Black Sand Beaches  - Tripping.com base64Hash Black Sand Beaches  - Tripping.com

Black Sand Beaches

Anytime
1 guest

6 Extraordinary Black Sand Beaches

Black sand juxtaposed against white, foamy water is a magnificent sight that can only be fully appreciated in person. Although you can easily find photographs of this natural, midnight-hued marvel, these pictures can’t properly do it justice—you just have to experience the beauty firsthand. With that said, here are 6 beaches with black sand, worthy of an in-person visit!

6 Incredible Black Sand Beaches

1. Monólithos

Situated on the historical Greek island Santorini, Monólithos is a lovely beach ideal for families with young children. This beach features clear, shallow water suitable for wading, a recreational area with a playground, and long stretches of stunning black sand. After spending a day soaking up the sun, visitors can dine at one of several excellent seafood restaurants nearby.

Fun fact: Santorini is known for its spectacular architecture replete with whitewashed, cubical houses and other structures. These buildings nicely contrast the colorful sand of the island’s many beaches.

Location: Santorini, Greece

2. Miho no Matsubara

Bordered by thousands of fragrant pine trees, the beach at Miho no Matsubara is a unique place where the dense, green forest meets gorgeous, midnight-colored sand. Moreover, Mount Fuji, an active volcano that serves as Japan’s tallest peak, is clearly visible from the coastline.

Fun fact: Because of its proximity to Mount Fuji, Miho no Matsubara is associated with UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Location: Shizuoka, Japan

3. Reynisfjara, Iceland

Regarded as one of Iceland’s greatest black sand beaches, Reynisfjara boasts remarkable rock formations including Gardar, a cliff composed of basalt columns, and Reynisdrangar, a series of basalt sea stacks. Due to the strong, volatile currents at this beach, travelers should be cautious during their visit.

Fun fact: Beach-loving bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting numerous different birds such as puffins, fulmars, and guillemots.

Location: Vík, Iceland

4. Playa Negra

When translated from Spanish to English, Playa Negra literally means “black beach” which makes sense since its coast is lined with dark-hued sand. Aside from the wonderful black pebbles, Playa Negra is famous for its impressive waves that attract the most avid surfers. This beach also spotlights marvelous eateries offering a diverse array of cuisines including Peruvian, French, and Mexican.

Fun fact: This beach was featured as a primary filming location in the cult classic documentary The Endless Summer II (1994).

Location: Guanacaste, Costa Rica

5. Samyang Beach

Positioned on an island disconnected from mainland South Korea, Samyang Beach remains a hidden gem. It’s one of those rare beaches that is both very clean and free from being overcrowded by tourists. Consequently, visitors can enjoy a quiet stroll across the sparkling, black dunes or take a dip in the calm seawater.

Fun fact: During the summer, locals take pleasure in burying themselves in the iron-rich sand as it is believed to have therapeutic benefits.

Location: Jeju, South Korea

6. Punalu'u Beach

Also known as Black Sand Beach, Punalu'u Beach attained its black sand after lava flowed into the ocean and produced basalt. With exceptionally cold fresh water and a rocky beach, Punalu'u Beach may not be the best place for swimming, but it’s perfect for admiring the black sand as well as endangered hawksbill and green turtles that often bask on the shore.

Fun fact: Legend says that visitors who remove sand or rocks from Punalu'u Beach are cursed by Pele, the Fire Goddess. The curse can only be lifted by returning the rocks to the beach.

Location: Big Island, Hawaii


This article was written by Justina Tran.

March 12, 2016


  8 Great Places For A Multigenerational Vacation In The Caribbean

About

Tripping is the world's largest search engine for vacation rentals. Compare top rental sites at once to get the best deal on your next trip. With over 12 MILLION vacation homes and short-term rentals on Tripping, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay.

Florida: Top Offers

House Bay Lake
$228 per night
House ∙ 6 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
5.0
"Excellent" (5 ratings)
Bay Lake, Orange County, Florida
Details
Vrbo
Details
Details
Villa Kissimmee
$99 per night
Villa ∙ 6 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
4.5
"Outstanding" (44 ratings)
Kissimmee, Osceola County, Florida
Details
Vrbo
Details
Details
House Saint George Island
$511 per night
House ∙ 10 guests ∙ 4 bedrooms
4.9
"Excellent" (37 ratings)
Saint George Island, Franklin County, Florida
Details
Vrbo
Details
Details
House Butler Beach
$388 per night
House ∙ 14 guests ∙ 5 bedrooms
4.9
"Excellent" (46 ratings)
Butler Beach, St. Johns County, Florida
Details
Vrbo
Details
Details
House Islamorada
$360 per night
House ∙ 6 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Islamorada, Monroe County, Florida
Details
Vrbo
Details
Details
House Longboat Key
$146 per night
House ∙ 3 guests ∙ 1 bedroom
4.9
"Excellent" (28 ratings)
Longboat Key, Manatee County, Florida
Details
Vrbo
Details
Details
Apartment Manasota Key
$109 per night
Apartment ∙ 2 guests ∙ 1 bedroom
5.0
"Excellent" (22 ratings)
Manasota Key, Charlotte County, Florida
Details
Vrbo
Details
Details
Condo Fort Myers Beach
$125 per night
Condo ∙ 6 guests ∙ 2 bedrooms
4.7
"Outstanding" (38 ratings)
Fort Myers Beach, Lee County, Florida
Details
Vrbo
Details
Details
Cottage Dunedin
$204 per night
Cottage ∙ 4 guests ∙ 2 bedrooms
5.0
"Excellent" (14 ratings)
Dunedin, Pinellas County, Florida
Details
Vrbo
Details
Details
image-tag