Albania

What made the sand at Velipojë known as healing sand? One recurring answer is iodine.

The fine dark sand is described as unusually rich in iodine and is locally known as râna e dermanit, roughly “healing sand”. People have long buried themselves in the sun-warmed grains as a traditional treatment, particularly for rheumatic complaints.

Locals call it healing sand. Others simply call it iodine-rich sand.