Everything is pretty in pink, even beaches! And yes, they do exist in real life.
So what makes a beach pink? Well, most of the pink beaches in the world get their colour from broken coral pieces, shells, and calcium carbonate materials left behind by foraminifera (a microscopic organism which has a reddish-pink shell) that live in the coral reefs that surround them.
From Indonesia to Bermuda, we’ve rounded up 8 pink beaches around the world that you have to see at least once in your life:
1. Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Indonesia
The Komodo Island is one of the 17,508 islands in Indonesia, the world’s largest island country. Apart from being known as the habitat of the world’s largest lizard (the Komodo dragon aka Varanus komodoensis), it is also home to the magnificent Pink Beach, or Pantai Merah (which means Red Beach) in local tongue. With hundreds of species of corals, not to mention a diverse range of exotic fishes, the beach is an excellent choice for snorkelers and divers.
Besides the Pink Beach, a few small sections along the island’s eastern bay also have a pinkish tint.
2. Harbour Island, Bahamas
Ah, the Bahamas – home to the beautiful Harbour Island. Known simply as Briland to the locals, the island is perhaps the most famous of all the pink beaches in the world. Located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera Island, the island boasts a 3-mile long pink sand beach. The island is also famous for its colourful English-style architecture and flower lined streets.
Also, thanks to its easygoing nature, the island has attracted many international tourists and is a go-to spot for many celebrities. So don’t be surprised if you spot your favourite Hollywood stars roaming around the streets of the picturesque Dunmore Town (the island’s only town).
3. Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of North America. While it has several several pink sand beaches (i.e. Elbow Beach and Astwood Park), the most popular one is undeniably the Horseshoe Bay Beach.
In addition to its beaches, there are numerous tourist attractions such as Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ), and Historic St George (which is a designated World Heritage Site). If you’re feeling adventurous, head down to Admiralty House for an amazing cliff diving experience. You won’t regret it 😉
4. Tangsi Beach, Lombok, Indonesia
Aside from the Gili Islands, Tangsi Beach, or Pink Beach, is also a must-see spot in Lombok, Indonesia. Though it’s less crowded than most of the other pink beaches in the world, it still offers a mind-blowing view. The beach’s attains its gorgeous pink colour from millions of dead red coral fragments. Furthermore, the water around the area is pretty calm, making it the perfect place for snorkelling and swimming.
There are also some cliffs where visitors can hike up to enjoy the view of the open sea. But don’t worry, it’s very easy to climb. Just be sure to wear proper shoes 🙂
5. Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
The Mediterranean takes pride in being home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, one of them being Elafonisi Beach in the island of Crete, Greece. Named after the word “Elafi” (which means deer in Greek), the beach is a great place for families with children as the water there is shallow. According to Wonders List, in some parts of the year, the water is so shallow that people can get to Elafonisi Beach on foot.
6. Spiaggia Rosa of Budelli, Sardina, Italy
Rich in fragments of coral, seashells, and tiny specks of granite, Spiaggia Rosa (which literally means Pink Beach in Italian) is probably the most famous beach in Budelli, an Italian island positioned within the archipelago of the La Maddalena National Marine Park. Due to its breathtaking sceneries and surrounding landscapes, the pink beach was used as a filming location for Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1964 film, “Red Dessert”.
However, Spiaggia Rosa has been closed to the public for a few years now because many tourists attempted to take the sand away. Travellers can view the spectacular sight from the nearby Spiaggia del Cavaliere, accompanied by a guide from the marine park.
7. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain
Small, sunny, and unspoiled, Foermentera is an island situated at the south of the Balearic Island in Spain. The small island has many little beaches but none as magical as Playa de Ses Illetes. With a stunning pink shade and crystal clear water, it’s easy to see why it’s the most crowded beach on the island. From day-trippers from Ibiza to glamorous travellers, Playa de Ses Illetes attracts various kinds of tourists. Moreover, the northern end of long beach is the most peaceful part and it is an official nudist reserve.
8. Great Santa Cruz Island, Philippines
Great Santa Cruz Island is a small yet attractive island in Zamboanga City (aka Asia’s Latin City), Philippines. The beautiful pink hue comes from crushed red organ-pipe coral (Tubipora Musica) that got mixed with the white sand during eons of surf erosion. Surrounded by sparkling turquoise water and mangrove forests, the island is ideal for snorkelling and exploring.
Since the island is a protected area, local military men are visible all around the beach. Besides that, guests only have a limited time to stay there. So be sure to check the tourism office in Zamboanga City before you plan your visit.
Honourable mentions:
- Pink Beaches of Barbuda
- Balos Lagoon Beach, Crete, Greece
- Bonaire Pink Beach
If you’re feeling adventurous, check out these breathtaking diving spots in Southeast Asia.
Sources: Lonely Planet, Wonders List, The Philippines, wayph.com, Ibiza-Spotlight, Charming Italy, Crete Travel, Indonesia.Travel/ Featured image: http://aphrodite.ua/.
