Yes, PINK BEACHES! I mean, if the turquoise waters were not enough for you, there are several picturesque pink beaches from all around the world. These beaches will definitely leave you stunned! These blush coloured sands look almost magical paired with the crystal clear waters.
The Reason behind the “Pink”
These exceptional pink beaches from all around the world are said to get this pink hue from:
- Thousands of shattered coral pieces
- Shells
- And Calcium Carbonate materials.
These are left behind by foraminifera (a microscopic organism that actually has a reddish-pink shell). These organisms live in the coral reefs that surround the beach.
More importantly, Do keep in mind that not all the beaches are dark magenta-hued as heavily filtered Instagram shots might have fooled you to believe. While some beaches have a stronger shade of pink, others have patches of pink.
Here, take a look at these famous pink shorelines that can beat any Instagram filter you got:
Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
Occupying a peninsula that’s connected to mainland Crete underwater, Elafonissi boasts a feel of a remote oasis along with its breathtaking beaches.
Visitors can go skinny dipping in the shallow waters of the pink-hued Elafonissi shore. It gets its noticeable colour from broken shells. This beautiful beach pink sands and turquoise waters is also surrounded by:
- 110 different plant species
- Small coves
- Extraordinary shells
- And incredible rock formations
Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda
Situated in the south coast of Bermuda which is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, Horseshoe Bay gives you a sight to behold! It is tucked between astounding natural limestone cliffs and glistening pink sand that skims the Atlantic Ocean that add to its beauty. Although named for its curved shape, it features a coastal trail that connects it to other area beaches. And also, excellent contrast of baby pink sands with turquoise water.
Enjoy snorkelling, volleyball, and even kickball as a variety of amenities are provided at the beach itself.
Pink Sand Beach, Barbuda
Source: Flickr
Barbuda is one of the twin islands that make up the small Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. It lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, north of Antigua. This island has an impressive 17 miles of pink sand shoreline. The shoreline has many beautiful beaches but the Pink Sand Beach remains the most remarkable one. This rare wide beach is covered with bursts of a subtle conch-shell hue and woven in with white sand patches.
You can snorkel, swim, go explore caves (including one that contains a tropical rainforest). You can even bird-watch at the Frigate Bird Sanctuary (home to approximately 100,000 birds) at this beach.
Balos Beach, Crete, Greece
This beach lies in the uninhabited Greek islands of Gramvousa which is off the coast of Crete. The Balos lagoon offers the most ethereal experience. It is lined with a beach along the shallow and warm waters that invites you with its unspoiled beauty owed to its relative isolation. The beach features soft sands with pinkish-white hues and the crystal clear waters. Trust me, this is truly an experience to be remembered.
Don’t forget to take a dip in the shallow pools of bright blue saltwater. This blue saltwater is almost 20 cm deep and by mid-day get heated enough to make you feel as if you are lying in a hot tub. It is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Balos Bay Beach offers a complete landscape with the imposing “Tigani” rock anchoring the sandy bars. These sandy bars contrast sharply with the soft sand.
Crane Beach, Barbados
The name “Crane Beach” might have made you think of the elegant bird. But this pink-sand beach in Barbados was originally a harbour. It is located on the rugged east coast of the island country. The Crane Beach features softest white ‘hint of pink’ sand, azure waters gently lapping onto the shore, and a coral reef acting as a natural barrier. Hence, making it a safe swimming area
In addition to its scenic views, Crane Beach in Barbados is known for its boogie board-ready top-notch waves and its luxe hotels.
Pink Beach, Bonaire
The Caribbean Island of Bonaire is located in the Leeward Antilles. It is considered one of the most scenic islands in the world. It’s Pink Beach offers excellent views and superb conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Although the strip of sand is relatively narrow, this little piece of paradise with its rose-coloured sands is perfect for relaxing vacations and idyllic views.
Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Islands, Bahamas
(Source: Flickr)
Harbour Island is located on the northwestern part of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. It is known for its 3-mile-long Pink Sand Beach. The beach along the eastern shore of the island is covered with sands of perfectly pink colour, owing to crushed pink and red shells of foraminifera, present here in abundance.
Enjoy snorkelling and swimming in the calm and shallow reef-protected turquoise waters, colonial cottages or go horseback riding along the tranquil shore.
Pink Beach, Komodo, Indonesia
Known to be a part of Komodo National Park, Pink Beach or “Pantai Merah” (in Indonesian) is located in East Nusa Tenggara. Sit back and take in the unreal picturesque scenery of this Indonesian beach where the turquoise sea contrasts against a striking stretch of pink sand and blue skies.
This scenic beach nestled between the coral-lined waters and bright green hills rolling in the distance features vibrant underwater coral gardens and shallow waters that are ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and swimming.
Fun Fact:
Catch a glimpse of Komodo Dragons (world’s largest lizards) at this magical pink-tinted beach swimming offshore.
Pink Sand Beach, Great Santa Cruz Island, Philippines
The Pink Sand Beach is located on Great Santa Cruz Island. It is a small island in Zamboanga City in the Philippines. Famous for its coralline sand, the beach is believed to get its colour from the crushed red organ pipe coral. This crushed red organ pipe coral got mixed with the white sand during aeons of surf erosion.
The beach is only accessible via a 15-20 minute motorboat trip from Paseo Del Mar It boasts many leisure activities for tourists to enjoy such as snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, boating, or touring local lagoons.
No, rose-tinted glasses for these beaches, am I right? If we have missed any of your favourite Pink Beaches, do let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: 8 Beautiful Beaches That Were Destroyed By Beach Pollution Caused By Humans
