Perhaps not the first thing one thinks of when envisioning an Icelandic holiday, this Nordic country boasts a thriving beach scene nonetheless. Black sand, white sand, and everything in between—here’s your guide to Iceland’s best beaches.

Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach
If you’re spending time in Reykjavik, make a point of visiting Nautholsvik beach, a sandy spot that boasts warm water, a rarity in Iceland. Thanks to the thermal waters that have been engineered to flow into the beach’s bay, swimming at Nautholsvik can be a real pleasure. The addition of some freshwater pools and hot tubs make for a sensational way to spend a day.