Volcanic Venues: 9 Otherworldly Black Sand Beach Destinations

How a fearsome testament to nature’s force shapes the most stunning surroundings — a black sand beach sculpted by volcanic power. Our editor-in-chief and creative director, Karissa, experienced this firsthand while standing on the shores near Kona Village on the Big Island of Hawaii . Waking up to the sound of waves rolling onto a shore dusted with midnight-black sand and rock, the first light of day catching on its inky grains — it feels like stepping into another universe.  Standing at the water’s edge, the horizon stretches out like an unbroken canvas, the contrast between sea foam, translucent turquoise waters, and charcoal-like sand making everything seem sharper, more surreal. A place both eerily unfamiliar and deeply grounding, as if time itself had slowed to let the landscape leave its mark.

Born from fire, black sand beaches emerge where volcanic eruptions meet the sea. Lava fragments, basalt rocks, and minerals, broken down over centuries by the ceaseless motion of the tide, form these otherworldly shores. Some are raw and rugged — like those in the Nordics – their beauty wild and untamed. Others are serene – like those in Hawaii – where the interplay of dark sand and crystal-clear water creates a landscape that imprints itself in your memory.

From the misty shores of Iceland to the volcanic coastline of Lanzarote, these black sand beaches call to those who seek the extraordinary. Whether drawn by the mystery of their origins or simply the feeling of walking where fire and water once met, these destinations offer a rare and mesmerizing experience. And isn’t that what we all seek in travel? To not only explore other places but also to open up new realms within ourselves. All the more reason to discover the 9 volcanic destinations currently on our radar.

Header Image: Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, Hawaii

Lanzarote

Foaming white surf crashing against black rock defines Lanzarote’s ruggedly beautiful coastline – a vivid testament to the island’s volcanic legacy. Born from relentless eruptions, the island’s terrain is etched in ebony lava flows that have hardened into striking black beaches. Nestled amid this elemental spectacle, Kamezí Boutique Villas stands as a cluster of whitewashed abodes. Step inside to discover minimalist interiors enriched with local artisanal touches, creating a tranquil retreat. The on-site Michelin-starred restaurant further elevates the experience with a tasting menu that reinterprets island cuisine, offering delights like gofio porridge and crisp morena eel fish fritters.

Iceland

Towering basalt columns rise from jet-black sands, the air thick with salty mist as the wind whips through jagged, ancient lava formations. To stand on the shores of Reynisfjara’s infamous beach is something else – an immersion into Iceland’s raw, volcanic soul . Though not directly on the beach, ION Adventure Hotel is nearby and the one we recommend if you can make it to these Scandinavian climes. Nestled in the heart of volcanic territory, ION pays homage to its elemental surroundings. The older structure is reimagined in sleek black cladding and the building itself is elevated on uneven stilts — a nod to Viking ingenuity and ancient traditions of marking new territories. And if that doesn’t do it for you, head to the Northern Lights bar – a striking glass box jutting out at the tip of the hotel for optimal views of the aurora borealis.

Bali

A haunting black beach, its ebony sands forged by ancient volcanic fires, sets the stage for Lost Lindenberg in Bali. Or in short, mystique paired with modern indulgence. Here, the shoreline’s dark allure is a product of centuries-old lava flows and volcanic ash. The hotel, tucked away off the beaten track in West Bali, offers an escape from the crowds—yet sits right on this mesmerizing beachfront. A place where you can sit by a flickering fire, lulled by the crash of the waves .

On the east coast, Amankila also offers stretches of black sand. Nestled on a lush hillside beneath sacred Mount Agung, the retreat overlooks the Lombok Strait. Tiered infinity pools seem to spill into the horizon, while frangipani-lined walkways weave through the treetops, connecting stilted suites to a secluded silvery volcanic-sand shoreline. An almost cinematic backdrop to experience Indonesia’s wilder and more whimsical landscapes.

Hawaii

Where lava once met the sea, a black-sand beach now stretches along the untouched shores of Hawaii’s Big Island. This coastline — shaped by ancient volcanic flows — is a reminder that the island is still alive, still evolving. The Big Island itself is a land of extremes, home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and a place where snow-capped peaks, lush rainforests, and sun-drenched beaches coexist. Tucked into this raw, elemental landscape, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, is a revival of an iconic 1960s hideaway. Thatched-roof hales sit quietly along the shore, woven into the rhythm of the land. Days here unfold slowly — paddling through glassy lagoons, sinking into volcanic-heated waters, sipping mai tais at the legendary Talk Story Bar as the sky turns ember. A place where time drifts like the tide, and the past and present feel beautifully intertwined.

“Born from fire, black sand beaches emerge where volcanic eruptions meet the sea. Lava fragments, basalt rocks, and minerals, broken down over centuries by the ceaseless motion of the tide, form these otherworldly shores.”

Santorini

Dramatic black cliffs plunge into an inky shoreline, forming a stage where Santorini’s volcanic origins take center stage. Carved into ancient caldera rock faces, Hotel Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, marries Cycladic elegance with raw elemental power. Infinity pools hover above the shimmering Aegean, while the beach below beckons. No wonder this hotel has been nominated for Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards. Inside, each suite is awash in soft neutrals and fitted out with bespoke furnishings, all set against that mesmerizing and moody basalt backdrop.

Chile

Pichilemu is Chile’s undisputed surf capital, where the wild Pacific meets pitch-black sand beaches and precipitous cliffs. Just inland – about a 1.5-hour drive away—lies Vik Chile – Viña Vik, a dreamy, art-filled escape after a day on the waves. Rising like a futuristic mirage in the Millahue Valley, this avant-garde retreat is a masterpiece of design. Its sweeping titanium roof echoes the surrounding hills, while floor-to-ceiling glass frames endless vineyard views. Each suite is curated to reflect Chile’s bold creativity.  So, take the road trip – soak in the raw beauty of the black-sand beaches, then wind down at Vik Chile, floating in the cantilevered infinity pool as the Andes fade into dusk.

New Zealand

Far removed from the day-to-day, this setting isn’t just otherworldly but truly a world unto itself – accessible only by helicopter. Perched on a rock cliff, Annandale Seascape on New Zealand’s Pigeon Bay nestles amid grassy expanses that extend toward a charcoal gray–black pebble beach speckled with distinct black and gray stones. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the view, where these stones reflect both the luminous quality brought by abundant glass and the robust character of the walls and concrete structure. A succinct celebration of nature and design, where we could just spend days on end with our loved ones or writing a compelling novel.

Azores

Emerging from the Atlantic, the Azores are also home to other worldly black-sand beaches. Unlike the sun-bleached shores of mainland Europe, these islands boast moody, magnetic coastlines, where inky sands meet rolling waves and lush green cliffs. Among these black-sand gems,  Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort  in Ribeira Grande offers an elevated take on island living. Set against the wild expansion of the Atlantic, its sleek villas, crafted from natural materials, stand proudly in the rugged volcanic terrain. Days here unfold in perfect balance—surfing at sunrise, soaking in geothermal pools, indulging in ocean-to-table dining, and unwinding to the rhythm of the waves along the endless black shore.

Aeolian Islands

Just off the coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands offer a noteworthy black beach escape – where volcanic drama meets an unexpected sense of serenity. On Stromboli, jet-black sands glow under the flicker of an ever-active volcano, while Vulcano’s geothermal beaches invite travelers to sink into warm, mineral-rich waters. Therasia Resort Sea & Spa on Vulcano boasts cliffside infinity pools with sweeping Tyrrhenian views, while Principe di Salina on Salina provides an intimate retreat, complete with panoramic terraces and a saltwater pool framed by lush vineyards.

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