Black sand beaches are becoming more and more popular in the last decade and I totally understand why.
When my wife first suggested that we visit a nearby black sand beach in Greece, I was one hundred percent against it but we went anyways.
Let me tell you something, it is nothing like a normal golden sand beach.
In simple words, it is magical.
So, exploring black sand beaches become a thing for us.
Here are the best 11 black sand beaches around the world that are totally worth visiting.
1. Lafayette Beach, Tahiti
Lafayette Beach, located in Tahiti, is a stunning black sand beach that provides a unique and peaceful experience.
The beach is situated between the town of Papeete (4 miles away) and the resort area in Punaauia, offering beautiful views of both areas.
The temperatures are steady at around 86 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, and the rainfall season starts in November and ends in February.
Crafted from centuries-old volcanic activity, this beach features soft black sands that contrast beautifully with the surrounding turquoise waters.
Visitors will be able to take in incredible landscapes as they lounge on the warm black sands or swim in the crystal-clear water.
With its secluded location and lack of commercialization, Lafayette Beach offers an ideal spot for those looking to escape from it all and enjoy some much-needed relaxation time.
Since there are no amenities available here so visitors should plan accordingly by bringing their own refreshments and supplies.
Here are some cool nearby places to stay at:
2. Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii
Punalu’u Beach is a stunning black sand beach located on the southeast coast of Hawaii’s Big Island.
It is known for its beautiful dark-gray and black sands made up of crushed lava.
The striking color of the sand comes from its high iron content, which gives it a deep hue.
What makes it even better is that the waves at this beach are usually gentle, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Amenities present on site include:
- Outdoor shower
- Restroom facilities
- Parking
- Picnic area
What we liked about this beach was that lifeguards were present from 08:30 AM till 17:00 PM.
Plus, the clear waters make it possible to spot some sea turtles lounging in shallow waters or near the shoreline!
A good thing to know is that the turtles are protected by law and you should never try to touch one, feed them, and always be at least three feet away.
The beach also hosts spectacular sunsets that can often be admired from the surrounding cliffs.
Visitors will enjoy walking along the rocks and exploring tide pools filled with colorful fish and corals.
You can stay at one of these nearby hotels:
3. Playa Negra, Puerto Rico
Playa Negra, or “Black Sand Beach,” is one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in Puerto Rico.
Located on the west coast of the island, Playa Negra is known for its black sand that gives the beach an almost otherworldly feel.
Playa Negra is surrounded by lush rainforests, making for a picturesque landscape with breathtaking views.
There are plenty of activities to do at Playa Negra including:
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Exploring the surrounding trails
However, there are no outdoor showers or restaurants present on site, but there is a pretty cool place nearby called Playa Negra Fine Foods that has the best cupcakes in the world.
Here are some beautiful accommodations within a walking distance from Playa Negra:
4. Black Sands Beach, California
Black Sands Beach, California is a stunning sandy beach located in San Mateo County near the town of Fortuna.
This beach has become popular for its unique black-colored sand which comes from a nearby ancient volcano deposit.
The black sand contrasts beautifully with the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, creating an atmosphere of serenity and peace.
Visitors will also find large surfers out at Black Sands Beach taking advantage of some great waves.
In addition to surfing, this beach is also perfect for:
- Swimming
- Sunbathing
- Picnicking with family and friends.
With plenty of parking available, Black Sands Beach makes it easy to access this captivating spot along the California coast.
Here are some stunning nearby accommodations that caught our eye:
5. Playa Jardin, Spain
Playa Jardin is a stunning black sand beach in Spain. It’s located on the north coast of the island of Tenerife, just outside the town of Puerto de la Cruz.
Due to its unique beauty and interesting attractions., this beach has become increasingly popular with tourists
The water is crystal clear and the shore is made up of dark volcanic rock which gives it an otherworldly feel.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities here such as:
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Windsurfing
- Kayaking
You don’t have to worry about food because there are several restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink while you take in the stunning views.
We ate at Tasca Los Lobos and the food was great and cheap.
For those looking for something more adventurous, there are also caves nearby that can be explored by boat or on foot.
Here are some nice accommodations within a walking distance from Playa Jardin:
6. Kamari Beach, Greece
Kamari Beach is a stunning black sand beach located on the Greek island of Santorini.
It’s one of the most popular beaches in Greece and attracts thousands of tourists each year who come to enjoy its crystal clear waters and unique volcanic sand.
The beach is situated in an area protected from strong winds, making it perfect for swimming and other water activities.
