Cijin Beach

The tiny island of Cijin, just off the coast of Kaohsiung, may be better known for its delicious seafood, but it's also home to one of the best black sand beaches in Taiwan.

Cijin Beach is a long stretch of beach located a short stroll from Cijin's bustling Old Town. There's plenty of space where you can play in the sand, cool off in the water, join a game of beach volleyball or simply relax on the beach. You'll also find several pop-ups near the beach where you can buy anything from towels to snorkeling gear or ice cream. Just be aware, the south of Taiwan is usually scorching hot during the summer! So, remember to bring a beach umbrella. Alternatively, rent an apartment near the beach.

If you plan to spend a day in Cijin, don't miss visiting the Old Fort and taking a selfie at the Rainbow Church. At sunset, head to the best beach bar in town, Sunset Bar, where you can enjoy a cold beer right on the beach!

Location: Cijin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

Getting there: Take a ferry from Gushan Pier Ferry Terminal in Kaohsiung to get to the island. The trip takes less than 10 minutes and costs about NT$40.