Travel Guide
The World’s Prettiest Pink Beaches
Ah, the beach. For all its peaceful and soul-soothing properties, it’s also pretty fabulous and always a sight to be seen. But what if you took the beach-going experience up a notch and visited one of Mother Nature’s true beauties: an exclusive pink sand beach? Not only are they visually intriguing, they tend to be set in some of the most luxe places ever, complete with all the R&R you could wish for while on vacation. Check out our list of favorites below—the aesthete in you won’t be able to resist planning that getaway, stat.
Bahamas
Off the beaten path from the more commercial and “touristy” parts of the Bahamas—like Paradise Island and Nassau, the capital—Harbor Island offers the true deluxe treatment, thanks to its celebrity-frequented hotels and restaurants. But, of course, the miles of pink sand and sparkling turquoise water are the real draw here; it's one of the more famous pink sand beaches and aptly named, well, Pink Sands Beach.
Off the beaten path from the more commercial and “touristy” parts of the Bahamas—like Paradise Island and Nassau, the capital—Harbor Island offers the true deluxe treatment, thanks to its celebrity-frequented hotels and restaurants. But, of course, the miles of pink sand and sparkling turquoise water are the real draw here; it's one of the more famous pink sand beaches and aptly named, well, Pink Sands Beach.
Greece
On the southwest coast of Crete, Elafonisi Beach is an Instagrammer’s dream thanks to its gorgeous rock formations, shallow blue water, and you guessed it, stunning pink sand. Make a trip here to capture nature at its finest.
On the southwest coast of Crete, Elafonisi Beach is an Instagrammer’s dream thanks to its gorgeous rock formations, shallow blue water, and you guessed it, stunning pink sand. Make a trip here to capture nature at its finest.
Barbados
A large cliff provides a stunning backdrop to the already beautiful pink sand and blue waters of Crane Beach in Barbados. Once named the best Caribbean beach by USA Today, this picturesque spot is a treat for the soul and the eyes.
A large cliff provides a stunning backdrop to the already beautiful pink sand and blue waters of Crane Beach in Barbados. Once named the best Caribbean beach by USA Today, this picturesque spot is a treat for the soul and the eyes.
French Polynesia
Northeast of Tahiti, in the Tuamotu Islands, you'll find a tiny coral atoll called Tikehau—with a pristine location, limited accommodations and low population, it feels like a hidden gem. The pink beaches are a draw, second only to the flourishing marine life, which once even captured the attention of Jacques Cousteau.
Northeast of Tahiti, in the Tuamotu Islands, you'll find a tiny coral atoll called Tikehau—with a pristine location, limited accommodations and low population, it feels like a hidden gem. The pink beaches are a draw, second only to the flourishing marine life, which once even captured the attention of Jacques Cousteau.
Indonesia
Located on an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pink Beach at Komodo Island is home to gorgeous corals and several underwater species, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving. And, of course, it’s here that you’ll be able to see the island’s namesake—giant lizards called Komodo dragons.
Located on an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pink Beach at Komodo Island is home to gorgeous corals and several underwater species, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving. And, of course, it’s here that you’ll be able to see the island’s namesake—giant lizards called Komodo dragons.
Italy
Just north of Sardinia, the little-known Budelli Island is often referred to as a pink paradise. The uninhabited island has been protected from tourists for many years, meaning you can only visit for one day or see it via a boat tour. Now that’s what we call exclusive.
Just north of Sardinia, the little-known Budelli Island is often referred to as a pink paradise. The uninhabited island has been protected from tourists for many years, meaning you can only visit for one day or see it via a boat tour. Now that’s what we call exclusive.
Philippines
The only pink sand beach in the Philippines, Great Santa Cruz Island is another protected site that allows you to truly revel in its natural beauty. With no hotels or resorts on the island, this beach has retained its pristine and untouched status, making it all the more a must-see destination.
The only pink sand beach in the Philippines, Great Santa Cruz Island is another protected site that allows you to truly revel in its natural beauty. With no hotels or resorts on the island, this beach has retained its pristine and untouched status, making it all the more a must-see destination.
Spain
Situated in the stunning isle of Formentera, Playa de Ses Illetes carries a more private and exclusive feel, thanks to only a handful of beachside restaurants—and especially compared with nearby Ibiza. Still, visit during an off-season because at high summer, this stripe of pale pink beach can be packed. It's not dubbed "fashion beach" for nothing.
Situated in the stunning isle of Formentera, Playa de Ses Illetes carries a more private and exclusive feel, thanks to only a handful of beachside restaurants—and especially compared with nearby Ibiza. Still, visit during an off-season because at high summer, this stripe of pale pink beach can be packed. It's not dubbed "fashion beach" for nothing.