Beaches in Iceland

Located near Vík í Mýrdal, Reynisfjara is one of the most famous beaches in Iceland, known for its black sand, roaring Atlantic waves, and iconic basalt columns. Easily accessible via the Ring Road, it’s a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers. Be cautious of strong sneaker waves.

Tucked inside Snæfellsjökull National Park on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Djúpalónssandur is a pebbled black beach filled with smooth lava stones and rusted remains of a 1948 shipwreck. Visitors can try lifting the historic “strength stones,” once used to test the might of local fishermen. A short hike leads to the beach through dramatic lava formations.

Located across the road from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach is famous for the shimmering icebergs that wash ashore on the black sand, creating a stark visual contrast. Easily accessible from the Ring Road, this beach is a favorite for sunrise and sunset photography. No swimming is possible here.

This otherworldly expanse of black sand lies between Skógafoss and Vík. It’s famous for the abandoned US Navy DC-3 plane wreck that rests on the sands, accessible via a 45-minute walk (4 km each way) from the main road. The area is completely open and exposed—ideal for dramatic photography but less for traditional beach use. There are no facilities, so visitors should bring water, wear proper shoes, and be weather-aware.

Ytri Tunga beach on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is known for its resident seal population. Unlike most Icelandic beaches, it has golden sand and is relatively easy to walk on. The best time for seal sightings is summer, particularly at low tide. There are no changing facilities, but it is just off the main road with easy parking.

Often confused with Reynisfjara, this beach lies directly by the town of Vík and offers closer, safer views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The beach features the same volcanic black sand and moody skies but tends to be less crowded. It’s a great place for a quiet stroll with easy access to shops and parking, though caution is still needed due to powerful waves.

Red Sands Beach is located on the south coast of Westfjords in western Iceland. It one of a kind 10km long beach with surreal red sand which is unique to Iceland. The hues of sand change according to the weather or different lighting conditions from red to white or yellow and even black during the rainy season.

Other Important Objective Information :

• The roads are not well constructed and comprised of gravel which makes this road unfavorable for smooth driving. So it is highly recommended to drive slowly for your safety.
• You should be an expert driver if you are thinking of traveling alone as there are frequent steep drops on the way to Raudasandur beach.
• Try to keep an extra hour in hand and return to the daylight as it gets tougher to navigate in the evening as roads get difficult to navigate due to Fogg and cloudy atmosphere.
• A little Parking space is available.Near the sandy beach there is a cafe where you can sit and enjoy a tasty meal while watching beautiful landscapes and sea tides.

Found in the northern village of Dalvík, this beach offers a mix of pebble and sand along the Eyjafjörður fjord. While small, it’s charming and pairs well with local attractions like whale watching or visiting the Hvoll Folk Museum. The beach is easily walkable from town.

Near Höfn in southeast Iceland, Stokksnes offers a perfect blend of black sand dunes, windswept coastline, and the jagged peaks of Vestrahorn mountain reflected in the wet shoreline. It is privately owned and requires a small entrance fee, but the views—particularly at sunrise or sunset—are among Iceland’s most dramatic. The beach is easily accessible by car and includes a Viking village film set nearby.

Near the towering bird cliffs of Látrabjarg, Breiðavík is a wide, golden-sand bay with one of the most peaceful atmospheres in Iceland. Access is via gravel roads in the Westfjords and best suited for 4x4 vehicles. There’s a small guesthouse and campground nearby, making it a favorite for nature lovers and puffin seekers.

Located just south of Diamond Beach, Fellsfjara is another stretch of black sand that’s often quieter than its famous neighbor. It also receives chunks of ice from the glacial lagoon but tends to be less crowded. It’s accessible from the same bridge that leads to Jökulsárlón.

Hidden on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula’s northwest edge, this golden-sand beach is a rarity in Iceland. Surrounded by lava rock formations and cliffs, it's ideal for picnics and peaceful walks. Access requires a drive along gravel roads.

Just outside the town of Borgarnes, this black sand beach is backed by gentle hills and offers excellent views of Borgarfjörður. It’s a peaceful stop with a walking path and nearby services, perfect for a short picnic or reflective pause during your road trip.

Found on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the Bridge Between Continents, Sandvík is one of Iceland’s rare golden-sand beaches. Its light-colored sands are backed by dunes and cliffs, and it lies atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It's remote but reachable by car with ashort walk. There are no facilities here.

Located by Eskifjörður in East Iceland, Meleyri is a black sand beach framed by green hills and calm waters. Ideal for strolls, photography, and quiet moments, it’s a favorite among locals and easily accessible via the Ring Road.