10 Rare and Beautiful Pink Sand Beaches around the World

Bermuda, the British Overseas Territory in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, boasts some fantastic beaches. From above, the relatively tiny archipelago resembles a fishhook. It’s a fitting visual metaphor considering Bermuda’s ability to ensnare travelers.

Those arriving by air will land at L.F. Wade International Airport. Passengers aboard cruise ships disembark in Hamilton, the territorial capital. Spend time exploring Hamilton to get a sense for the local culture. Afterwards, head for one of the many beach resorts.

Horseshoe Bay is located on the island’s south side in Southampton Parish. The semicircular beach is a great place to relax and enjoy stunning blue waters. South Shore Park is located directly behind and provides several sandy walking paths along the small hills. Without large residential or commercial buildings nearby, Horseshoe Beach maintains a lovely undeveloped character. Climb the short way to Horseshoe Bay View Point for some great pictures back along the sands. Here you can see their pink color, especially when the sun is at the right angle. Numerous resorts and villas are located a short distance from shore. With a little hunting you can find yourself accommodation nearby.

The Bahamas hardly need an introduction. The spindly archipelago is little more than 100 km off Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Easily accessible from the continental United States or Cuba, the Bahamas epitomize Caribbean vacation. Incredible scenery, coconut drinks, rum…it’s the whole nine yards.

Lynden Pindling International Airport in the capital Nassau is the country’s main air transportation hub. Regional cruise liners make port calls in the harbor front. From Nassau, secure yourself onward passage to Harbor Island, located approximately 100 km northeast of Nassau. The resort island with its eastward facing shore is a popular Bahamas destination and a great place for some amazing sunrise photos. Dunmore Town is the island’s population center and provides access to basic necessities. You will find a range of tour operations here, including snorkeling and diving outfits. The calm, clear waters make the area a great diving location.

From Dunmore Town, find yourself some convenient accommodation either at one of the beachfront resorts or the numerous hotels and guesthouses just inland. Pink Sand Beach access is simple as the magnificent sands run nearly the length of the island. Stroll along until you find the spot for you and stake your claim to rest and relaxation. And night, there is great food and entertainment on offer. It's easy to spend several days here, which is why we have no trouble recommending Harbor Island as one of the world's top pink sand beaches.

We venture now to the Mediterranean Sea and Elafonissi Beach on Crete, Greece’s largest and most populous island. Chania International Airport or the Port of Souda are the most accessible ways to reach Crete. Explore the island’s largest city for a bit and take in some Cretan culture. Visit the Maritime Museum of Crete or the nearby Byzantine Collection, a lovely museum with many paintings, mosaics, and artifacts. Both are located in the historic old town, which is a great place to walk before heading off to the beach.

Once you’ve managed to take in the sights, book yourself transport by bus from Chania to Elafonissi. The beach itself is split between two peninsulas with an extremely shallow and easily crossable stretch of water between.

Accommodation in the direct vicinity is scarce so plan to daytrip from Chania. Once you arrive, take a moment to admire your surroundings. The prototypical Mediterranean vegetation gives the land a starkness, especially when set against the Cretan mountains to the east. Walk along the roadway or the several paths cut into the bushlands. The beach itself stretches a bit more than 1.5 km so there’s a surprising number of things to explore. Coves, shoals, and outcroppings showcase a lovely array of color, especially as the sun starts to drop and the shadows elongate. With its beautiful color, popularity, and scenic beauty, Elafonissi is easily one of the most beautiful pink sand beaches in the world.

Here’s a fun thing to do. Find a globe or hop on Google Earth. Spin it until you’re looking at nothing but the Pacific Ocean, with only the tiniest slivers of New Zealand and Baja California visible off to the sides. Right there, in the middle of all that blue, is Tahiti!

Part of French Polynesia, this is the literal middle of nowhere. Fortunately, Tahiti is remarkably accessible thanks to its developed tourism sector. Eastern Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, or Los Angeles are your best embarkation points.

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Numerous air carriers offer flights into Fa'a'ā International Airport. From there, book a connecting flight to Tikehau Airport. The small atoll comprises countless tiny pink sand islets engulfed by coconut groves and hidden alcoves.

