Although we can go to the beach any time of the year, it is right now when absolutely all areas of sand and sea are filled with tourists wanting to enjoy endless sunny afternoons and sunsets and curious people who want to discover new places.
Beach lovers look for three main characteristics in a vacation: sun, sand, and surf. Those hoping to bring their sunny vacation to bucket list territory will pick a spot that offers something rare and spectacular, like a pink sand beach.
A photographer’s dream, the contrast between the rose-dyed strands and the sparkling turquoise seas is breathtaking. These rare beauties, flushed with crushed coral and shells off their shores, also present travellers with spectacular places to swim, snorkel and dive.
Fortunately, you can find stunning pink sand beaches spread all over the world. And each strand is worthy of a visit on such a lovely day it will tickle you pink (sorry, we had to!). Decide where to stop first with our list of the world’s best pink sand beaches.
Why do some beaches have pink sand: what causes pink sand?
Nuances of unusual pink sand are derived from the organic combination of marine organisms called Foraminifera, Corals, Shells, Calcium Carbonate and Pure White Beach Sand.
Foraminifers are:
- Crustaceans of a cell are found in the abundance of the ocean.
- Thousands of Forams species live on the underside of coral reefs, on the sea bed and in caves.
- Only a few of the big red boys.
Similar to tiny strawberries, they play an essential role in the ecosystem.
When the Foraminifera Meue that their shells are crushed in tiny particles due to the continuous movement of the ocean. The remains wash on the floor, as well as an immeasurable amount of coral and shell pieces, mixing with sand on the beach. The result is pink sand ranging from shades of Burgundy and got up to fuchsia and Cornell.
1. Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay Beach features the lush turquoise waters we dream of in winter. However, this strand is most famous for its pastel pink sand. Coloured by crushed sea creatures and seashells, this southern Bermuda beach is a photographer’s utopia.
One of Bermuda’s best beaches, this beautiful beach attracts many tourists (especially those arriving on cruise ships), so don’t expect quiet. Get there early to get a good seat during the high season (May to October). Do not worry! You will have fun no matter the crowd.
Named after its shape, Horseshoe Bay is surrounded by limestone cliffs, reefs perfect for snorkelling, and coastal paths leading to other beaches. A lifeguard is on duty during peak season, and there is a concession stand to accommodate you. Sun loungers and water sports equipment can be rented.
Accommodation: Bermuda’s best hotels
2. Elafonissi Beach, Greece
A picturesque beach located on its island in the southwest corner of the beautiful island of Crete, this is where you will find the serenity and pink sand you have been looking for. Speaking of sand, it’s a mix of pale pink and white, and it’s one of the softest bases you’ll find on the beaches that line the Mediterranean Sea.
Crossing the water from the mainland (especially at low tide) is easy to reach this beautiful wonder, one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches. The area is protected, which helps to maintain its natural beauty.
Kids will love splashing around in the warm, clear blue waters of the lagoons surrounding the shore. Be careful, though, and it can be very windy.
3. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Pink Sands Beach covers three miles of shoreline on peaceful Harbor Island, just a mile and a half north of Eleuthera. The sand is genuinely pink in this Bahamian paradise thanks to microscopic crushed marine insects called foraminifera and seashells.
What makes this beach so popular (besides its pink sands) is the calm water streaming down the shore. Thanks to a large reef off the coast, the waves are small and the water shallow, making it a perfect place for little ones to have fun and divers to explore.
Don’t be surprised if you see horse riders running along the beach; they take advantage of the cool sand (never hot enough to burn your feet) and the picturesque views.
Accommodation: Top Rated Resorts in the Bahamas
4. Pink Beach, Indonesia
The closer you get to the crystal-clear water, the more pink the sand turns to the aptly named Pink Beach on the Indonesian island of Komodo. Incredibly beautiful, this beach is what dreams are made of. It is no wonder that it is known as one of the best beaches in Indonesia.
The foraminifera shells combine to create the magnificent blush sand while verdant trees and craggy mountains meet on the shore. It is located in the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo National Park, and you may see a Komodo dragon or two looming in the surrounding area.
Getting here is not easy, but plenty of resorts and tourist companies offer boat trips that will take you to this beautiful coastline. Don’t forget to pack water, a swimsuit, a towel, and snorkelling gear – the reefs are impressive.
5. Crane Beach, Barbados
Crane Beach is one of the best beaches in Barbados. Once you see the stark contrast between its pale pink sand, deep turquoise water, and lush coconut grove, you’ll understand why.
