Icelandic beaches – See the most beautiful ones!

Cozy Campers Staff
January 26, 2018
2 minute read

Rauðisandur (5948134024) (2), Rauðisandur, West Fjords, Vestfirðir,
Rauðisandur in the West Fjords.
Not all Icelandic beaches are created equal, even though most of them are very beautiful. We put together a short list of our favourite beaches which you can visit on your travels in Iceland. There are, of course, many that didn’t make the cut, but we still recommend you visit if you have the time, such as Djúpalónssandur in Snæfellsnes, Reynisfjara in South Iceland and Sígríðarstaðaós in West Iceland where Hvítserkur rises from the sea, and you can go seal-watching.

Rauðisandur (West Fjords) – 5.5h away from Reykjavík

In the West Fjords, between the bird cliff Látrabjarg and Skorarhlíð, lies Rauðisandur beach. Rauðisandur means red sand and stretches out for 10 kilometres. It is one of the biggest beaches in Iceland and is quite spectacular to see.

The beach is one part of a string of coves which differently coloured beaches. You can find black, red, white and yellow beaches in the area, and they all differ in coarseness. Látrabjarg, the westernmost point on Iceland, is the biggest bird cliff in Europe and the home to millions of birds. From the beach, it is also possible to see Snæfellsjökull glacier.

Diamond beach (South Iceland) – 5h away from Reykjavík

Diamonds are Forever, beaches, Iceland, Jökulsárlón
Diamond Beach or Jökulsárlón Beach in South Iceland

The beach in front of Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon does not really have a name but the name “Diamond beach” has been growing in popularity. The name comes from the small icebergs that have floated from the lagoon down to the sea. It is a whole day trip to go from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón and back, but it is a great and popular stop along the Ring Road.

Apart from seeing the Diamond beach and Jökulsárlón, you can get up close by taking a guided boat ride on the lagoon.

Skarðsvík (West Iceland) – 3h away from Reykjavík

Snæfellnes peninsula is one of only a few places in Iceland where you can find beaches in other colours than black.

Skarðsvík is situated on the north-west side of the peninsula and is a relative haven. The beach is isolated, surrounded by high but beautiful cliffs. Just beware of the waves, they can be dangerous there – observe from afar.

Snæfellsnes is one of the most spectacular regions in Iceland. The peninsula includes many of the best things Iceland has to offer; glaciers, waterfalls, dramatic lava fields, hot springs, beaches, seal colonies and columnar basalt.

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