Black sand is a result of either placer deposits, an accumulation of valuable minerals formed during sedimentary processes, or more commonly from particles of lava from a nearby volcano. Since there are not many active volcanoes in Europe, there are few black sand beaches there. However, there are a few spots in Europe whose beaches were formed by ancient volcanoes and their beaches and coastline still bare their black remnants. Black sand beaches are rare and unique, but beware that black sand absorbs more heat and these beaches may be very hot to walk on.
Dark and Rainy in Iceland
- In southern Iceland lies a black sand beach known as Vik Beach. This strip of black basalt sand is located in the wettest part of Iceland. There are cliffs on the western side of this beach and black basalt stacks right off the coast, remnants of what used to be a much more extensive cliff-line. The volcano near Vik Beach which created the black basalt sand there is still active. Most recently it erupted in 2010, spreading ash and lava over the coastline.
Italy's Smelly Sands
- In the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Sicily, lie the seven Aeolian Islands. These islands are part of a huge 125-mile long volcanic ridge. Two of these seven islands have black sand beaches, Volcano and Stromboli. Volcano is aptly named for its sulfur smell and massive crater, remnants of once-active volcanoes that formed the black sand beaches. On Stromboli, the volcano is still active and its smoldering ashes have charred and blackened one side of the island, creating a sparkling black sand beach. The nearby islet of Strombolicchio can be seen from Stromboli's beach and also offers a black sand spectacle.
- A Greek Treat
- There are various black sand beaches on the east coast of Santorini, Greece. There are popular resorts in the towns of both Kamari and Perissa. Kamari is more developed, with beach-side restaurants, bars, hotels and water activities. Next to Kamari, in southeast Santorini, separated by a massive rock known as Mesa Vouno, is the picturesque village of Perissa. The black sands in Perissa stand out in sharp contrast to the white town buildings. Santorini beaches are a blend of red and black sand and small pebbles.
Spanish and Portuguese Islands
- The Canary Islands offer a variety of colored beaches, but the island of Tenerife is known for its black sand beaches due to the island's volcanic rock. There is Puerto de la Cruz beach in the north and Candelaria in the east that both have black sands. However, high tourist demand on this island has caused some resorts to import golden sands for visitors to lie on. On Lanzarote, El Golfo beach in the southeast offers the striking combination of black beaches and blue waters. There are a few black sand and pebble beaches of the island of La Gomera as well.The Azores are nine islands belonging to Portugal sculpted by ancient volcanoes. They lie west of Portugal in the northern Atlantic Ocean. The beaches are all various shades of black, formed by basalt sand and pebbles. Hardened black lava form tide pools across the islands and mold the islands' coastlines.