The luxurious hilltop retreat, The Crane Resort, is the best way to get there. You must descend 98 steps or travel in a glass elevator (yes, please). There is also an entrance at the other end of the beach. Be prepared to cross a rocky road.
Resort guests are provided free umbrellas and sun loungers, which others can hire for an additional charge. One thing you can’t get there are surfboards, which is too bad considering the impressive waves that make it a known destination for surfboards. If you’re going to ride them anyway, BYOB – bring your surfboard.
Accommodation: Best Resorts in Barbados
6. Pink Beaches Of Barbuda
Barbuda’s most romantic beaches are tinged with Valentine’s Day pink. The famous 17-mile beach is particularly dreamy and offers couples a serene and often secluded spot for sunbathing. Clear aquamarine water bathes the flushed shore, tinged pale pink, especially where gentle waves crown the coast.
Barbuda has the advantage of not being discovered by tourists, leaving its long pink beaches virtually untouched. This makes it the perfect destination for those who eschew skyscrapers and booming nightlife in favour of a more peaceful and ‘real’ beach experience.
Located just north of Antigua, this charming tiny island offers an impressive array of marine life to explore with snorkelling or scuba diving through the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea (southwest) or the ocean. A little more rugged Atlantic (to the east).
Accommodation: Top rated resorts in Antigua
7. Tangsi Beach, Indonesia
Indonesia is full of some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. One of its less prominent, somewhat secluded, and most beautiful strands is Tangsi Beach. This beautiful pink gem is located on the southeastern tip of Lombok, a small island that sits next to Bali and boasts captivating views of Mount Rinjani.
Snorkelling is popular here, as the coral reefs lie just off the blushing shores. Speaking of coasts, the sand here is a dazzling pink. Unlike other beaches on this list that may have a pinkish hue, Tangsi Beach (also known as Pink Beach to tourists) is undeniably colourful.
The calm water makes it a perfect destination for swimming with children. Unless you plan to visit during the big vacation, you won’t have to fight the crowds for a spot on pastel sand.
Tip: The best time to take photos is early morning when the colours are bright.
8. Beaches of the Great Santa Cruz Island, Philippines
A beautiful piece of paradise is located just two miles south of Zamboanga in the Philippines. The pale pink sand surrounds the island of Grand Santa Cruz, a protected marine reserve that offers visitors a quiet and beautiful respite from its noisy neighbour.
A 15-minute boat trip from Zamboanga can only reach the island. You will need to organize your trip to the local tourist office at least one day in advance because only several visitors are allowed, and they can only be present from 8:00 to 14:00.
Although most visit this island to enjoy the unique sandy beaches, many participate in organized tours of the Mangrove lagoon, including close encounters with part of the most incredible wildlife in the region. Swimming is not popular because of the rough waters, especially in the afternoon.
Tip: You will not find concessions on this beautiful island, so bring your snacks and be ready to take the garbage with you.
9. Pfeiffer Beach, California
What is better than a beach with pink sand? The one that also has nuances of violet rock views and is breathtaking. One of the most beautiful beaches of California, Pfeiffer Beach, is located in the Pfeiffer State Park, Legendary Big on, surrounded by dominant cliffs and massive climbing rocks.
Keyhole Rock is one of the most worthy sections of this offbeat section. Exhausted by years of being struck by saltwater waves, its bow offers photographers a perfect topic, especially during sunset.
While swimming is not an excellent option (the waves are ferocious and have strong currents), there are many other ways to stay busy. Build a pink and purple sand castle, climb the giant rocks, or look for the natural dashed caves in the area.
Tip: Colorful sand, caused by manganese garnet deposits found on neighbouring hills, is much darker in the wettest sections (that is, near the place where the waves break on the coast)
10. Ses Illetes beach, Spain
While Playa of his Illutes can appear white from afar, you do not need pink glasses to see her pale pink hue closely. It is located in Formentera, one of the most preserved and peaceful of the beautiful Balearic Islands of Spain.
Those seeking a quiet beach will be happy to have chosen this beautiful location on the busiest (and noisier) beaches in Ibiza and Majorca. This idyllic beach can be silent, but you can find a lot of floating glitter along the deep blue water. Large luxury yachts like to play in this region.
The beach is located in a conservation area, which helps protect its perfect shore. It also has places that rent water sports and award-winning restaurants that serve fresh food to savour.
Expert Consulting: These restaurants have steep prices. You should pack the food for the day.
