Pink Sand Beaches

When thinking of tropical locations or relaxation vacations, most people talk about warm sun beating down on their skin, clear, blue ocean waters, and white sand between their toes.

That sounds nice, right?

But what about pink sand between your toes? Yes, some places actually have pink sand, and they’re beautiful! Pink sand gets its color from broken coral pieces, calcium carbonate materials from marine creatures, and seashells. 

Sometimes, the sand has the slightest highlight of pink, but the shoreline and the water’s edge are where the pink will be most vivid.

There are quite a few areas with pink sand beaches, but here are some that stand out to us!

1. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

This beautiful beach is located on Bermuda’s South Shore and is a great place to visit if you’re looking for some relaxation.

This beach is also family-friendly, with many activities such as snorkeling, boogie boarding, and paddleboarding. Because this beach is shaped like a horseshoe (hence the name), it’s sheltered from larger waves.

Bars near the beach make it easy to grab some burgers and fish sandwiches, ice cream, and Bermuda’s national drink, the Rum Swizzle.

2. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

This beach is located on a small island of the Bahamas (it’s so small you can travel to Harbour Island on foot!). Not only is the beach here stunning, but there are also so many great activities to enjoy.

One of the coolest activities you can do at Pink Sands Beach is to take a boat tour to swim with pigs! Yes, pigs! You’ll boat over to a smaller island where you can swim alongside these porkers and even feed them. From there, you’ll head over to another island where you can partake in a Bahamian food tasting!

If you’re not into swimming with pigs, that’s okay, you can always just set up a towel on the beach and enjoy the views and play in the crystal clear, blue waters!

3. Pink Beach of Barbuda, Caribbean Sea

This island is located in the northeastern Caribbean, consists of small village communities, and is known for its natural beaches.

What’s cool about this island is that one side of Barbuda is touched by the Atlantic Ocean, with its dark blue color and beaches filled with driftwood, while the other side of the island is touched by the Caribbean Sea, which is where you can find the pink sand beaches and bright blue waters.

Take in the natural beauty, relax, and interact with locals. Barbuda isn’t known for its tourism, so you won’t see organized events and activities that you would in larger resort towns, nor will you find tourist attractions or nightlife on this island. Instead, expect blissful peace.

4. Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece

This island is located on the southwest coast of Crete, Greece. It’s more of a sandbar, meaning it can be submerged under the water at certain times. If you’re hanging out in Crete, you can wade out to the island, but don’t expect to see any beach chairs there, though! If you’re up for this adventure, you’ll be rewarded with sightings of rare plants and sea creatures, such as the loggerhead sea turtles. Take note – if you’re caught removing any plants or animals, you could be given a hefty fine!

Most of the time, you’ll see the stunning pink sand on the island, and when the sand is pink, it is very pink. However, there are times when you don’t see the pink sand: this is due to wind conditions, the season, and even the tides. But even if you don’t see the sand in its pink beauty, you’ll always be able to feel the softness of the sand on this island. It’s been described as “soft as dust.” The waters surrounding are warm and calm, so it’s a great spot to bring young ones to play.

This island can get busy, so if you’re looking for more of a relaxed environment, it’s recommended to go during the late spring and early summer.
Each pink sand beach has its own personality—some perfect for families, others ideal for quiet reflection or adventure. Choosing the right one comes down to how you want your trip to feel: relaxed and social, remote and peaceful, or a blend of exploration and ease.

If a pink sand beach has made its way onto your travel wish list, thoughtful planning can help you experience it at its best—at the right time, in the right place, and in a way that truly fits your travel style.

Pink sand beaches remind us that even the most familiar travel dreams can still surprise us. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic shores of Bermuda, the laid-back charm of Harbour Island, the untouched calm of Barbuda, or the natural wonder of Crete, these destinations offer something a little more unexpected than the usual beach escape.