3. Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii
You won’t be alone when you visit Punalu’u Beach on the southeast coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. While there are bound to be other tourists enjoying its shiny, coal-black sand, your main competitors for a comfy spot will likely include hawksbill and green turtles.
Keep your interaction with these endangered beauties to a minimum. They’re protected, so visitors aren’t allowed to get closer than 15 feet. With so much to explore on this vast beach, you won’t mind keeping your distance. Don’t miss a visit to nearby Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
The black sand can be a bit rocky due to the volcanic rock that lends it that lovely dark color. Also, be wary of the water – the current is quite strong here. Visit during low tide and check out the interesting creatures washed up in the tide pools.
4. Kamari Beach, Greece
Talk about a picturesque spot. The black sands of Kamari Beach flow into the white-washed resort town of the same name on Santorini’s southeast coast. One of the largest black sand beaches on this volcanic isle, Kamari Beach offers a lovely view of the towering Mesa Vouno.
The beach is lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas, which attract many tourists. That said, its popularity comes with perks in the form of water sport rental companies, restaurants, cafés, and shops. During the summer, lifeguards protect swimmers in the relatively calm, azure water.
As with most black sand beaches, you’ll want to wear shoes to protect your feet from the hot rocks and pebbles strewn throughout the sand.
