Reynisfjara is world's fifth best beach
Reynisfjara is the antithesis of a Caribbean beach but is nevertheless one of Europe's best beaches. Photo: Brynjar Gauti
The black beach of Reynisfjara in Vík, south Iceland has made fifth place on the Lonely Planet list of Europe's best beaches.
Lonely Planet says that,"With black sands, mists and tales of trolls and sea monsters, Vik Beach (Reynisfjara in Icelandic) is the antithesis of its Caribbean counterparts. Found at Iceland’s southernmost point – the wettest place in the country – this wind-beaten volcanic beach has a gothic, other-worldly feel, underpinned by local folklore. Look west to spot the Trolls of Vik (Reynisdrangur), craggy stacks of basalt said to be the petrified remains of three Icelandic trolls. At low tide, explore caves composed of cooled lava; legend has it their geometric columns once sheltered mythical creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for puffins nestled in the nearby cliffs – the area is a haven for seabirds."
