Albay Islands Philippines
Land Of The World's Most Perfect Cone

Albay Black Sand Beaches...

Black sand beaches are rare and very fascinating. The distinct black sand is created from the natural erosion of volcanic rock and which evolved from ground lava. The Big Island in Hawaii is famous for this attraction. But one need not go to Hawaii for this, as black volcanic sand beaches are also plentiful in Albay.

Located mostly on the eastern and northern part of Mayon volcano, black sand beaches can be found along the coasts of Bacacay, Sto. Domingo and Tiwi. The black sand is usually a little grainy but it is easy to walk on, if not too hot. Local folks believe that it has therapeutic benefits.

Bacacay Black sand Beaches
The small town of Bacacay lies on the eastern slope of Mayon volcano. It has 143 kms. of irregular coastline of mostly black volcanic sand and smaller white sand beaches in the Cagraray Island. Most of these black sand beaches are to be found in Brgy Sogod, which is less than 5 kms from the Poblacion.
There are several resorts offering day and overnight accommodations as well as other amenities.

Sto. Domingo Black sand Beaches
The beaches in this area are best for viewing. Resorts along the Sto Domingo coastline offer a wonderful view of the black beach, the Albay Gulf and a part of the Legazpi City area. It is also the best place to watch the rising of the full moon. On a full moon, you will have the unobstructed view of the water, moon, night sky and the city lights. Some resorts offer entertainment facilities like videoke and billiards. Some have private pools. This is the perfect escape from the hubbub of the city life.

Tiwi Black sand Beaches
Tiwi lies on the northern part of the Mayon volcano and is approximately 40 kms from Legazpi City. Beaches in this area specifically those in the Joroan shore are best for swimming as the water on this part is not too rocky. On this portion you will have a superb view of the Lagonoy gulf and the islets of Camarines Sur. The scenic drive to Joroan is also a big plus on this travel. For a really satisfying black sand beach swimming experience this is the place to go.