In addition to swimming, visitors can also take part in numerous other activities such as:
- Sunbathing
- Snorkeling
- Jet skiing
- Fishing
- Windsurfing
- Parasailing
With plenty of cafes, taverns, and restaurants nearby offering delicious local cuisine and drinks, there are always plenty of options for refreshment after a day of exploring this lovely spot.
We had cocktails at the Mango bar and ate at Kamari Blue Fish and we strongly recommend those two places.
Here are some affordable accommodations near Kamari Beach:
7. Marigot, Grenada
Marigot Beach, located on the east coast of Grenada in the Caribbean Sea, is a stunning black sand beach.
The dark volcanic sands contrast against the crystal clear blue waters and towering palm trees, creating an amazing sight to behold.
It’s perfect for those seeking some relaxation away from bustling city life.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities here such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and more.
There are also several restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat or just take in the views of this majestic beachfront paradise, but I think that Eve’s Cove is worth visiting.
Here are some beautiful accommodations near Marigot:
8. Paiola Beach, Hawaii
Back again with another Hawaii black sand beach.
Paiola Beach, located on the second largest island in Hawaii, Maui, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
This black sand beach boasts stunning views of vibrant blue water and lush green landscapes surrounding it.
For hundreds of years, the Pacific ocean cooled down the lava with its crashing waves and created this beautiful black sand beach.
The vivid contrast between the two creates a magical atmosphere that will take your breath away.
As you stroll along this tropical paradise, you can feel the warmth of the sun radiating off the volcanic sand beneath your feet.
With perfect conditions for swimming and snorkeling, Paiola Beach is an ideal spot to relax or play in nature’s playground.
And if you stay until nightfall, you’re rewarded with an unforgettable sunset over King Kamehameha’s palace as well as some truly inspiring star gazing opportunities.
Checkout these stunning nearby accommodations:
9. Albay Islands, Philippines
The Albay Islands in the Philippines are home to a unique black sand beach. Located outside of Legazpi City in a small area called Santo Domingo, this black sand beach is just miles away from Mayon Volcano Natural Park.
Aside from its impressive beauty, this beach is also known for its unusual composition—it’s made up of volcanic ash that has been washed onto shore by the ocean waves.
This creates a stunningly dark landscape, with the black sands contrasting against the blue waters of the sea.
Tourists visit this unusual black sand beach to swim and soak in the sun on its picturesque shoreline.
Many visitors also take advantage of this unique location to capture beautiful photos and make lasting memories.
The soft texture of the sand makes it an ideal spot for romantic walks or leisurely strolls with friends and family alike.
Here are some affordable nearby accommodations:
10. Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Indonesia
The Tangkoko Nature Reserve in Indonesia has one of a kind black sand beach.
Located on the coast of North Sulawesi, this beach is considered one of the most spectacular beaches in the country.
With a shoreline lined with towering palm trees and lush vegetation, this place provides an exotic backdrop for swimming, snorkeling, or simply admiring the beauty of nature.
This area has been designated as a conservation park, to protect its biodiversity and maintain its ecological balance.
Visitors can find stunning wildlife such as tarsiers, hornbills, macaques, and wild boars along with more than 100 species of birds.
There are also numerous caves scattered throughout the area that provide refuge for these animals in addition to providing an exciting adventure for visitors.
When it comes to dining, there are many nearby restaurants where that serve local and international cuisine. Try out RM. Gemilang.
Here is where we stayed, plus two more cool places:
11. Lovina Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Lovina Beach in Bali, Indonesia is a stunning black sand beach that is full of beauty and wonder. With its cobalt blue waters and coral reefs, it is the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
The black sand contrasts the bright blues of the ocean, creating an incredible tropical paradise that you won’t be able to resist visiting.
There are plenty of activities to do including:
- Dolphin watching
- Waterpark
- Spa
Whether you’re looking for some swimming or snorkeling fun, exploring the local culture with traditional Balinese ceremonies and music, or just enjoying a relaxing day at the beach with friends or family, everyone will have fun at Lovina Beach.
With lots of restaurants serving both local and international dishes, visitors can enjoy eating while looking at the beautiful Bali sea.
Here are some accommodations within a walking distance of Lovina Beach:
Final Words
Black sand beaches are a natural wonder. Formed from eroding rocks containing iron minerals, these beaches took thousands of years to form.
Some of the black sand beaches from this list are more private without any amenities while others are packed with bars and restaurants.
Choose whatever works best for you and enjoy a vacation on a black sand beach.
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