Amazing Volcanic Black Sand Beaches

• Lung Kwu Tan // Hong Kong

  

  Located in the New Territories, Lung Kwa Tan Beach faces west towards the South China Sea, making it a good spot to take in the Hong Kong sunset. Accessible by car and bus, it is an area of coast backed by native planting. Nearby you'll also find Chinese White Dolphin Lookout point, from where you'll have the best chance of spotting these rare creatures. In the distance you'll see the structure of Black Point Power Station.

  A cave called the Emperor's Cave is said to be where the thirteenth-century Emperor Bing… read more »

• Honokalani Beach // USA

  

  A black sand beach on Keawaiki Bay, Honokalani Beach is located within Waianapanapa State Park and has views towards a sea arch. Considered sacred to the people of Hawaii, Waianapanapa means 'glistening water' and its waters certainly create a powerful contrast of colours between the black rocks and foliage which surround Honokalani Beach on all sides.

  Rip currents and a steep drop off close to shore make it dangerous to swim from Honokalani beach most of the year. However, it still makes for an excellent day out or rest stop. 

  Make sure… read more »

• Kehena Black Sand Beach // USA

  

  A thin sliver of black sand on the eastern coast of Big Island in Puna, Kehena Black Sand Beach is best accessed by following the path leading from the left of the car park. Because of its isolation, it is often used by nude sunbathers, although this is illegal on Hawaii and those who strip off may face a fine from local law enforcement officials.

  Sometimes also called Dolphin Beach because of a population of Spinner dolphins that live offshore, the beach is edged by lava rock and trees. It was… read more »

• Sharp Park Beach // USA

  

  Not far from the hectic city life of downtown San Francisco lies one of California's few black sand beaches. Further inland, the grains of sand are finer and as you go towards the water's edge the grains become more pebble-like. A little way back from the beach, there is a narrow strip of land with grass, picnic tables and benches. 

  North of the park is the Pacifica Municipal Fishing Pier. The summer months are an especially good time to cast a line from the pier, as it's reported to be… read more »

• Perissa Beach // Greece

  

  Lined from end to end with sun loungers and umbrellas of thatched palm leaves, Perissa Beach is renowned for its unusual black sands. They are the result of volcanic eruptions from Mesa Vouno Mountain thousands of years ago, and create an impressive contrast with the whitewashed buildings and deep blue sea around it.

  Situated on the southeast coast of Santorini, the black sands continue into the shallows, making Perissa Beach a good pick for anyone wishing to enjoy the water as well as soak up the sun. Awarded a Blue Flag… read more »

• Spiaggia Ficogrande // Italy

  

  Rising out of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Aeolian island of Stromboli looks every bit the archetypal volcano it is. The towering, and often smouldering cone, is one of three active volcanoes in Italy. It is therefore perhaps no surprise the little island is home to a number of volcanic black sand beaches.

  Best of the bunch, or at least the easiest to access, is Spiaggia Ficogrande. This 600 metre long stretch of coarse, pebbly black sand is the most popular spot on the island. Despite this it never gets too busy,… read more »

• Perivolos Beach // Greece

  

  Stretching along Santorini's southeast coast, the black sands of Perivolos Beach (Paralia Perivolos) are broad enough to accept several neat rows of sun loungers without anyone feeling hemmed in. It lies in between the beaches of Perissa and Agios Georgios, with little to separate them other than their separate names, making one long ribbon of sand several kilometres in length.

  In addition to sun loungers and umbrellas, beachgoers can enjoy numerous water sports, with jet skis, windsurf gear and scuba diving equipment all available to hire. Other ways to… read more »

• Playa de Ajuy // Spain

  

  A beach that is as deep as it is wide, Playa de Ajuy is composed of dark, almost black sand surrounded in bare grey cliffs on either side. Situated on the west coast of Fuerteventura, Ajuy Beach is an area of the island's coast to enjoy from the land, since strong currents can drag swimmers out to sea.

  Immediately behind Playa de Ajuy you'll find a handful of authentic restaurants, many of which serve up fish brought to shore just a few metres away. A good place to enjoy the sunset,… read more »

• Punalu'u Beach // USA

  

  Perhaps the most famous of Hawaii's black sand beaches, Punalu'u is located on the southeast coast of the Big Island. Along with the spectacle of jet black sand contrasting the verdant greens of the palm trees behind, the beach here is also known for its turtles. 

  Both the rare hawksbill and Hawaiian green turtles (Honu) frequent Punalu'u's black sands. Another endangered species that is often spotted here is the Hawaiian monk seal.

  Whilst it might be tempting to try and get as close to these special animals as possible you should respect… read more »

• Karioitahi Beach // New Zealand

  

  A black sand beach within the Auckland region, Karioitahi Beach maintains much of its wild nature whilst being something of an adventure playground. On the more sedate side, Karioitahi Beach is known as a good sea fishing spot. In addition, it has become a favourite coastal destination for surfing, horse riding and off-road driving among other activities. A permit is required from the local authorities to drive on Karioitahi Beach lawfully.

  But that's not the only way to enjoy what this beach has to offer. Those looking to sail over the… read more »

• Black Sands Beach // USA

  

  Backed by steep grassy cliffs and is studded with occasional large boulders, Black Sands Beach has a length of approximately 800 metres. A short drive west of the Golden Gate Bridge, it sits between Point Diablo Light and Point Bonita Lighthouse in Bonita Cove.

  Facing broadly south, it's well worth tackling the dirt path that leads to Black Sands Beach. Not only are there some great views back to San Francisco from its wooden steps along the way, but it leads to a great stretch of black sand devoid of the… read more »

• Pololu Beach // USA

  

  Set on a remote stretch of coast near the northern tip of the Big Island is the pristine black sand Pololu beach. Only accessible by driving to the end of Highway 270 and then walking the remaining quarter mile, this spot has something of a primeval feel to it - definitely a bit Jurassic Park.

  Pololu Beach lies at the foot of an ancient wooded valley which is also home to a small lagoon. To either side lush green cliffs rise up to some height, while the beach is backed by… read more »

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