Why Driving Makes All The Difference

Public transport will get you to Reykjavik or the Golden Circle no problem, but if you're looking to get to the black sand beaches, many of them are tucked away on the South Coast, down small roads and gravel turnoffs that buses don't even think about using.

Having a car gives you the freedom to stop whenever you see something worth stopping for, to linger over a particularly great view, and to bugger off when the weather starts getting a bit hairy.

And that really is the best way to see these beaches, especially when the road gets tricky, or you want to be in position for a sunrise or sunset over multiple beaches

What Makes Iceland’s Black Sand Beaches So Special

Most of Iceland's black sand beaches get their colour from volcanic eruptions.

The lava flows churn and churn until eventually they break down into sand that's rich in basalt and get carried to the coast by the wind and the sea, where it settles to form beaches that are constantly changing.

Some have smooth expanses of sand, while others are speckled with jagged rock formations, cliffs, and bits of ice that have been swept up from nearby glaciers.

The textures, the contrasts, and the natural patterns make these beaches a photographer's playground, and also a recipe for disaster if you're not careful.

Knowing what you're getting yourself into is key to safe exploration and taking some photographs that are actually worth showing off

Accessing The South Coast & A Few Survival Tips

If you're looking to hit the big-name beaches like Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey, or Vik, here are a few things I've learned along the way :

• Roads and Parking: don't be so fussed about finding a big carpark, expect gravel roads and small pull-off spots, and remember to watch out for oncoming traffic and other cars as you pull over.
• Timing: the golden hour is your friend when it comes to photography, hit the beaches in the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, and the crowds are thin. In the middle of the day, the light is flat and unflattering.
• Flexibility: Be prepared for the unexpected, the best photos often come from stopping suddenly at some minor pull-off that you stumbled upon. Having a car gives you the freedom to do just that.
• Respect for Private Land: Some of the beaches are right on the edge of farmland or private property, so just stick to the public paths and signs, and you'll be fine

Drive slowly and keep an eye on the road conditions, and you'll be able to enjoy the scenery while staying safe and having the space to go a bit further off the beaten track than you might have done otherwise.

Safety Considerations

Black sand beaches are stunning, but they can be dangerous if you underestimate them.

• Sneaker Waves: These sudden, powerful waves can sweep people into the ocean. Never turn your back on the sea, even if it looks calm.
• Wind Gusts: Icelandic winds can slam car doors or knock you off balance. Always exit carefully and keep control of cameras and tripods.
• Slippery Terrain: Wet volcanic sand and rocks can be treacherous. Footwear with grip is a must.
• Driving Hazards: Slow down near beach turn-offs, use hazard lights when pulling over, and avoid blind curves.

I’ve seen people get too close to the water, trying to capture the perfect shot. The ocean doesn’t negotiate, it just moves. Respect it, and you’ll leave with memories instead of mishaps.

Photography Tips

If your goal is photos, timing and composition are key:

• Golden Hour: Sunrise or sunset creates dramatic contrasts, long shadows, and glimmering wet sand.
• Composition: Use basalt columns, ice chunks, or cliff edges as foreground elements. Black sand naturally contrasts with white waves.
• Equipment: Tripod for long exposures, lens cloth for salty spray, and a wide-angle lens for expansive scenes.
• Perspective: Don’t just shoot horizontally. Try low angles to capture textures or reflections in wet sand.

Always remember: your safety comes first. No photo is worth a misstep or a dangerous wave.

Lesser-Known Beaches Worth Exploring

Beyond Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey, there are quieter spots along the South Coast or East Coast:

• Sólheimasandur: Famous for the plane wreck, but early morning access is ideal.
• Diamond Beach (Jökulsárlón): Ice chunks on black sand offer surreal compositions.
• Hjörleifshöfði: Smaller, less visited, but dramatic cliffs and birdlife.

These require cautious driving on gravel roads and sometimes minor detours. The reward is solitude, unique compositions, and often wildlife sightings that bus routes don’t allow.

Why Renting A Car Makes A Difference

The freedom of driving in Iceland is unmatched. With your own car, you can chase light, linger at hidden pull-offs, and adjust plans based on weather or tides.

Renting through a trusted company like MyCar ensures you have a reliable vehicle capable of handling gravel roads, minor detours, and sudden weather changes.

It’s not just convenience, it’s the difference between seeing Iceland’s black sand beaches in fleeting snapshots or truly experiencing them on your own terms.

Final Words

Iceland’s black sand beaches are stunning, surreal, and sometimes intimidating.

By driving yourself, respecting the power of nature, and paying attention to safety and tides, you can enjoy these landscapes fully, both with your eyes and through your camera lens.

Take your time, chase the light, linger at unexpected spots, and always let the road guide you. In the end, the memories you collect on black sand will likely be among the most vivid of your Iceland adventure.