The beaches ofIceland are different from the beaches of other countries. These beaches are unlike any other in the world due to their dramatic cliffs and volcanic sand.

The beaches are no exception, as they are defined by the stunning natural beauty of the country. The glaciers, mountains and people of Iceland have been shaped by fire and ice. There are black volcanic beaches, basalt columns, and blond sand on the ocean side of the country.

Spending time on the coast is one of the best things to do in the country. There are some of the best beaches in the country.

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Reynisfjara beach
You could be lucky enough to see the northern lights dance over Reynisfjara beach © Natapong Supalertsophon / Getty Images

1. The stunning black sand of Reynisfjara makes it one of Iceland's most famous beaches

Reynisfjara is the most famous beach in the country. The beach is dark but beautiful because of the basalt columns and the waves crashing on the shore. Reynisfjara is a favorite among travelers and locals.

Go to the edge of the beach and listen to the waves crashing around the sea stacks. The petrified remains of the troll that stayed out too late were turned into stone at sunrise. There is a piece of folklore that adds to the magic of a beach.

Djupalonsandur Beach
Lava flows have created striking rock formations at Djúpalónssandur ©Shutterstock / Umomos

2. There are rock formations and a wreck at West Iceland's Djúpalónssandur Beach

The beach is located at the foot of a glacier-capped volcano to the north of Reykjavk. The name refers to the still, silent lake that sits inshore from the sand.

The Sngklettur is said to be protected by elves and is one of the striking rock formations created by ancient lava flows. A monument to those who died in the 1948 disaster is emerging from the sand.

The planning tip is to walk in a fairytale-like location, but keep a safe distance from the waves.

Nautholsvik geothermal beach
Enjoying the hot tubs at Nautholsvik geothermal beach in winter ©Shutterstock / Try_my_best

3. The artificial Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is a top choice near Reykjavík

It is a mile and a half from downtown Reykjavk to find this artificial beach. This beachlover's paradise has warm waters, imported golden sand, and a lot of fun. The lagoon is one of the most popular places to swim in the Reykjavk metropolitan area because of the hot water pumped into it during the summer. Travelers who are brave can swim into the sea for a hot and cold spa experience.

There are public changing rooms, steam baths, and simmering hot tub at Nauthlsvk. There is a fee to enjoy the facilities in the winter. This is the best day of the year at the beach.

Chunks of ice and icebergs that have washed up on a beach in South Iceland
Icebergs that have drifted from Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon give Diamond Beach its name © ZinaidaSopina / Shutterstock

4. The icebergs on Diamond Beach in South Iceland make this a surreal place to visit

Have you ever been on a stark and empty black sand beach? Add Diamond Beach to your bucket list if not. The chunks of ice that stud the shore are fragments of ice that floated across the Jkulsrln glacier and ended up in the ocean. Diamond Beach is home to a treasure trove of shining glassy pieces.

Don't climb on any of the icy blocks if you want to see the new glaciers. The edges are slippery and can flip over trapping you under the water. It's one of the most evocative sights in South Iceland and you can use your time to make magic photos of it.

Raudasandur beach
Rauðisandur's red sands are part of a windswept stretch of coast © Perszing1982 / Getty Images

5. Enjoy the unspoilt coastline at the Westfjords' Rauðisandur Beach

Visitors will see why the name "Rauisandur" means "Red Sands" One of the most beautiful beaches in the world is located along the coast of the Westfjords. On a completely unspoiled stretch of the shoreline, there are cliffs and grassland.

It's well worth the trek due to its remote location, but you have to drive 395 km from Reykjavk to get there. You can add more adventure to your stay by camping in the area. The wind whispers eerily along the shore and the viking burial grounds dot this lonely sweep of coastline.

Vestrahorn mountain
Stargazing near Vestrahorn mountain is an unforgettable experience © Simone Gramegna / Shutterstock

6. Vestrahorn Beach in southeast Iceland is one of the most scenic beaches

The Vestrahorn Beach is framed by jagged peaks and is covered in black sand. One of the most scenic beaches in the country can be found just a 10-minute drive from the quaint town of Hfn in southeastIceland. The dark color of the mountain is due to the high levels of iron and magnesium in the rock.

Plan to come in winter to see the mountain covered in snow and then hang out on the beach on clear nights to watch the Aurora Borealis perform magic tricks in the sky.

Grotta Island lighthouse
You can walk to Grótta Island lighthouse when the tide is out © Bill Kennedy / Shutterstock

7. Grótta Island is a coastal nature reserve near Reykjavík 

The island is located at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula and is a nature reserve. The island has a charming coastline filled with smooth stones and dark sand and is home to a historic lighthouse. Visitors can walk to the lighthouse at low tide.

You can walk from downtown to Grtta Island, which is one of the best places to see seabirds. A surfer or two might try out the waves on this peninsula.

If you want to see the northern lights in winter, Grtta Island is a good place to go.

The article was first published in August of 2021.