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If crystal clear waters and pure white sand isn’t enough to satisfy your vacationer needs, these pink sand beaches will definitely do the trick. Rare, unusual, and undeniably striking—these destinations are an aesthete’s dream and Mother Nature’s reality.
From Italy's Isola Budelli to California's Big Sur, read on to see which blushing shorelines await.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonisi Beach is one of Crete's most popular beaches, due to stunning pink sand, its quaint feel, and beachside amenities, including bathrooms and parking. Make your way to the sandbar or post up by the rocks, as this beach will tempt you to stay a while.
Pink Beach of Komodo, Indonesia
Komodo island may be best known as the home of the Komodo dragon, though a quick trip to the other side of the island will prove that there is much more to explore. Pantai Merah, Komodo Island's pink sand beach, is surrounded by rusty-red volcanic hills and gorgeously lush forests.
Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain
Think of Playa de Ses Illetes as Ibiza's cooler, less crowded younger sister. Located on Spain's Balearic Islands, the pale pink beaches are on a narrow strip of land, where you can watch luxury yachts pass by or dine at some of the islands' incredible restaurants.
Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda
Pale pink sand and crystal clear waters make Bermuda's Horseshoe Bay a must-see spot on the main island's southern coast. You're going to want to get there early as the beach does get crowded, though with restaurants and bathroom access, you'll want to stay the whole day.
Spiaggia Rosa, Isola Budelli, Italy
Just off of Sardinia's northern coast, you'll find Isola Budelli—a quaint island in the Maddalena Archipelago that is home to Spiaggia Rosa. The idyllic pink sand beach boasts a beautiful fuschia hue, made possible by pink stones and crushed coral.
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Balos Bay, Crete, Greece
Get your cameras ready before you make your way to Greece's Balos Bay, one of the world's pinkest beaches due to an abundance of crushed seashells. To get to Balos Bay, you can drive or take the ferry, making visiting this hot spot an easy commute.
Harbour Island, The Bahamas
Turquoise waters and pink sand unite on the eastern shore of Harbour Island, located only a few miles from The Bahamas’ Eleuthera. The pink hue of Harbour Island comes from Foraminifera, which are small sea-protists with pink shells.
Les Sables Roses on Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Travel by boat across the Blue Lagoon to Les Sables Roses on the island of Rangiroa, which is the second largest coral atoll in the world. Idyllic blue waters and pretty pink sand create a cotton-candy effect in the water, making it a popular destination for the more adventurous traveler.
Pink Beaches of Barbuda, Caribbean Sea
If you're looking for a less-touristy pink sand beach, the Pink Beaches of Barbuda are for you. Not only will you be graced by beautiful rose-toned sand, but you can also enjoy snorkelling in the wildlife-rich waters.
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California
California's Big Sur is a popular destination for road trippers, hikers, and campers, with plenty to see and do. For the avid beachcomber, you'll want to head off of the beaten path to Pfeiffer Beach, which boasts stunning mountain views and gorgeous pink and purple sand.
Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more.
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