Top 5 Beaches in Iceland for a Breathtaking Trip

 

When most people picture Iceland, they imagine volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls—but rarely sandy shores. And yet, Iceland is home to some of the most visually stunning and unique beaches in the world. Iceland has world-class beaches that will blow your mind. These places stretch across the entire country, offering visitors amazing experiences.

Whether you are a nature lover, photographer, or adventure seeker, these beaches offer dramatic coastlines, volcanic sand, and surreal landscapes.

With a rental car from Firefly, you will have the flexibility to reach these remote yet rewarding coastal gems with ease. 

Let’s explore the 2025 top 5 beaches in Iceland worth adding to your itinerary.

Diamond Beach (Jökulsárlón)

Located near the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in southeast Iceland, this beach sits 380 kilometers from Reykjavik. Diamond Beach is unlike anything you have seen before. Icebergs that calve off the nearby glacier drift onto the shore, creating a striking contrast between black volcanic sand and glistening blue-white ice.

Why Visit:

• Unique photography opportunities
• Constantly changing ice sculptures
• Easy to combine with a visit to the glacier lagoon

Tip: Visitors should bring waterproof boots since the beach can get quite slippery. The best light for photography happens during sunrise or sunset for magical lighting across the ice fragments.

Discover the ultimate Jokulsarlon Self-Drive Travel Guide here.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Arguably Iceland’s most famous beach, Reynisfjara near the town of Vik, is famed for its jet-black sands, towering basalt columns, and roaring Atlantic waves. This beach offers incredible photo opportunities with its dramatic sea stacks rising from the ocean. According to local folklore, these formations were once trolls turned to stone.

Things to Do:

• Explore the hexagonal basalt columns at the Gardar Cliff
• Watch for puffins nesting on the cliffs in summer
• Capture long-exposure shots of crashing waves

Safety Alert: The waves here are extremely dangerous. Never turn your back on the ocean, neaker waves can be fatal.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting one of Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonders, Reynisfjara.

Stokksnes Black Sand Beach

Located near the town of Höfn, Stokksnes offers a quieter, cinematic landscape featuring black dunes and the towering Vestrahorn mountains. This lesser-known gem is ideal for photographers and those seeking a peaceful moment with nature.

Why It Stands Out:

• Epic views of Vestrahorn reflected in wet sand
• Fewer tourists compared to Reynisfjara
• Often used as a backdrop in films and commercials

Getting There: Public transport is limited as it rarely reaches these remote coastal areas. Firefly Car Rental can make it easy for you to get there super easily. Rent a car in Iceland at really cheap prices, including unlimited mileage and CDW.

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Nauthólsvík in Reykjavik features imported golden sand and geothermally heated seawater. This man-made beach offers a unique mix of cold ocean dips and hot tubs. For a more traditional beach experience, this works perfectly for families with children who want to experience swimming in Iceland safely.

Highlights:

• Family-friendly with shallow heated areas
• Year-round swimming (yes, even in winter!)
• Close to the city center and easy to access

Note: While you can enjoy warm water here, snorkeling is not common or recommended at this beach due to limited visibility and shallow depth. One can attempt it during the high tide, but there is a potential to encounter Jellyfish and other Marine Life.

Rauðisandur Beach (The Red Sand Beach)

Located in the remote Westfjords, Rauðisandur is Iceland’s most colorful beach, stretching over 10 kilometers with hues that range from golden to pink-red, depending on the light and season.

What Makes It Special:

• Peaceful, vast landscape ideal for hiking
• Great spot for birdwatching, including puffins
• Nearby vistas of Snæbjarnarfoss waterfall and the Látrabjarg cliffs

The road is gravel and remote—a reliable rental car is a must. Nearby Látrabjarg cliffs house Europe's largest puffin colony. Visitors can spot these adorable birds between May through August. The combination of endless golden sands with dramatic cliffs creates unforgettable scenery.

Check out this guide to know the best places and times to see Iceland’s Puffins.

Planning Your Iceland Beach Adventure

Iceland’s beaches are not for sunbathing, but they offer something far more profound—a raw and rugged connection with nature. Here’s how to make the most of your beach trip:

Tips for Visiting Iceland’s Beaches:

• Pack warm, windproof clothing even in summer
• Wear waterproof boots—most beaches are wet and rugged
• Always check weather forecasts—Iceland’s weather can change rapidly

Travel with flexibility by renting a car for off-the-beaten-path access

Why Rent a Car with Firefly in Iceland?

Many of Iceland’s best beaches are remote and not easily accessible via public transportation. Firefly Car Rental offers:

• Affordable rental rates with unlimited mileage
• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) included
• Easy pick-up at Keflavik International Airport
• Reliable 4WD vehicles for winter and rugged terrain
• Start your coastal adventure with confidence and comfort

With us, you're in control. Explore at your pace, avoid tour bus crowds, and unlock access to hidden beaches, mountain views, and glacier lagoons with ease.

Final Thoughts

Iceland’s beaches may not offer palm trees and cocktails, but they deliver something even better—awe-inspiring landscapes and soul-stirring silence. Whether you are capturing the icy drama of Diamond Beach or soaking in geothermal waters at Nauthólsvík, these coastal experiences redefine what a beach vacation can be.

Explore Iceland’s raw beauty with the freedom of your vehicle. 

Visit Firefly Car Rental to book your trip today and uncover the most breathtaking beaches in Iceland—on your terms.