As summer approaches, perhaps you are thinking of taking a beach vacation.  I know I certainly am. But you don’t want just any beach.  You want a gorgeous beach and turquoise water. You want the colors of your vacation to pop.

With that in mind, consider visiting one of the many stunning pink sand beaches out there.  Pink sand beaches get their color from thousands of broken coral pieces, shells, and calcium carbonate materials left behind by foraminifera (tiny sea creatures with red and pink shells) that live in nearby coral reefs.  The hue varies in the light, but there is no doubt that these beaches will take your breath away and create vacation memories that will last a lifetime.

Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

Bermuda’s beautiful Horseshoe Bay Beach

Delightfully close to the United States and easy to get to, Bermuda fortunate enough to boast more than one pink sand beach. Along the southeast coast of the island is Horsehoe Bay Beach.  The offshore coral reefs prevent waves from getting to the beach, so it makes for a gorgeous snorkeler’s paradise.  But, it does get crowded here.  If that is the case, head to the next beach on our list.

Elbow Beach, Bermuda

Elbow Beach, Bermuda

This is a much quieter beach than other Bermuda beaches, so you can be almost guaranteed a serene and relaxing day here.  Snorkelers will love the off-shore shipwrecks.  If you are looking for a nice, peaceful vacation, consider staying at the Elbow Beach Resort which boasts a private stretch of the beach.

Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Pink Sands Beach in front of The Dunmore

The saying goes “it’s always better in the Bahamas” and the beaches are no exception.  Head to laid-back Harbour Island, off the coast of Eleuthera, and check into places like Pink Sands Resort or The Dunmore for prime beach settings.  This beach certainly is Instagram-worthy, and the water is warm and calm all year and protected from rolling waves by a coral reef which makes it perfect for families with children.

Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece

Pink sand of Elafonisi Beach, