Just the thought of beach vacations already brings sighs of envy. If so, what about a pink sand beach vacation? This lovely hue is bound to make your holiday plans even more dreamy than it already is! In this article, Trip.com will be showing you the way to the best 15 pink sand beach in the world so that you can plan the ultimate beach vacation.
Brief Introduction to Pink Sand Beach
You may be wondering is a pink sand beach even real? How did these beaches get that pale pink color? This unique phenomenon has to do with a microscopic coral insect named foraminifera! According to The Island of the Bahamas, foraminifera “have a bright pink or red shell... These animals live on the underside of reefs, like the nearby Devil's Backbone, on the sea floors, beneath rocks, and in caves. After the insect dies, the wave action crushes the bodies and washes the remains ashore and mixes them in with the sand and bits of coral. The pink stands out more in the wet sand at the water's edge.” (Pink Sand Beach). It may seem unbelievable, but pink sand beach is indeed a natural sight. Are you eager to witness this extraordinary creation by Mother Nature? Let Trip.com present the list of the best 15 pink sand beaches in the world! In addition, we will also be offering pieces of advice on how you can travel to these destinations.
Best 15 Pink Sand Beach in the World
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda (North America)
Horseshoe Bay is a pink sand beach on the main island of Bermuda within the Southhampton parish, and it is one of the most famous beaches in Bermuda! The beach faces the island’s south coast which connects to the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re wondering why this beach is named Horseshoe Bay, it will be easy to see the answer when you’re there. The shape of the beach presents a curvature that looks just like a horseshoe. Please note that there is another beach that is also named Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda. However, that beach is located on Tucker’s Island instead. The best months to visit this stunning destination are from late April to October as the weather will be warmer and more consistent. When you’re at Horseshoe Bay, don't forget to check out these other popular local attractions: Crystal and Fantasy Caves, Gibb's Hill Lighthouse and Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. The nearest airport to Horseshoe Bay (Southampton) is L.F. Wade International Airport which is about 20 km away from this pink sand beach. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes by car. Visitors can refer to Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda Beach Resort to book accommodation close to this pink sand beach!
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda (Southhampton) presents a curvature that looks like a horseshoe.
Elbow Beach, Bermuda (North America)
Another lovely pink sand beach found in Bermuda is Elbow Beach located in the Paget parish. Just like Horseshoe Bay, Elbow Beach is also named after the shape of the beach which has a gentle curvature that looks like an elbow. Elbow Beach stretches for almost 1 km long, and visitors can enjoy more space and less crowd here as compared to Horseshoe Bay. The best months to visit this impressive destination are from late April to October as the weather will be warmer and more consistent. When you’re at Elbow Beach, don't forget to check out these other popular local attractions: Blue Hole Park and Jobson's Cove. The nearest airport to Horseshoe Bay (Southampton) is L.F. Wade International Airport which is about 15 km away from this pink sand beach. The journey will take approximately 23 minutes by car. Visitors can refer to Coco Reef Bermuda Hotel to book accommodation close to this pink sand beach!
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Elbow Beach stretches for almost 1 km long, and it offers more space and less crowd.
Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas (North America)
The Pink Sands Beach in Harbour Island, Bahamas presents one of the most breathtaking examples of pink sand beach in the world. Pink Sands Beach stretches for about 5 km long, and there is plenty of space to capture magnificent pictures. The best months to visit the Bahamas are from November to April when visitors can enjoy pleasant weather without extreme heat or hurricanes. When you’re at Pink Sands Beach, don't forget to check out these other popular local attractions: Atlantis Bahamas and Queen's Staircase. The nearest airport to Pink Sands Beach is North Eleuthera Airport, which is about 6 km away from this pink sand beach. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes by car and ferry. Visitors can refer to Tingum Village Hotel to book accommodation close to this pink sand beach!
The Pink Sands Beach in Harbour Island, Bahamas stretches for about 5 km long
17 Mile Beach, Barbuda (North America)
17 Mile Beach is located on Barbuda Island, and it’s only accessible by boat. Visitors can check out the Barbuda Express Day Tour or ask other local ferrymen for a ride to this special location where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the pink sand. Please note that 17 Mile Beach is not to be confused with another beach named Pink Sand Beach on Barbuda. While 17 Mile Beach is less accessible, visitors will likely get to see more pink sand at 17 Mile Beach than at Pink Sand Beach. The best time to visit 17 Mile Beach is from October to January as there will be more sand. When you’re in Barbuda, don't forget to check out these other popular local attractions: Princess Diana Beach and Heritage Quay Complex (Antigua). The nearest airport to the Ferry Platform in Codrington is the Barbuda Codrington Airport which is situated about 750 m away. The journey will take approximately 10 minutes on foot. Visitors can refer to Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel to book accommodation close to this pink sand beach!
