Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is the dramatic coastline on Iceland's South Coast that most visitors picture when they think of black sand beaches. The sand is crushed volcanic rock, broken down from basalt by the Atlantic, and the cliffs and offshore stacks make it one of the most photographed places in the country.

It is also a serious hazard. Visit Iceland calls Reynisfjara one of the country's most dangerous locations, because powerful sneaker waves and strong currents have claimed the lives of several visitors. Stay well back from the water and follow the warning signs. The same advice applies to nearby Kirkjufellsfjara beach at Dyrhólaey and to Djúpalónssandur on Snæfellsnes. Check safetravel.is before you go.

A light sign at the beach is linked to the automatic wave forecast run by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. When it shows yellow, keep out of the yellow zone; when it shows red, go no further than the sign and watch from the higher ground at the top of the beach. The beach is never closed and there are no wardens on site, so the zones only protect you if you follow them. You can visit all year; check the light and safetravel.is on the day.