10 Best Black Sand Beaches In The World And How To Get To Them

By abhi Last updated Dec 13, 2022

Black sand beaches are some of the most beautiful and unique in the world. They are formed when lava meets water, creating a stunning contrast between the two elements.

While you can find black sand beaches in many places around the globe, a few stand out above the rest. This blog post will explore the best black sand beaches in the world and what makes them unique.

What is black sand?

Black sand is a type of sand that is black. It is usually found on beaches that have volcanic activity nearby. The sand is made of fragments of rocks and minerals eroded by wind and water.

Top 10 black sand beaches in the world

Punaluu Beach, Hawaii
Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia
Black Sands Beach, California
Cahuita Beach, Costa Rica
Kamari Beach, Greece
Maui
Langkawi Island, Malaysia
Lovina Beach, Bali
Perissa Beach, Greece
Piha Beach, New Zealand

How to get to the beaches

Depending on your location, there are a few ways to get to the black sand beaches. If you’re starting from scratch, the best way to get to a black sand beach is by flying into Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the Big Island of Hawaii. You can take a taxi or shuttle to Punalu’u Beach, one of the world’s most famous black-sand beaches.

If you’re already on the island of Hawaii, the best way to get to Punalu’u Beach is by taking Highway 11 south from Volcano Village. The drive takes about an hour and a half, but it’s well worth it for the stunning views of Hawaii’s lush landscape. Once you reach Punalu’u Beach, you can park in the lot and walk down to the water’s edge.

If you’re looking for more of an adventure, there are plenty of other black sand beaches to explore on the island of Hawaii. Hapuna Beach State Park and Mauna Kea Beach are great options for those who want to experience a black sand beach without traveling too far from home.

What to do at the beach

There’s something undeniably alluring about a black sand beach. The inky color is often a result of lava flowing into the ocean, which then cools and breaks into tiny pieces. And while you might think that all black sand beaches are created equal, that’s not the case. Each has its unique vibe—some are wild and remote, while others are dotted with luxury resorts.

If you’re looking to add a little adventure to your beach vacation, check out one of these black sand beauties from around the world:

1 Punaluu Beach, Hawaii

Punaluu Beach, Hawaii, is one of the world’s most beautiful black sand beaches. The sand is so black that it is often mistaken for lava rock. Punaluu is also one of the busiest beaches on the Big Island, so be prepared for crowds.

If you’re looking for a breathtaking black sand beach experience, look no further than Punaluu Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. The sand here is so black that it’s often mistaken for lava rock. And while Punaluu might be one of the busiest beaches on the island, it’s worth a visit (or two). Visitors often spot green sea turtles basking on the shore or in the water. Just be sure to give them plenty of space, and don’t touch them!

Just remember to pack your sunscreen and plenty of water, as there’s not much shade on this stretch of coastline.

2 Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

Anse Chastanet is a black sand beach on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. The beach is located in the town of Soufriere, near some of the island’s most popular tourist attractions, including the Pitons, Diamond Falls, and Sulphur Springs.

Anse Chastanet is one of the world’s most beautiful black sand beaches. The sand is soft and delicate, and the water is crystal clear. The beach is also tranquil and secluded, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.

3 Black Sands Beach, California

Black Sands Beach in California is one of the best black sand beaches in the world. The beach is located in the Big Sur region of California and is a popular spot for surfers and sunbathers. The beach is also an excellent spot for fishing, as many species of fish can be found in the waters of Black Sands Beach.

4 Cahuita Beach, Costa Rica

Cahuita Beach, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, is a broad, sandy beach flanked by coral reefs. It’s a popular spot for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. The nearby town of Cahuita is a laid-back fishing village with a few restaurants and bars.

5 Kamari Beach, Greece

Kamari beach is one of the most popular black sand beaches in Greece. The beach is located in the town of Kamari on the island of Santorini. Kamari beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun. There are plenty of sun loungers and parasols available for visitors to use. The beach is also great for swimming, with crystal clear water and a gentle breeze blowing offshore.

6 Maui

Maui is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it’s no wonder why. The island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including several black sand beaches.

Black sand beaches form when a volcanic eruption’s lava cools and breaks into small pieces. The resulting sand is usually darker than traditional beach sand. It can be quite striking against the backdrop of blue ocean water.

Maui is the place to go if you’re looking for a truly unique beach experience. Here are some of the best black sand beaches on the island:

-Polo Beach: Located in Mauna Kea State Park, Polo Beach is one of the most secluded black sand beaches on Maui. It’s also one of the busiest surfing spots on the island, so don’t be surprised if you see a few surfers catching waves while you’re relaxing on the shore.

-Wai’anapanapa State Park: This state park is located on the northeastern coast of Maui and is home to several black sand beaches, including Wai’anapanapa Beach. The beach gets its striking black color from volcanic lava flowing into the ocean. In addition to its stunning looks, Wai’anapanapa Beach is also a great place to go snorkeling or fishing.

-Keawakapu Beach: This beach is located just south of Kihei town and

7 Langkawi Island, Malaysia

Langkawi Island in Malaysia is a beautiful place to visit with its many black sand beaches. The water is crystal clear, and the beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.

8 Lovina Beach, Bali

Bali is a beautiful Indonesian island home to many stunning black sand beaches. One of Bali’s most popular and well-known black sand beaches is Lovina Beach.

Lovina Beach is located north of Bali, about 2 hours from the island’s capital, Denpasar. Lovina Beach is also great for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The water is usually relatively calm and transparent, making it perfect for swimming and enjoying the views of the nearby coral reefs. The beach is easily accessible by car or motorbike, and plenty of parking options are available.

If you’re looking for a beautiful black sand beach to relax on during your trip to Bali, add Lovina Beach to your list!

9 Perissa Beach, Greece

Perissa beach is one of the most popular black sand beaches in Greece. The beach is situated on the east coast of the island of Santorini, approximately 10km from the main town. The average temperature in Perissa is 26°C, and the water temperature is usually a few degrees warmer.

The black sand at Perissa beach is formed from years of volcanic activity on the island. It is a unique feature of the landscape. The sand is also said to have therapeutic properties, contributing to its popularity with visitors.

The beach has sun loungers, parasols, and water sports facilities, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible views.

10 Piha Beach, New Zealand

Piha Beach is one of the most popular black sand beaches in New Zealand. The beach is just an hour’s drive from Auckland and is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach is also home to several unique rock formations, including Lion Rock, a popular climber spot.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed reading about the best black-sand beaches in the world. And if you’re planning a trip to one of these fantastic beaches, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.