Crane Beach, Barbados (North America)
Crane Beach is situated on the southeastern side of Barbados Island, and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Crane Beach stretches about 200 meters long, and it features not only dreamy pink sand but also board-ready waves. The best time to visit Crane Beach in Barbados is between December and April when there will be less rain. When you’re in Barbados, don't forget to check out these other popular local attractions: Harrison's Cave Eco-Adventure Park and Animal Flower Cave & Restaurant. The nearest airport to Crane Beach is Grantley Adams International Airport, which is about 8 km away from this pink sand beach. The journey will take approximately 13 minutes by car. Visitors can refer to Hilton Grand Vacations Club the Crane Barbados to book accommodation close to this pink sand beach!
Crane Beach features not only dreamy pink sand but also board-ready waves
Pink Beach, Bonaire (South America)
Pink Beach, Bonaire is located in the Caribbean Netherlands, and this pink sand beach is also a favored spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Bonaire is a popular winter getaway destination from November to April due to its warm weather. However, those who wish to avoid the crowd may prefer to travel here from May to October instead. The nearest airport to Pink Beach, Bonaire is Flamingo International Airport, which is about 9 km away from this pink sand beach. The journey will take approximately 11 minutes by car. Visitors can refer to Delfins Beach Resort Bonaire to book accommodation close to this pink sand beach!
Source: Max Gotts/ unsplash
Pink Beach, Bonaire is also a favored spot for snorkeling and scuba diving
Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece (Southeast Europe)
Elafonissi Beach is situated on the southern Greek island of Crete. This pink sand beach is well-known for its pink and soft sand, warm waters and ideal wind conditions for windsurfing! The best time to visit Elafonissi Beach is during the summer months from June to September as the temperatures will be warmer. When you’re at Crete, don't forget to check out these other popular local attractions: Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos Palace. The nearest airport to Elafonissi Beach is Chania International Airport, which is about 90 km away from this pink sand beach. The journey will take approximately 1 hr 45 minutes by car. Visitors can refer to Samaria Hotel to book accommodation close to Chania International Airport.
Source: Alexandra Tran/ unsplash
Elafonisi Beach is known for its pink and soft sand, warm waters and ideal wind conditions for windsurfing
Balos Lagoon Beach, Greece (Southeast Europe)
Balos Lagoon Beach is another iconic pink sand beach that is located on Crete Island in Greece. This pink sand beach also features scenic views of its turquoise waters to create the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable beach vacation. When you’re at Crete, don't forget to check out these other popular local attractions: Old Venetian Port of Chania and Arkadi Monastery. The nearest airport to Elafonissi Beach is Chania International Airport, which is about 70 km away from this pink sand beach. The journey will take approximately 1 hr 30 minutes by car. Visitors can refer to Sapphire Horizon Suites to book accommodation close to Chania International Airport.
Source: Krzysztof Kowalik/ unsplash
Balos Lagoon Beach features lovely pink sand and scenic views of its turquoise waters
Pachia Ammos, Crete, Greece (Southeast Europe)
With pink and gold sand decorating the coastline, Pachia Ammos is another striking pink sand beach you can find on Crete. The nearest airport to Pachia Ammos is Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis), which is about 79 km away from this pink sand beach. The journey will take approximately 1 hr 5 minutes by car. Visitors can refer to Dialinas Apartments to book accommodation close to this pink sand beach!
Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain (Southwest Europe)
Playa de Ses Illetes is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and it lies atop a narrow strip of land on the Formentera Island in the Mediterranean Sea. This pink sand beach is also famous for its clear waters and remarkable sunsets. The best time to visit Formentera Island is between June to August when you can soak in plenty of sunshine! When you’re at Formentera Island, don't forget to check out these other popular local attractions: Far de la Mola and Calo Des Mort. The nearest airport to Formentera Island is the Ibiza Airport on the neighboring Ibiza Island. Firstly, travelers will need to board a taxi or bus from Ibiza Airport to Ibiza Old Town ferry harbor, and the journey will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes. From the Ibiza Old Town ferry harbor, travelers will need to board a ferry to Formentera Island, and the ferry ride lasts for about 35 minutes. Visitors can refer to Hostal Bellavista Formentera to book accommodation close to this pink sand beach!
Playa de Ses Illetes is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe with pink sand, clear waters and remarkable sunsets.
