Life's a beach

From towering sea stacks to endangered penguins, the world's most interesting beaches offer more than pristine sand and crystalline waters, finds Antonia Windsor

- Antonia Windsor

Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

WHEN you first set eyes on Reynisfjara Beach (also known as Black Sand Beach) at Iceland’s southernmost town, Vík í Mýrdal, more commonly known as Vik, you will feel as if you are at the end of the world. Dramatic rock pillars (the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks) rise from the sea against the backdrop of bleak, jet-black sand and white sea foam, fierce Atlantic waves and ever-changing light under hexagonal cliffs.

As you take in the moody atmosphere, you may imagine you’re in a film set and, indeed, the beach appeared in Game of Thrones. The sea stacks feature in ancient legends and are home to thousands of seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots and fulmars. However, the beach, which is about 112 miles from the capital, Reykjavik, is not for swimming: the waves here are dangerous. You should keep well away and never turn your back on them.

Live in Iceland

Almost next door to the Icelandic House of Parliament, this villa has five bedrooms, elegant reception rooms, including a beautifully panelled entrance hall, and murals by Swedish artist Greta Björnsson. $4.2 million (about £3.34m), Sweden Sotheby’s International Realty (00 46 31 182 200; www.sothebys realty.com)

Tharros Beach, Sardinia, Italy