Interested in pink sand beaches?
Key Takeaways
- Pink sand beaches are made from a combination of factors, but the primary contributor is from red or pink fragments of coral from species like foraminifera breaking down and mixing with the sand.
- There are pink sand beaches around the world, including North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
- The pink and sometimes purple hues form near the shoreline and are usually found in patches – i.e. the whole beach is not pink sand.
Table of Contents
Want to learn about more colored beaches?
39 Beaches with Black Sand Around the World
The Green Sand Beach in Hawaii: Everything You Need to Know
Pink Sand Beaches Map
Pink Sand Beaches in North America
1. Pfeiffer Beach, USA
Pfeiffer Beach, located along the famous Big Sur coastline in California, is known for its unique pinky/purple-y sand patches created by manganese garnet from the surrounding cliffs. The beach will give you unbelievable ocean views and also features the iconic Keyhole Rock, a natural arch that illuminates the vibrant colors of the sand at sunset. It’s pretty secluded so it can be challenging to find, but the journey along the unmarked Sycamore Canyon Road adds to the mystery. Swimming isn’t recommended due to cold waters and strong surf, but Pfeiffer Beach provides a perfect setting for beach strolls, exploring tide pools, and capturing amazing Instagrammable pics.And if you want to splurge and stay in an amazing, luxury, adults-only, all-inclusive resort,
check out the Alila Ventana Big Sur Resort by clicking here. You won’t regret it!
2. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay Beach is a total gem in Bermuda, famous for its stunning pale pink sands and those gorgeous turquoise waters. Tucked away in South Shore Park, this crescent-shaped beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs and rocky spots, making it a hotspot for photographers and beach lovers alike. It can get pretty busy from May to September, but there are plenty of amenities like loungers, water sport rentals, and a concession stand, plus lifeguards on duty during peak times.
If you’re in the mood for some adventure, snorkeling around the reefs and checking out the small caves along the coast is a must. Getting there is a breeze with local minibuses and public transport, making it a perfect day trip. The calm waters are great for swimming, and you can kick back with some beach volleyball or sip a cocktail from a nearby bar. It’s the ultimate beach day waiting to happen!
3. Elbow Beach, Bermuda
Elbow Beach is one of those picture-perfect spots in Bermuda you don’t want to miss! With its stunning mile-long stretch of soft sand and those sparkling turquoise waters, it’s a dream for anyone looking to swim or get into some water sports. The offshore coral reefs keep things calm, making it a great spot for snorkeling and diving. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can check out vibrant reefs and even some dramatic shipwrecks, like the Pollockshields, a World War I cargo ship wreck just 100 feet offshore—perfect for scuba fans!
It can get a bit crowded, especially during spring break, but there’s still plenty of space to chill and soak in the beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re splashing around or just lounging under the palm trees, Elbow Beach is all about that laid-back vibe!
Pink Sand Beaches in the Caribbean
4. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
5. Pink Sand Beach, Barbuda (17 Mile)
Barbuda, the lesser-known sister island of Antigua in the Caribbean, is home to an incredible 17-mile stretch of gorgeous beach with patches of soft pink sand throughout. The clear waters and peaceful vibe make it an absolute dream. The soft pink color, thanks to tiny shells and coral mixed with white sand, really pops from October to January, making it a perfect spot for those Instagram-worthy photos.
6. Pink Beach, Bonaire
This small island in the Dutch Caribbean boasts gorgeous pale-rose sand, swaying palm trees, and super clear waters. The beach gets its pretty pink hue from pulverized shells of microscopic foraminifera, making it a stunning spot for all those beach photos. Snorkelers and scuba divers will love it here, there’s so much amazing marine life just waiting to be explored!
Plus, Bonaire is all about sustainability, being the world’s first “Blue Destination,” so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery knowing you’re helping to protect it.
Pink Sand Beaches in Europe
8. Elafonissi Beach, Greece
Elafonissi Beach, on the southwest coast of Crete, is a true gem! Known for its stunning pink sands and crystal-clear aquamarine waters, it’s easily one of the best pink sand beaches in the world. The pink hue comes from crushed pink and red shells mixed with white sand, giving it a mesmerizing flamingo-pink color, especially at low tide. Families will love the warm, shallow lagoon, perfect for swimming and snorkeling—you might even catch a glimpse of endangered loggerhead sea turtles!
9. Balos Lagoon Beach, Greece
Balos Lagoon Beach, on Crete’s northwestern coast, is an absolute showstopper! Famous for its soft pink and white sands paired with shallow turquoise waters, it’s perfect for wading and swimming. Getting there is part of the adventure—you can hop on a ferry from Kissamos or take a car followed by a scenic 20-minute hike. Families love this spot for its calm waters and stunning natural surroundings.
When you arrive, the views are breathtaking, especially from the nearby headlands. The contrast of the pink sand against the vivid aquamarine water is simply stunning.
10. Playa de Ses Illetes, Spain
Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera is often called one of the best beaches in Spain, and it’s easy to see why! With its stunning light-pink sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s a dreamy spot for sunbathers. Located at the northern tip of the island, this tranquil beach feels wonderfully isolated, even though it’s close to the port of La Savina. If you want to enjoy its beauty without the crowds, get there early, grab a picnic, and soak up those sun rays before it gets busy.