Spiaggia Rosa, Isola Budelli, Italy (South-Central Europe)
Spiaggia Rosa lies on Isola Budelli in the Mediterranean Sea, and this pink sand beach is a unique beach that is protected by the Italian government. Since 1994, tourists have not been allowed to step onto this beach, and the only way to admire the beautiful pink sand is to board a day-trip boat tour which will drive by Spiaggia Rosa. The best time to visit Isola Budelli is during the warmer months from June to August. When you’re at Isola Budelli, don't forget to check out these other popular local attractions: Beach of the Knight and Spargi La Maddalena SS - Spiaggia di Cala Corsara. The nearest airport to Palau (the departure point for boat trips) is Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, which is about 43 km away from this pink sand beach. The journey will take approximately 44 minutes by car. Visitors can refer to Cervo Hotel, Costa Smeralda Resort to book accommodation close to this pink sand beach!
Hop onto a day-trip boat tour to admire the pink sand at Spiaggia Rosa!
Tangsi Beach, Lombok, Indonesia (Southeast Asia)
Tangsi Beach is famous for its pink sand and rocky cliffs, and many people flock to this beach for various water sports activities too. The best month to visit Tangsi Beach is from May to October to avoid the rainy season. When you’re at Lombok, do check out Selong Belanak Beach too! The nearest airport is Lombok International Airport, which is about 57 km away from this pink sand beach. The journey will take approximately 1 hr 36 minutes by car. Visitors can refer to Origin Lombok to book accommodation close to this pink sand beach!
Tangsi Beach is popular for its pink sand, rocky cliffs and water sports activities
Pantai Merah, Komodo Island, Indonesia (Southeast Asia)
Pantai Merah features bright pink sand and stunning turquoise waters. This beautiful beach is part of the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Komodo Island. The best time to visit Pantai Merah is from April to June as the temperatures are cooler and there is a lesser crowd. Travelers will need to head to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores via Komodo International Airport. From here, travelers are advised to join a tour group at the main port (Pelabuhan Labuan Bajo) to visit Komodo Island. Visitors can refer to Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo to book accommodation close to Pelabuhan Labuan Bajo!
Pantai Merah features bright pink sand and stunning turquoise waters
Grande Santa Cruz Island, Philippines (Southeast Asia)
Grande Santa Cruz Island presents one of the best beaches in the Philippines with pink sand, blue sea and lush greenery. Please note that the number of visitors to this beach is regulated by the local government, and there is no reservation. Visitors are required to get a tourist permit in the morning, and the island is only available for day trips from 07:00 to 14:00. The nearest airport is the Zamboanga International Airport, which is located 3.7 km away from the Santa Cruz Island Ferry Terminal. The journey will take approximately 12 minutes by car. From here, travelers can board a ferry ride to Grande Santa Cruz Island (15 to 20 minutes). Visitors can refer to Ever O Business Hotel to book accommodation close to the Santa Cruz Island Ferry Terminal.
Kaihalulu Beach, Maui (Oceania)
The Kaihalulu Beach in Maui, Hawaii presents a different hue with a red sand beach! This red sand creates an attractive contrast with its blue sea and impressive sea walls. The best time to visit Maui is during the summer season from May to August. The nearest airport is the Hana Airport which is about 7 km away from Kaihalulu Beach. The journey will take approximately 12 minutes by car. Visitors can refer to Hana-Maui Resort to book accommodation close to Kaihalulu Beach!
The red sand at Kaihalulu Beach creates an attractive contrast with its blue sea and impressive sea walls
FAQ aboutpink beach sand
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Where is the pink sand beach?
Pink sand beach can be found in many places in the world, including the Americas, Southern Europe, South-eastern Asia and the Oceania region.
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Which beach has pink sand?
Vacationers can admire pink sand at Grande Santa Cruz Island, Philippines (Southeast Asia), Spiaggia Rosa, Isola Budelli, Italy (South-Central Europe) and Tangsi Beach, Lombok, Indonesia (Southeast Asia).
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Is there a pink sand beach in Europe?
Yes. Examples of pink sand beach in Europe are Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece (Southeast Europe), Balos Lagoon Beach, Greece (Southeast Europe) and Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain (Southwest Europe).
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Is there a pink sand beach in the Americas?
Yes. Examples of pink sand beach in the Americas are Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda (North America), Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas (North America) and Pink Beach, Bonaire (South America).
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What causes pink sand beaches?
According to The Island of the Bahamas, microscopic coral insects named foraminifera “have a bright pink or red shell... After the insect dies, the wave action... washes the remains ashore".