Tikehau has a wonderful central lagoon, created by the near unbroken ring of coral. Resembling an immense natural swimming pool, it is no more than 30 meters deep and is simply teeming with marine life. Find some time to explore the diverse underwater environment on either a snorkeling or diving tour.

Make sure to check ahead as hotel and resort accommodations on Tikehau are limited. These include various bungalows and beach houses located around the atoll. The main developments are found at the southern side, leaving the rest of Tikehau in near pristine condition. If you’re looking for some secluded or quieter areas, explore the northern sections. Whatever you decide, it’s hard to go wrong on Tikehau. This incredible pink sand oasis is a true paradise.

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There are rare places where it’s possible to find a harmony with the natural environment. Places time seems to have forgotten. Places where ancient creatures roam, and where the landscape seems conjured from the imagination. Komodo National Park is such a place.

Best known as the habitat for the rare and famous Komodo dragon, the park comprises some 600 square kilometers of protected lands and surrounding waters. Due to its relative remoteness, visitors to Komodo National Park have to arrive from elsewhere in Indonesia. Find a domestic flight to Komodo Airport located in the town of Labuan Bajo on nearby Flores Island. Those looking to explore Komodo Island over several days should seek accommodations before departing for the park. There are a number of hotels located in and around Labuan Bajo. A small local population has retained land rights within park grounds. Though travelers have been known to secure accommodation with local residents, there is no organized system for these sorts of arrangements.

The terrestrial Komodo dragon may dominate the imagination; however, Komodo National Park sits within arguably the greatest collection of marine biodiversity anywhere on Earth. The confluence of the Indian and Pacific oceans, the warm tropical climate, and the abundant coral reefs help make the waters around Komodo National Park among the most pristine. In addition to life in the water, the accumulation of corals broken down over many centuries has blessed Komodo National Park with wondrous stretches of pink sand beaches. The combination of remoteness, natural wonder, and wildlife make Komodo Island one of the world's best beaches in the world.

Caribbean vacations are the very definition of a good time. Tiki torches, thatched roof huts, kettle drums…what’s not to like? In considering your Caribbean vacation, there’s a strong case to be made for Barbados. This lovely island off the cost of Venezuela packs a big punch.

Grantley Adams International Airport is the primary gateway onto the island. Alternatively, regional cruise lines sail into the capital, Bridgetown. Explore the town for a bit and take an opportunity to snag a souvenir or two. Afterwards head over to Crane Beach on the island’s southeast coast. This incredible beach is mostly secluded behind a corpse of trees. The Crane Resort is adjacent and a great place to stay if you’re looking for local accommodation. Restaurants located inland offer a range of cuisines.

Given its relatively eastward orientation, Palm Beach is perfect for a sunrise stroll as you watch dawn break over the spectacular horizon. Just south of Crane Beach is the (somewhat unfortunately named) Foul Bay. This is another great stretch of sand and tree-covered green spaces. Enjoy your time in the sun and consider booking a snorkeling or diving adventure. Caribbean waters are legendary for their clarity and diverse marine life. Almost any way you slice it, Barbados is a great place to vacation and Crane Beach ranks among the world most beautiful pink sand beaches.

Budelli Island is located off the northern tip of Sardinia, the large Italian island in the middle of the Western Mediterranean. Budelli is part of La Maddalena National Park, a geomarine national park stretching over 12,000 hectares.

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, one of three airports on Sardinia, provides the most convenient access to Budelli. The port at Olbia is another option, with ferry service to Civitavecchia and several other cities. If you're venturing here, consider stopping at the Olbia Archeological Museum or exploring some of the city's ancient Roman ruins. Access to Budelli is controlled in order to protect the natural environment. Your best bet is to make arrangements in advance with a travel operator. This is possible in Olbia or in Palau, the coastal town from which tours to Budelli tend to depart.

Long considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Budelli is especially renowned for its turquoise waters and for the so-called Spiaggia Rosa or Pink Beach. Because these are environmental treasures, they are heavily protected and inaccessible. You will have to content yourself with a few from afar, but that will still give you plenty to write home about.

