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The Most Breathtaking Black Sand Beaches Around the World
Add these gorgeous locales to your travel bucket list.
Among all the many natural hues sand comes in (white, green, pink), black is by far the most otherworldly. (Though, purple beaches are also pretty wild.) That’s perhaps why black sand beaches have, in recent years, become trendy locations to film violent fantasy shows and tired sci-fi franchises. Nonetheless, for those travelers looking to simply commune with nature or who have the desire to sunbathe on vast coastlines of what looks like forbidden rice, these beaches are wonders to behold.
The sand didn’t turn black on its own, though. In fact, the charred appearance is the result of lava and other volcanic materials being broken down over centuries by the ocean. And black beaches can be found all over the planet, from French Polynesia and Iceland to Greece and New Zealand, so you don’t have to worry about the black sand being the only attraction at the end of a long voyage. Here, the 20 most beautiful black-sand beaches to add to your travel bucket list.
Piha Beach, New Zealand
Lion Rock would be worth a pilgrimage to Piha Beach, even if it weren’t surrounded by black sand. Situated on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand, Piha is renowned for its rugged beauty, powerful surf, and black sand making it a favorite spot for surfers and nature enthusiasts.
Black Sands Beach, California
The only black sand beach in the continental United States is a well-worth-it five-hour drive from Sacramento. It’s rugged, sharp, and not ideal for swimming or sunbathing; dogged surfers admire the wild tides and waves from afar since the waters are too dangerous to enter. But the unparalleled beauty leaves every visitor supremely satisfied.
Kaimu, Hawaii
This black sand beach is still relatively new. In 1990 a volcano on the Big Island erupted, covering the former Kaimu beach with 80 feet of lava. Now, 20 years later, the ocean has turned chunks of lava into grains of black sand.
Roches Noires Beach, Mauritius
Located on the northeastern coast of Mauritius, Roches Noires is the onyx-hued beach you’re looking for, but on steroids. In lieu of sand, as the French name suggests, this stretch of coastline in the African nation in the Indian Ocean is made up of volcanic rocks and lava formations.
Soufrière, St. Lucia
St. Lucia is known for its beautiful Piton Mountains and Sulphur Springs, but don’t pay a visit to the island without stopping by the Anse Chastanet Resort’s private black sand beach. The location is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
There’s no shortage of gorgeous white sand beaches in Puerto Rico, but its secluded Playa Negra beach is just as worthy of attention. But be prepared, as you’ll have to hike a bit to see the black sand for yourself.
Playa Roque Bermejo, Spain
This spectacular outpost resides on the westernmost tip of the Spanish archipelago that is the Canary islands. Rent a car, charge your camera, and get ready for a low-key day of outsized beauty.
Canary Islands, Spain
This autonomous community of Spain is known for both black sand and white sand beaches—and, of course, nearly perfect temperatures all year-round. The rugged coastline of the islands, which are home to active volcanoes, is as dramatic as the black grains of sand. One particularly famous black sand beach is Playa Jardín.
Perissa Beach, Greece
In Santorini, you’ll find a stretch of black sand dotted with grass umbrellas and lounging chairs. Nearby, a mountain called Mesa Vouno—which boasts the ruins of an ancient city called Thira, believed to have originally been a Spartan colony—is a popular tourist attraction.
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Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Indonesia
Found at the foot of the Dua Saudara Mountain, Tangkoko Nature Reserve has a wide expanse of plant life, animal life (including primates!) and, of course, soot-black beaches.
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Dominica, The Caribbean
No wonder Pirates of the Caribbean used Dominica as one of its filming locations: This small island (known as the “Nature Island”) has black sand beaches that perfectly combine the mystique and the beauty of the Caribbean.
Punalu'u Beach, Hawaii
The Big Island is home to a variety of colorful sandy beaches from white sands to green sands, but one of its most famous is the Punalu'u Black Sand Beach found on the southeastern Kau coast. Swimming conditions aren’t ideal here, but you may be able to spot sea turtles lounging on the sand.
Bali, Indonesia
Soak up the waves and the luxury of small crowds at the various low-key black sand beaches in Bali, which were formed from cooled lava from the nearby Mount Agung.
Muriwai Beach, New Zealand
You may not find beach umbrellas at this beach, but its rugged, dark terrain that stretches for 40 miles attracts those looking to horseback ride, kiteboard, or hang glide.
Tahiti, French Polynesia
The black beaches on the island of Tahiti are surrounded by lush vegetation. A favorite for many locals is Point Venus Beach, which has a charming lighthouse and attracts athletes with its black sand soccer field.
Reynisfjara, Iceland
Perhaps one of the most famous beaches in Iceland, Reynisfjara features expanses of black pebbles, basalt columns that resemble pyramids and a large bird population, including fulmars, puffins and guillemots. The waves can be extra rough and unpredictable, so be careful if you go near the water.
Keawaiki Bay, Hawaii
If you’re an avid hiker, make a trek along the Kohala Coast a must-do on your bucket list. The hiking trail runs mostly along the black beach, and there are various opportunities for splashing around in a freshwater lava pool or the ocean along the way.
Stokksnes, Iceland
In southeastern Iceland you’ll find expanses of black beach that is as mysterious as it is calming. Just imagine seeing the Northern Lights from here—breathtaking.
Playa Negra, Costa Rica
A popular hot spot for surfers, Playa Negra (literally, “black beach”) offers a calm, quiet landscape with tide pools and protected swimming areas for families.
Diamond Beach, Iceland
One of Iceland’s most popular and breathtaking attractions, Diamond Beach boasts pieces of glaciers that wash ashore, resembling diamonds against the jet black beach.
Charles Curkin is ELLE Decor's Articles Editor, covering everything related to luxury watches, design, and travel, and has previously written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Paris Review.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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