From California to the Caribbean, and Greece to South East Asia, many of the world’s most popular beach destinations have a pink sand beach to call their own.
What’s more beautiful than a picture-perfect beach? The answer: a picture-perfect pink sand beach.
We’ve picked the best pink sand beaches from across the globe to plan your next beach break around.
Rangiroa, Tahiti
Just under an hour’s flight from mainland Tahiti, Rangiroa is also home to Domaine Dominique Auroy, the world’s only coral winery where vines are grown directly on the coral atoll.
It’s also within easy reach of Motu Teta, a small island with a villa and guest house available exclusively for private rental.
Elafonisi, Crete, Greece
One of the world’s most famous pink sand beaches, Elafonisi on the Greek island of Crete is a popular vacation hotspot from spring right through to fall thanks to the region’s balmy temperatures. Its pink-tinged sands are lapped by crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, and come low tide, a sandbar provides access to an island with a small chapel.
Great Santa Cruz Island, The Philippines
Just over a mile south of Zamboanga City, the uninhabited Great Santa Cruz Island has the only pink beach in the Philippines. Reachable on day tours from the mainland, it’s a beautiful escape from the city. Swimming isn’t recommended as the current can be very strong, but you can paddle and take plenty of pictures on the pink-tinged sand.
Harbor Island, Bahamas
On a thin peninsula at the northern end of the Bahamas, Pink Sands Beach is a strikingly beautiful 2.3-mile stretch of sand. The soft, fine grains get their colour from the shells of microscopic foraminifera that wash up with waves from the ocean. The result is a gorgeous pastel pink beach, soft under barefeet and superb for swimming.
Pfeiffer Beach, California, USA
Pfeiffer Beach is tucked away from the main road at the end of Sycamore Canyon Road, an unmarked two-mile-long winding track. The pinky-purple colour of the sand—the colour comes from manganese garnet rocks—isn’t immediately obvious, but stroll out to where the ocean is lapping the shore to the north and you’ll find some interesting shades as the water flows in and out.
Balos Bay, Crete, Greece
The Bay of Balos and its lagoon are among the most visited – and photographed – places on Crete. Shallow, clear water makes this an ideal swimming location, and its status as a haven for the protected monk seal and the loggerhead sea turtle adds to the attraction. Top tip: April is one of the best times to visit.
Spiaggia Rosa, Budelli, Sardinia
Located on Budelli, one of seven islands in the Maddalena archipelago, Spiaggia Rosa – ‘pink beach’ in Italian – is open to visitors during the summer months.
Sadly it’s no longer possible to set foot on the beach due to environmental concerns, however the view is just as enchanting from the water.
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Don’t expect to have the sands to yourself on Bermuda’s most famous beach. Horseshoe Bay is an extremely popular spot for visitors and locals alike. Don’t let that put you off, though—it’s still a fantastic day out for both couples and families.
Komodo Island, Indonesia
Komodo Island is best known for the prehistoric-looking dragons that roam its pristine wilderness areas, but it’s not all about reptiles here. The beautiful pink beach, which also gets its hue from fragments of dead coral, has excellent snorkelling opportunities, and you might spot manta rays or even sperm whales in the ocean.
Komodo Island is a national park, and can only be reached on tours from Flores or on multi-day boat trips from Lombok.
Tangsi Beach, Lombok, Indonesia
Tucked away in the remote southeastern corner of Lombok, Tangsi Beach is a little-visited gem. Rent a scooter and ride out to the peninsula and you’ll be treated with glorious scenic views of rice paddies and rural life in Indonesia before reaching the pink-colored sands, which get their color from miniscule pieces of dead coral washing up on the shore.