Most Stunning Pink-Colored Sand Beaches in The World
Beaches are supposed to be golden. But when Mother Nature decides to show off, she gives us pink sand beaches. With their rosy hues and breathtaking backdrops, these rare coastlines are found in only a handful of places around the world. Interestingly, their blush could come from various factors such as crushed coral, foraminifera, or rare mineral deposits.
Each one is uniquely beautiful, and if you’re looking for a beach that stands out, these destinations are pure travel goals.
Pfeiffer Beach, California, USA
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Not all pink beaches are tropical. Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur gets its pinkish-purple sand from manganese garnet deposits washing down from the surrounding cliffs. This one’s a stunning but unpredictable sight, especially when the color is strongest after rainfall. The iconic Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock adds to the dramatic scenery.
Balos Lagoon, Crete, Greece
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Crete’s Balos Lagoon is famous for its turquoise waters and pink-tinted sand. This beautiful beach’s pink hues come from crushed shells and coral and give it a soft pastel glow. Accessible by boat or a short hike, it is one of Greece’s most photogenic spots.
Tangsi Beach, Lombok, Indonesia
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While most travelers head to Bali, Tangsi Beach in Lombok offers something special—soft pink sand, clear waters, and no crowds. The color comes from red coral fragments mixed with white sand, which gives the beach a unique peachy hue. Apart from being absolutely gorgeous, this beach is also a great spot for snorkeling and kayaking.
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
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With baby-pink sand and crystal-clear waters, Horseshoe Bay is Bermuda’s most famous beach. The crushed foraminifera shells give the sand its perfect pink color, and the surrounding limestone cliffs make for a postcard-perfect view. Snorkeling, cliff-jumping, and sunbathing—this beach has it all.
Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Indonesia
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As one of the most exotic pink beaches in the world, this one displays a unique contrast between the pink and turquoise waters. The Pink Beach in Komodo National Park gets its color from microscopic red coral organisms. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a Komodo dragon nearby.
Pink Sand Beach, Barbuda
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If size matters, Pink Sand Beach in Barbuda is the place to be. This Caribbean gem is considered one of the pinkest beaches in the world. The color is most vibrant between October and January when the tides stir up more of the crushed coral.
Spiaggia Rosa, Budelli Island, Italy
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Once open to visitors, Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli Island is now off-limits to protect its delicate pink sand. The vibrant and rosy hue comes from microscopic pink shells and coral dust. While you can’t walk on it, you can still admire it from a boat or a nearby viewing point. Too beautiful to walk on? Perhaps!
Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
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Elafonissi Beach is one of Crete’s top attractions, and for good reason. Its soft pink sand, shallow lagoon, and crystal-clear waters make it feel like a dream. The pink tint varies with the tides and seasons, but when it’s at its peak, it’s absolutely stunning.
Crane Beach, Barbados
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This pink beach has a wild side. The dramatic and powerful waves make it a dangerously stunning beach that’s a must-visit. It’s a favorite among surfers, but there are also calm areas for swimming. Sunrise is the best time to visit as the pink color is most noticeable in the morning light.
Isla Rábida, Galápagos, Ecuador
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The Galápagos Islands are known for their wildlife, but Isla Rábida offers something extra—a rare pink sand beach surrounded by red volcanic cliffs. The high iron content in the sand gives it a unique reddish-pink color, and sea lions often sunbathe along the shore.
Great Santa Cruz Island, Philippines
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This beach is a rare beauty in Southeast Asia and the only pink sand beach in the Philippines. The Great Santa Cruz Island gets its stunning color from crushed red organ pipe coral. This protected area is accessible only by boat, meaning visitor numbers are limited.
Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas
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Harbour Island’s Pink Sand Beach is the definition of a tropical escape. The sand here is incredibly soft and stays cool even in the midday sun. The calm, reef-protected waters are ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and even horseback riding along the shore.
Les Sables Roses, Rangiroa, French Polynesia
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Located in a remote corner of French Polynesia, Les Sables Roses is a collection of pink sand islets surrounded by shallow blue lagoons. The sand gets its color from crushed seashells and coral, and the area is so untouched that you’ll likely have it all to yourself.
Pink Beach, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
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Pink Beach, Bonaire, is one of the top spots in this region and is also famous for its world-class diving. The soft pinkish hue comes from red shell fragments, and the nearby reef is teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral gardens. It’s a must-visit for underwater adventurers.
Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain
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Playa de Ses Illetes in Formentera is often compared to the Maldives. Its beach sand has a subtle pink tint caused by powdery coral dust mixing with white sand. Thanks to its shallow turquoise waters and luxury beach clubs nearby, it’s easily one of Europe’s most stunning beaches.