The ten best pink sand beaches in the world are Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda, Elafonisi Beach in Greece, Pink Beach of Komodo in Indonesia, Pink Sands Beach in the Bahamas, Tangsi Beach in Lombok, Pink Sand Beach in Balos, Pink Beach of Great Santa Cruz Island in the Philippines, and Crane Beach in Barbados. The pink color usually comes from foraminifera, coral fragments, or shell material mixed with white sand, depending on the beach.
The Science Behind Pink Sand Beaches
Pink sand beaches are usually lined by coral reefs. These coral reefs are inhabited by foraminifera; unique aquatic organisms that give the beach its colour. These organisms live in red shells, and when they die their shells are washed ashore, mixing with coral fragments and other shell material to create the pink hue. The red hue of these dead shells, when exposed to the sun, mixes with the sand giving the beach a pink shade.
Pinks and beaches are very beautiful with their rarity adding to the allure, making them attractive tourist destinations.
1.
Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda
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© Photo by anneca2007 on Flickr[/caption]
Located in Bermuda, Horseshoe Bay beach is one of the most popular pink sand beaches around the world. Horseshoe Bay Beach is shaped like a horseshoe with pink sand curving around the expanse of the beach running into the Atlantic Ocean. Horseshoe Bay Beach combines the beauty of the pink sand with the blue waters of the ocean. Snorkeling is very enjoyable on this beach. It is a popular cruise ship port.
2.
Elafonisi Beach, Greece
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© Photo by Paweł Bobowski on Flickr[/caption]
Located in Greece; on the south-western area of the historic Crete Island, Elafonisi Beach combines turquoise water with pink sand.
Elafonisi Beach has shallow warm water, making it suitable for kids. It is also home to caves, rock formations and other sandy beaches which you can explore.
3.
Pink Beach of Komodo, Indonesia
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© Photo by benyeuda on Flickr[/caption]
The Komodo National Park is a popular tourist centre in Indonesia. The park is home to the Pink Beach of Komodo on Komodo Island. This pink beach provides the perfect scenery for a vacation. Activities include snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving and a host of water games.
4.
Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas
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© Photo by Mike's Birds on Flickr[/caption]
Stretching over three miles, this beach is a world of gentle seas and pink sand. It has elegant resorts and some rustic accommodation. Snorkelling and swimming are enjoyable activities on the beach as the water is warm all year long. Fishing is also popular here, as well as shopping in straw markets.
5.
Tangsi Beach of Lombok, Indonesia
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© Photo by Schristia on Flickr[/caption]
The second Indonesian beach on the list; Tangsi is located on the island of Lombok. The water on this beach is very calm and safe which makes swimming and snorkelling fun activities. The beach is surrounded by hills and cliffs, from which you can look down and enjoy the beauty of the beach. There are also many small islands around which you can visit by boat.
7.
Pink Sand Beach, Balos, Greece
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© Photo by Alberto Perdomo on Flickr[/caption]
Greece is home to another pink sand beach on our list. The beach is always buzzing in summer, as tourists come to enjoy the scenery. The water is very calm and shallow, but still suitable for snorkelling. Monk seals and sea turtles can be seen on the beach.
8.
Pink Beach of Great Santa Cruz Island, Philippines
A small island in southern Philippines, Santa Cruz Island is home to a pink sand beach. The beach is easily accessible and tourists get to engage in many leisure activities. These activities include scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling, boating as well as touring local lagoons. You can also have a picnic on the beach.
10.
Crane Beach, Barbados
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© Photo by Maris Luksis on Flickr[/caption]
Crane Beach is not only among the top pink sand beaches in the world; it is also among the ten best beaches world over. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Barbados with its pink sand and lovely scenery. The beach gets its name from a large crane that was previously on a cliff overlooking the beach. Scuba diving, snorkelling and swimming are among the fun things to do on this beach.
Visit any of these beaches with your loved ones to enjoy a swell time. Other pink sand beaches around the world include Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera in Spain and Spiaggia Rosa, Budelli in Italy (closed since 1994, viewable only). Finally, a lot of individuals take sand off the beaches when they go visiting. This reduces the quota of pink sand available, leaving it sparse thereby taking away the beauty of the beach.
In essence, focus on enjoying your time on the beach, take in the scenery and engage in leisure activity. You can always come back for an exciting experience if the pink sand remains in abundance.
How about some black sand beaches? Here's our top picks!
Related travel guides: Things To Do In Beaches Islands.
