The Most Gorgeous Pink Sand Beaches in the World
Updated: Feb. 06, 2023
As if the beach isn't already great, these beaches have pretty pink sand. See some of the most beautiful ones in the world.
Pretty in pink
These pink sand beaches with some gorgeous blue or pink waves look like something on another planet—but they’re totally real and ready to be visited (when it’s OK to travel again)! For now, just marvel at these gorgeous photos. And in case you’re wondering, the pink color is thanks to microorganisms that have reddish-pink shells. When they die, their shells mix with coral crushed shell, creating a pink mixture that washes up on the beach. Beaches aren’t the only travel destinations lucky enough to don a pinkish hue—check out these beautiful pink lakes around the world.
Harbour Island, Bahamas
Located on the northwestern part of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, Harbour Island is known for its pink sand, long beaches, colorful coral reefs, and crystal clear water. With 3.5 miles of soft, pink sand along the eastern shore of the island to explore, visitors definitely won’t get bored. Its turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, swimming, fishing, and boating. The island’s tropical surroundings, ocean views, and subtle breezes make for a truly tranquil getaway.
Elafonisi Beach, Greece
Nestled on the southwestern side of Crete and almost one mile long, Eladonisi is the perfect place to bring a family of all ages. Along with its beautiful pink sand beach, the beach’s warm, shallow water is also a popular reason for its high tourist rates. Surrounded by 110 different plant species, small coves, extraordinary shells, and incredible rock formations, the only downside of this beach is that you can’t take home any of the gorgeous pink sand. Check out some incredible photos of beaches that glow in the dark.
Barbuda, Antigua, and Barbuda
Barbuda is one of two islands that make up the small Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Being 62 square miles and only having one village on the entire island, the secluded pink sand beaches and tropical palm trees are beautiful. Unfortunately, Barbuda was brutally hit by Hurricane Irma, so this particular beach isn’t really accessible at the moment.
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay is situated on Bermuda’s south coast. It’s tucked between astounding natural limestone cliffs and glistening pink sand that skims the Atlantic Ocean, which is filled with a plethora of coral reefs, a variety of fish, and other marine life. The bay is a fantastic location for snorkeling, volleyball, and kickball. The bay’s long trails are also awesome for jogging or hiking. Get a look at some jaw-dropping photos of the world’s most beautiful countries.
Pink Beach, Indonesia
West of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Pink Beach is part of Komodo National Park. The turquoise sea contrasting against the pink hues of the Indonesian beach and blue skies makes for unreal picturesque scenery and an even more beautiful sunset. Beneath the surface of the gorgeous waters are very well-preserved coral reefs and thousands of species of fish—pure euphoria for snorkelers and divers. Fun fact: The park is also plentiful with Komodo dragons.
Spiaggia Rosa, Italy
As gorgeous as its pink sand beach might be, Italy’s Spiaggia Rosa is off-limits to the public. The beach can be viewed via boat or from a nearby cliff that overlooks it, but no one is allowed onto the beach itself. This is due to preserving the beach’s vibrant pink hues, which believe it or not, used to be brighter before visitors began taking jars of it with them. Don’t miss these 11 amazing beaches to add to your bucket list ASAP.
Pfeiffer Beach, California
You don’t even need to leave the continental United States to visit this picturesque spot. The beach is part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along the Big Sur coastline. Besides its purple-tinted sand, which is most noticeable after rain, this hidden location features an 80-foot waterfall dropping along granite cliffs, rock formations for hiking, and sea caves for exploring. Get a look at 10 of the world’s most beautiful sea caves.
Red Sand Beach, Maui
It may be a bit more red than pink, but Red Sand Beach on Maui is still a sight to behold. Known as Kaihalulu Beach in Hawaiian, this picturesque location gets its red sand from the nearby red lava cinder cliffs eroding on the shore. However, only experienced hikers should make the hike down to the beach, since part of the trail was lost in a landslide. Turns out the white sand beaches of Hawaii have a rather gross (but fascinating!) origin.
Crane Beach, Barbados
This beach was originally a harbor, but now it is home to a pink sand beach and waves perfect for boogie boarding. In fact, USA Today named it the Best Caribbean Beach in 2015. A coral reef acts a natural barrier, making it a safe swimming area for all, and you may even see a sea turtle or two in the water during your visit.
Elbow Beach, Bermuda
Elbow Beach, predictably, is named for its shape; it arches in a curve that resembles a bent elbow. This pink sand beach is reportedly one of the quieter beaches on Bermuda. It also boasts some offshore shipwrecks that make great spots for snorkeling.
Balos Bay, Greece
The pink sands of this beach, paired with the greenish-blue Mediterranean and the distant rock structures adorned with greenery,  make this pink sand beach look like something out of a fantasyland! Located on the west side of the island of Crete, Balos Bay is accessible by boat and by car—but if you drive, you’ll need to take a 20-minute walk to really reach the beach itself. These are the 50 best beaches in the world.
Playa de Ses Illetes, Spain
You’ll find this beach on a thin stretch of land on Formentera, one of the Illes Balears off the west coast of Spain. (It’s just south of Ibiza!) It’s part of the Ses Salines de Eivissa and Formentera Natural Park, and the illetes part of its name refers to the cluster of tiny islets just off the coast. Next, get a look at 20 of the world’s most beautiful natural pools.
