Black Sand Beach Tours

Photo by Carrie Me Around The World!
Photo by Andrew Wong
Photo by Mike Kauffman
Photo by Stacey Zatezalo
Photo by Hannah M


Black Sand Beach is a great place to begin your day of discovery in Vik I Myrdal. This stretch of coastline comes recommended by fellow travelers, but it's not the only spot to see here. Allow some time for other sights like Black Beach, Reynisdrangar, and Dyrhólaey to fully experience what the area has to offer.

Plan a trip to see Black Sand Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hótel Berg
Tower Suites Reykjavik
Kvosin Downtown Hotel

Reviews of Black Sand Beach

4.9
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
215
5 - Excellent 87%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 12%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Was extremely windy day. Black sand looks like coal dust, but brushes off just like the sand it is. Windy conditions made it too dangerous to drive to the other beaches.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This place was stunning. It exceeded our already-high expectations. Dyrholaey has some adventurous trails and amazing views. It was super windy, which limited our time at the top.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This was such a pleasant surprise. We planned on spending a few minutes here and ended up spending nearly two hours taking in the views, walking along the beach, and taking photos. You can see the basalt columns, cave, and Reynisdrangar rock formations on one side of the beach. And (on a fairly clear day) get a nice view of Dyrholaey on the other end. It's a long walk from one end to the other, but if you have time, it's worth a leisurely stroll to see both ends as the views are exceptional every step of the way. Just mind the warnings and be careful around the waves as people have died being swept out to sea. As long as you're mindful of the waves, you'll be perfectly safe. But we saw plenty of people doing stupid stuff, getting way too close to the water, and turning their backs to the waves to get the perfect selfie. No selfie is worth your life, people! So be smart and enjoy the beach.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go at low tide and early/late - There will be droves of tourists.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very dangerous beach. Don't get close to the water.It's one of the most dangerous beaches and no signs to warn people

5/5 - Excellent

Sarah

Nobody is here in the early morning!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Black Sand Beach

Hótel Kría

Hótel Kría

3 out of 5
Sléttuvegur 12-14, Vik I Myrdal, South Iceland
Hótel Kría
Hotel Vík í Mýrdal

Hotel Vík í Mýrdal

3.5 out of 5
Klettsvegur 1-3, Vik I Myrdal
Hotel Vík í Mýrdal
Black Beach Suites

Black Beach Suites

3 out of 5
Vik I Myrdal, Vik I Myrdal, South Iceland
Black Beach Suites
Hótel Dyrhólaey

Hótel Dyrhólaey

3 out of 5
Brekkum, Vik I Myrdal, Southern Region
Hótel Dyrhólaey
Vík Apartments

Vík Apartments

3.5 out of 5
Sléttuvegur 4-8, Vik I Myrdal, South Iceland
Vík Apartments
The Barn - Hostel

The Barn - Hostel

2 out of 5
Norðurfoss, Vik I Myrdal
The Barn - Hostel
Guesthouse Carina

Guesthouse Carina

3 out of 5
Mýrarbraut 13, Vik I Myrdal
Guesthouse Carina
Prestshús 2 Guesthouse

Prestshús 2 Guesthouse

2.5 out of 5
Prestshus 2, Vik I Myrdal
Prestshús 2 Guesthouse
Hotel Katla by Keahotels

Hotel Katla by Keahotels

3 out of 5
Mýrdalur, Vik I Myrdal
Hotel Katla by Keahotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach in Vik I Myrdal offers a stunning day trip destination with its dramatic landscapes and unique black sands. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, including photography and exploring the nearby cliffs. For those looking to extend their stay, there are camping spots available, allowing for a memorable experience amidst nature's beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this beach is perfect for outdoor enjoyment.

Shopping

At Black Sand Beach, you can explore local gift shops featuring unique Icelandic crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to Vik's shopping options, like the Vik i Myrdal supermarket for local snacks and the nearby souvenir shops for authentic Icelandic memorabilia.

Recreation

Experience the tranquil atmosphere at the Black Sand Beach Wellness Spa, where you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and soothing massages. Take a scenic stroll along the beach, basking in the breathtaking views of the basalt columns and ocean waves for a refreshing connection with nature.

Adventure

Experience camping at Thakgil, located 11 miles from Black Sand Beach, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Enjoy hiking trails, explore the rugged terrain, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Iceland. It's a perfect spot for family adventures and outdoor activities.

Nightlife

In Vik I Myrdal, the nightlife is relaxed yet vibrant, with cozy bars like The Icelandic Lava Show offering unique experiences. Nearby, the Black Beach Restaurant features live music, while local pubs create a friendly atmosphere for mingling and enjoying Icelandic craft beers.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Black Sand Beach

When visiting Black Sand Beach in Vik I Myrdal, you'll find stunning landscapes featuring cliffs, caves, and nature reserves that promise an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Explore the renowned Reynisfjara black sand beach and take in the mesmerizing black sands that define this unique location. Nearby attractions offer even more opportunities for scenic experiences, making this destination perfect for those who love nature and adventure.

  • Reynisdrangar: Located a mile from Black Sand Beach, Reynisdrangar features towering basalt sea stacks rising dramatically from the ocean. The stunning scenery and adventurous outdoor activities, such as hiking, make this spot a must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike.
  • Dyrhólaey: Approximately 2 miles away, Dyrhólaey is a nature reserve known for its breathtaking views and iconic archway. This trendy spot offers a luxurious experience with friendly locals and opportunities for birdwatching, including puffin sightings during the summer months.
  • Hálsanefshellir Cave: Just 0.9 miles from Black Sand Beach, this intriguing cave showcases stunning rock formations and provides an adventurous experience for those who explore its depths. The outdoor ambiance and unique geology make it a fascinating site for exploration.

Best time to go to Black Sand Beach

The best time to visit Black Sand Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Black Sand Beach falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Black Sand Beach falls in December, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.5°F (-1.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February30.7°F (-0.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March31.8°F (-0.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April36.9°F (2.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September45.3°F (7.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October38.8°F (3.8°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December28.6°F (-1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Black Sand Beach

To save money on your trip to Black Sand Beach, visit during the cheaper months of January, February, or November, and book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Sundays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Fridays are the most costly. Use Expedia's search tool for budget-friendly options and consider package deals that combine flights and activities. Look for last-minute hotel deals and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards. Exploring the area’s natural beauty is free, making it easy to enjoy your visit on a budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Black Sand Beach are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Black Sand Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Black Sand Beach is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Black Sand Beach is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal destination, and much more. You can arrange your search results from the lowest to the highest prices to quickly find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category—if you're interested in sustainability, just check the Eco-certified filter to view options for eco-friendly and sustainable hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Black Sand Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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