The Most Beautiful Pink Sand Beaches in the World
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What gives pink sand beaches their hue? Is it a million pieces of shattered coral? A trick of the eye and the light? On Harbour Island in the Bahamas—one of the most famous beaches pictured here—the pink hue comes from foraminifera, a microscopic organism that actually has a reddish-pink shell, while the sand is a mix of coral, shells, and calcium carbonate. It sounds like a science project, but in truth, it's one of the most magical things we've seen. Here, nine pink sand beaches around the world, and the best places to stay near these beaches.
This gallery was last published in August 2018. It has been updated with new information.
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Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonisi has the amenities of a popular vacation beach (parking lot, nearby bathrooms) but the feel of a remote oasis, thanks to its location removed from major cities. After swimming in the shallow waters, walk across the sandbar to snap some photos of wildflowers and rock formations—that's if you haven't filled your camera roll with shots of the pink-hued shore, of course.
Stay here: Just outside the small city of Chania (a 1.5-hour drive from Elafonisi), Metohi Kindelis consists of three spacious apartments within a 17th-century farm built of centuries-old stone. The special history-themed meals are a welcome perk.
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Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Even if you have access to the private beaches next to Bermuda's Horseshoe Bay, you'll probably migrate over for a day, drawn by its contrasts: the blush pink sand and turquoise water, ideal for snorkeling.
Stay here: Fairmont Southampton offers direct access to Horseshoe Bay, plus nine on-site restaurants and comfortable rooms (all with balconies).
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Crane Beach, Barbados
Located on the rugged east coast of Barbados, the pink shoreline of Crane Beach is flanked by lush vegetation and turquoise waters. The beach is known for its boogie board–ready waves, and luxe hotels where you can dry off after pulling yourself out of your beach chair.
Stay here: We're big fans of The Crane, one of the oldest operating hotels in the Caribbean.
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Elbow Beach, Bermuda
Despite its stunning appearance, Elbow Beach is much quieter than other popular beaches on Bermuda. That means you can snorkel around the off-shore shipwrecks and lounge on the coral-colored sand without bumping into too many other tourists.
Stay here: If a lazy beach vacation is what you’re after, book a stay at the Elbow Beach resort, which sits on a private stretch of the famous pink shoreline.
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Balos Bay, Crete, Greece
Easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Balos Bay stuns with pinkish-white sands and shallow pools of bright blue saltwater. And if you're in the market for a honeymoon destination, you'll be following in the royal footsteps of Prince Charles and Princess Diana—they reportedly visited this spot after their 1981 wedding.
Stay here: With features like wooden fishing boats and its own open-air cinema, Blue Palace has more authenticity than almost anywhere else on Crete.
Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas
You can't think of pink beaches without thinking of Harbour Island. This Instagram darling draws crowds for its colorful sand, sure, but also for its swimmable water, colonial cottages, and excellent restaurants within the vicinity.
Stay here: You'll feel right at home at The Dunmore, where the friendly staff will charter a boat (and even get you all the equipment) for a snorkeling or spearfishing excursion.
- ShoppingA New Season of The White Lotus Just Dropped, Along With a Ton of CollaborationsParis Wilson
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Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain
Formentera is a less-crowded alternative to nearby Ibiza, and Playa de Ses Illetes is its most fashionable beach (just check out designer Laura Ferrara's guide for proof). For a full day, share some rosy sand with yacht-owning vacationers, then enjoy a plate of fish at one of the island's glitzy restaurants. Try Ca Na Pepa for Italian (a 15-minute drive from the beach), or Can Dani, the only Michelin-starred restaurant on Formentera.
Stay here: Check out Aqualiving Villas for homes that can accommodate up to 14 guests—some options even include direct beach access.
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Spiaggia Rosa, Budelli, Sardinia
Spiaggia Rosa is not exactly an under-the-radar gem: Back in 1994, the Italian government had to permanently close the site off to visitors, due to the crowds disturbing the coral beach. You can still admire the iconic shore from neighboring Spiaggia di Cavalieri, or follow the Instagram account of Michele Ardu, Budelli's sole resident and caretaker.
Stay here: La Coluccia Beach Retreat—a high-design hotel near the northern tip of Sardinia—is a stylish, relaxing, and surprisingly affordable find.
- ShoppingA New Season of The White Lotus Just Dropped, Along With a Ton of CollaborationsParis Wilson
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Pink Beach, Komodo, Indonesia
As if catching a glimpse of the island's eponymous dragons wasn't reason enough to visit, Komodo also happens to have one seriously beautiful pink beach. Between the coral-lined waters and bright green hills rolling in the distance, you're not likely to find another vacation spot quite this scenic. The waters are safe for swimming and snorkeling, but just use common sense (i.e. if you see a Komodo dragon, um, stay away).
Stay here: Every room at Ayana Komodo Resort (opened in 2018) has floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony; plus, there's a private jetty and fleet of boats available to take you to Komodo.