Organize your trip such that you have enough time to explore other parts of La Maddalena National Park. There is much to see and do here so you will have a great time visiting Budelli and its marvelous pink sand beach, truly one of the best in the world.

In the southern Philippines, Mindanao is somewhat removed from the country’s popular resort areas such as Boracay or Cebu. This shouldn’t deter travelers looking for adventure, however. Great Santa Cruz Island, located just off Zamboanga City, features a fantastic pink sand beach that’s recently drawn attention to this small corner of the Philippines.

Zamboanga International Airport has flights to a few regional destinations in addition to domestic cities in the north. Spanish colonial-era buildings were constructed beginning in 1569. Today, you can visit the National Museum – Zamboanga, set within the remains of the historic Fort Pilar. Afterwards, hop a ferry at Zamboanga Port and strike out for Great Santa Cruz. Not much more than a large atoll, there are a few inhabitants living near shore.

The island’s great attraction, not surprisingly, is the stunning pink beach. Centuries upon centuries of constant ocean churn have ground down organ pipe coral, giving the sands their distinctive pink hue. Accommodation on Great Santa Cruz Island is limited so you will probably want to day trip over from Zamboanga. Enterprising travelers can attempt to circumnavigate the beach, which runs roughly 6.6 km around the island. As its reputation grows, Great Santa Cruz Island has become easier to reach while still managing to retain its charms.

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Formentera is the smallest and southernmost island in Spain’s Balearic Islands archipelago. The islands located off Spain’s eastern shores near Valencia are known for their beauty, clear waters, and long beaches backed by sand dunes and pine trees. If you want, visit the famous O Beach Ibiza by way of comparison to Formentera. Most travelers still make for neighboring Ibiza, with its raucous atmosphere, discos, and general party culture. This has allowed Formentera to more or less soldier on out of the spotlight.

Formentera is the place to come for that lovely Mediterranean feeling without the throngs of resort-goers. Easy access is provided by ferry service from either Valencia or Dénia. Once you decamp for the small island, you will find a more relaxed pace.

We recommend the pink sands along Illetas Beach. This narrow strip extends off Formentera’s northern tip. When conditions are right you can basically walk across the shallow channel to Espalmador, a small island nature preserve with a few structures and walking paths along the shore.

Back on Formentera there are several resort areas and hotels where you can find accommodation. Small towns are located inland and are great places to wander and snap a few photos. Once you journey to this part of Spain, you will instantly realize why its pink sand beach has long been a magnet for global travelers.

Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous area in Central California, south of Monterey. Set along the famed California Highway 1, it is regarded as among the longest and most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world. The stunning vistas, redwood forests, hiking trails, and beaches make Big Sur a popular destination. Your best bet is to set out along Highway 1 from Monterey. Enjoy the drive and opportunities to stop and snap photos along the way.

Pfeiffer Beach is set within Los Padres National Forest. Several campgrounds and rustic lodging are available. Enjoy a hike along the roads leading in. Climbing the bluffs overlooking the smallish cove is a great way to experience the majesty of Pfeiffer Beach. Steep hills flank both sides of the beach, providing a lovely seclusion. Here you can think you’re miles away from the rest of the world because, in fact, you are! Enjoy walking along the lovely sands, which are noteworthy for their pink and purple hues. Waters in the North Pacific can be a bit cold almost any time of year, so you should not expect to spend long stretches in the surf. If you enjoy rustic living and exploring undeveloped wilderness areas, Big Sur is the place for you.

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Whether you like Caribbean waters or sunning with Komodo Dragons, there is no shortage of great pink sand beaches in the world. We’ve done the hard job of combing through the options to put together this list of the top-10 pink sand beaches to visit in 2019. We know you’ll find a one that will stick in your head. After all, these are those places you cannot let go of. If you’re like us and enjoy wide open spaces, clear waters, and beautiful pink sands, you are going to love the top-10 pink sand beaches. Make 2019 the year you cross them off your bucket list!