Paradise Found: 24 of The Most Beautiful Beaches on Earth

20. Vík Beach, Iceland: Beauty in Monochrome

For those drawn to the dramatic and unconventional, Vík Beach on Iceland’s south coast offers an entirely different kind of coastal experience. Forget golden sand—here, the beach is a stretch of volcanic black sand flanked by towering basalt columns and mysterious sea stacks that rise from the Atlantic like sentinels. Nearby, the hauntingly beautiful Reynisdrangar rocks and crashing waves provide an epic backdrop for photographers and adventurers. Though not a place for sunbathing, Vík is ideal for exploring raw, windswept beauty and marveling at how fierce and sculptural nature can be. Dress warm and prepare to be awestruck.