What gives pink sand beaches their lovely color? Is it a trick of the light? Based on the location, the reasons can be varied, but most beaches get their pink hue from thousands of shells and shattered coral pieces. Tiny sea creatures with pink and red shells also leave behind calcium carbonate materials that add to the pink landscape. Here are some of the best locations where the beaches could rival the sparkle in a glass of rose.
Harbour Island, Bahamas
Harbour Island is 3.5 miles of soft, pink sand running alongside crystal waters and coral reefs. The island is one of the best places on the planet to get your pink beach fix.
Elafonisi Beach, Greece
A detour southwest from the famous island of Crete will bring you to Elafonisi beach. Pink sand and warm shallow waters for swimming make this beach the perfect place to escape. A nature lover’s paradise, the beach is home to numerous plant species, tiny coves, and stunning rock formations.
Barbuda in Antigua and Barbuda
Barbuda is home to secluded pink sand beaches and palm trees. The island is just 62 square miles and has only one village.
Pink Beach, Indonesia
This beach in Indonesia is unreal. It has gorgeous pink sand and is also a part of the Komodo National Park. Turquoise seas, blue skies, pink sand, and Komodo dragons roaming about – we can’t think of anything more surreal. The waters of Pink Beach contain thousands of fish and some of the most well-preserved coral reefs.
Pfeiffer Beach, California
Pfeiffer Beach lies along the Big Sur coastline and a part of the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This hidden beach has hues of pink and purple – colors that come alive, especially after the rains. There’s also an 80-foot waterfall, sea caves, and incredible rock formations.