11. Pink Beach, Bonaire
The Pink Beach is another blushing beauty in Bonaire, a small island of the Netherlands Caribbean part. With a narrow band of sand partially flanked by flat palms, this strand is also a postcard with millions of crushed Foraminifera shells that give it its pink hue.
Snorkelling and diving are preferred due to the calm, clear waters and vibrating reefs. A blues kaleidoscope becomes more apparent as they reach the coast, making it a wonderful place to face marine creatures. Take advantage of the National Marine Park of Bonaire, one of the best diving stains in the Caribbean.
Expert advice: Look where you walk! The rays like Mosey and the shallow sandy background add to the region’s attractiveness.
12. Pink Beaches of Tikehau, French Polynesia
French Polynesia contains things that dreams are made of yellow turquoise waters, dominant palm trees, hot lagoons, and soft sandy beaches.
Beautiful Tikehau, a relatively round atoll (A.K.A., a coral island that surrounds a lagoon), is one of its best assets, especially if you are looking for a lovely pink strand. This tiny atoll is just over 200 miles northeast of Tahiti and has multiple little beaches offering pink and white sand.
Swimming and snorkelling are the most popular activities due to the 100-foot lagoon 100 feet depth with fish and other underwater creatures. The lagoon is resonated by coral, which attracts marine life and causes pink shades on earth.
Insider Tip: Head to the Col de Tuheiava on the island’s west coast for the best dive.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pink Sand Beaches
Where are pink sand beaches?
Harbor Island is more famous for its beautiful pink sand beach, located along its side of the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. It almost seems infinite, stretching for about three miles more, and is 50 to 100 feet wide.
Considered one of the best beaches of the Bahamas Islands, it was presented in the best segment of beaches in the world of travel channel in March 2005 and called ‘Best sandy beach’. It was one of 10 beaches worldwide that will be included in the program.
The sand’s almost indescribable pale pink colour comes from insects of microscopic corals, known as foraminifera, which have a bright pink or red peel filled with holes through which it extends the pseudopodia, the bases you use to join and feed.
Are there beaches with pink sand?
Though rare, several pink sand beaches can be found in countries worldwide, including Greece and Indonesia. The Bahamas’ 3-mile-long Pink Sand Beach gets its colour from crushed pink and red shells of microscopic coral insects. The shells of these critters mix with the sand, making them excellent on bare feet.
Are there any pink sand beaches in the United States?
You do not have to travel to the Caribbean to sink your toes on a pink sand beach; there is beauty here in America. California Pfeiffer Beach is an impressive stretch of pink and purple sand, one of the best-hidden gems on the west coast. Pink sand beaches are a rarity; only a few are in the world.
Is there blue sand in the world?
Most of the sand is made of sodalite. Another main component is dolomite (grey crystals). Sand sample of Namibia containing blue sodalite and grey dolomite. The sand itself may not be natural.
Are the beaches of black sand natural?
Found in Hawaii, Iceland, the Canary Islands and other destinations worldwide, the beaches of the black sand intrigue travellers with their mystery and beauty. These beaches are formed over time by the erosion of volcanic minerals and lava fragments combined with reflux and the flow of ocean tide.
What does pink sand beaches?
The pink sand beaches obtain the colour of thousands of broken coral pieces, shells and calcium carbonate materials left by foraminifera (small marine creatures with red and pink shells) living in nearby coral reefs.
Are all the beaches in Bermuda Pink?
Although all beaches are not roses, most beaches on the south bank of Bermuda have pink sand. The pink colour is caused by tiny red organisms that grow under coral reefs and die at the bottom of the ocean. These, along with crushed corals and shells, are washed, mixed with sand and create the pink tone.
Is the Bahamas or Bermuda better?
The Bahamas is enormous compared to Bermuda, with countless islands and beaches to discover. Therefore if you want a holiday to explore and island hop, the Bahamas will suit you better than Bermuda. Both islands are expensive destinations, though Bermuda is probably more costly than the Bahamas.
Is there a beach with pink water?
You have probably seen pictures of some pink beaches in the Yucatán Peninsula. As weird as it looks, the coloured pink beach is natural and located in the community of Río Lagartos. The name of this magical place that seems taken out of a fairy tale received its name due to the pink colour of the water.
Are pink sand beaches rare?
These gorgeous sandbars don’t require rose-coloured glasses. You’ve probably heard of beaches with white and black sand, but what about ones with pink sand? Pink-hued shorelines are uncommon, yet they can be seen in a few places, such as Greece and Indonesia.
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