The gentle waves and vibrant coral shore make it perfect for paddleboarding and diving adventures where you can check out the amazing marine life. As part of a protected natural park, Ses Illetes has boardwalks leading to its pristine sands, keeping the area unspoiled. The picturesque scenery is topped off with nearby rocky islands and luxury yachts anchored just offshore.
11. Spiaggia Rosa, Italy
Spiaggia Rosa, or Pink Beach, on Budelli Island in the Maddalena Archipelago, is a true natural wonder! Famous for its stunning pink sands, which come from crushed coral, granite, and shells, this beach used to be a go-to spot for sunbathers. However, it’s now off-limits to foot traffic due to environmental concerns and issues with sand theft, so you can only admire its beauty from nearby shores.
To get a good view, you’ll need to book a guided boat trip, which can change depending on the presence of marine bacteria in the area. Plus, keep your eyes peeled—you might even spot dolphins and whales swimming nearby! It’s a unique way to experience this beautiful spot while helping to protect its delicate environment.
Pink Sand Beaches in Oceania
12. Tikehau, French Polynesia
The Pink Beaches of Tahiti, especially on Tikehau Island in the Tuamotu Archipelago, are an absolute dream getaway! With their stunning pink and white sands, these idyllic beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun. Tikehau is a remote paradise where you can snorkel, dive, and even swim with dolphins thanks to the rich marine life and a 100-foot deep lagoon surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. The island boasts an emerald lagoon packed with colorful fish, turtles, and rays, making it an ideal spot for underwater adventures like scuba diving and kayaking.
13. Les Sables Roses on Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Rangiroa’s Les Sables Roses is like stepping into a fairy tale! This picturesque paradise features a double crescent of dreamy beaches that are just stunning. Accessible by boat, this coral atoll has clear blue waters and soft, delicate sand, making it the perfect backdrop for snorkeling and diving. With its secluded, deserted beaches and crystal-clear seas, it feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be explored. It’s the ideal spot for intimate adventures with just your guide and your boat, allowing you to soak in the beauty without the crowds.
Pink Sand Beaches in Asia
14 &15. Komodo Island Beaches, Indonesia
Komodo Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park, is not just home to the famous Komodo dragons—it’s also known for its stunning pink beaches, like Pink Beach and Long Beach.
These beaches feature mesmerizing pink sands created by a mix of white sand and red coral fragments, all surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters and lush hills. It’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling, where you might even catch a glimpse of giant manta rays or whale sharks! Getting to the beach can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry—plenty of resorts and tour operators offer boat trips to this breathtaking spot.
Pink Beach:
Long Beach:
15. Tangsi Beach, Indonesia
17. Pink Beach, Philippines
Grande Santa Cruz Island, just off the coast of Zamboanga City in the Philippines, is home to the country’s only pink sand beach! The stunning pink hue comes from pulverized red organ pipe coral mixed with soft white sand, creating a picturesque shoreline that’s perfect for photos. Getting there is easy—a quick 15-minute boat ride takes you to this uninhabited island, offering a peaceful escape from the city. You can explore the surrounding mangrove lagoon and enjoy the local wildlife, but swimming isn’t really recommended due to strong currents.
FAQs: Beaches with Pink Sand
Which Caribbean beach has pink sand?
Notable pink sand beaches in the Caribbean include:
- Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island in the Bahamas
- Pink Beach in Barbuda
- Pink Beach in Bonaire
Where are pink sand beaches?
Pink sand beaches can be found across various regions globally, including:
- North America: Pfeiffer Beach in California, Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Beach in Bermuda
- Caribbean: Pink Sands Beach in the Bahamas, Pink Beach in Barbuda, Pink Beach in Bonaire, Crane Beach in Barbados
- Europe: Elafonissi Beach and Balos Lagoon Beach in Greece, Playa de Ses Illetes in Spain, Spiaggia Rosa in Italy
- Oceania: Tikehau and Les Sables Roses in French Polynesia
- Asia: Pink Beach (Pantai Merah), Tangsi Beach, and Serai Beach in Indonesia, plus Great Santa Cruz Island in the Philippines
Most famous pink sand beaches?
Some of the most famous pink sand beaches include:
- Pink Sands Beach (Bahamas)
- Horseshoe Bay Beach (Bermuda)
- Spiaggia Rosa (Italy)
- Elafonissi Beach (Greece)
- Balos Lagoon Beach (Greece)
- Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) (Indonesia)
- Great Santa Cruz Island (Philippines)
- Tangsi Beach (Indonesia)
- Les Sables Roses (Rangiroa, French Polynesia)
Wrapping Up: Beaches with Pink Sand
From the serene shores of the Caribbean to the breathtaking landscapes of Asia and Europe, these pink sand beaches invite you to relax, explore, and soak in the beauty all around you. As you wander along the beach, taking in the stunning views and gentle waves, you’ll see why these spots are beloved by travelers and beach lovers alike.
