft, black sand. When visiting between April and June, you’ll have the chance to see turtles coming ashore to lay eggs.

Mangroves, sea grapes, and coconut trees surround the beach with the intention of restoring the sand. The coastline is dwarfed by high cliffs, which adds to the area’s fascination for mystery.

11. Playa Negra, Puerto Rico

Due to the volcanic flow from the island mixing with sand grains from the rocky cliffs, Playa Negra in Vieques has a gorgeous honey-brown and black blend of sand. This charming black sand beach, sometimes called Playa Negrita (Little Black Beach), is secluded, breathtakingly beautiful, and studded with dramatic driftwood.

You’ll have more sand to enjoy if you go when the tide is low. Playa Negra has fine sand, which makes it easier to walk down the shore, in contrast to other, rockier beaches on this list. Together with that, it stands out dramatically against the aqua Caribbean seas and tan cliffs.

Because it’s not one of the island’s busiest beaches, visitors to this lovely 10-kilometre stretch of black sand beach in Puerto Rico can frequently meander along alone.

12. Perissa Beach, Greece

When it comes to gorgeous scenery, Santorini never fails to disappoint. Perissa Beach, which is lovely and dark, illustrates the island’s natural beauty well. This beautiful black sand beach is an excellent spot for relaxation and is located close to the town of Fira and the historic ruins of Thira.

This is a fantastic site to spend the day at because of the contrast with the clear Aegean Sea and the breathtaking views of Mount Vouno.

Visit the beach in the off-season when it’s less busy if you’re searching for a peaceful getaway. This is a widely-liked holiday spot due to its proximity to restaurants, stores, and amenities (such as volleyball courts, restrooms, and chair and umbrella rentals).

Plan to keep your shoes on whenever you go, especially if it’s a scorching day. The sand on a black beach can get relatively warm.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What beach has the blackest sand?

Reynisfjara, Iceland: Its remote beauty is incredible. Of all the beaches on our list, it has some of the darkest sand. The beach is unlike any other place on earth because of the rugged cliffs and protruding headlands that surround it.

The sand on all of these beaches is black. Due to their dark sands, these 20 beaches stand out among all other beaches in the world.

Is black sand beach swimmable?

A black sand beach’s suitability for swimming depends on several elements, including its location, the weather, and the state of the ocean. Black sand beaches can generally swim in, but being cautious and aware of any dangers is vital.

Swimming can be hazardous at some black sand beaches because of strong currents or undertows. Before getting into the water, examining the local weather and ocean conditions is necessary. Moreover, black sand beaches could be found where the water is colder than usual, which could be dangerous for swimmers.

It’s crucial to be aware of any signage or local laws because some black sand beaches may have specific guidelines or prohibitions about swimming.

Overall, swimming on black sand beaches can be lovely and exciting, but it’s necessary to be careful and aware of potential dangers.

What beaches in the US have black sand?

The United States has several beaches with black sand. The names of the beaches are as follows:

1. Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii
2. Waianapanapa State Park, Hawaii
3. Black Sands Beach, California
4. Crescent Beach, Oregon
5. Heceta Beach, Oregon

These are just a few American beaches with black sand. Some less well-known black sand beaches could exist in less accessible locations.

Where are the 4 green sand beaches in the world?

If you go to Wikipedia, you will see that there are only 4 green sand beaches in the world: Talofofo Beach on Guam. Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island in the Galapagos Islands. Hornindalsvatnet in Norway.

Is there a black sand beach in Florida?

Florida’s Venice Beach gives views that rival those of Santorini all on U.S. soil. Venice Beach’s black sand may just be the new bae – whisking us away over the sea to Santorini, Greece. It’s even known as ‘The Sharktooth Capitol of the World’ for those who love hunting for a souvenir to take home.

Why does the Philippines have black sand?

The Philippines’ unique geological and volcanic history is the reason for its black sand. A region famed for its volcanic activity, the Pacific Ring of Fire, contains the nation. Many black sand beaches in the Philippines are next to active or extinct volcanoes.

Black sand is created when lava from volcanoes flows towards the water and swiftly cools there. The lava disintegrates into tiny, black sand particles when it cools quickly. Black sand beaches are produced due to the gradual deposit along the shoreline of these black sand particles carried by ocean currents.

In the northern Philippines, notably in the province of Ilocos Norte, which is renowned for having several black sand beaches, black sand beaches are particularly prevalent. These beaches are well-liked among vacationers and are famous for their distinctive beauty and the numerous activities that can be done there, including swimming, surfing, and beachcombing.

Read Also: 12 Beautiful Pink Sand Beaches Around the World

Are black sand beaches hot?

Due to its capacity to absorb and hold heat from the sun, black sand beaches can get relatively warm. Black sand beaches can get very hot, especially in locations with intense sunlight and high temperatures, as black absorbs more heat than lighter colors.

The sand’s composition can also have an impact on its temperature. Since basalt, a dark, volcanic rock, absorbs more heat than other forms of sand, black sand beaches formed of basalt can get extremely hot.

But it’s essential to remember that a black sand beach’s temperature might change depending on the time of day, the weather, and the ocean currents. Black sand beaches can vary in temperature, some being cooler in the morning or cloudy days while others are scorching even in the shade.

It’s crucial to be ready for the heat if you’re going to a black sand beach and to stay calm and hydrated, such as bringing lots of water, donning sunscreen and a hat, and finding cover when required.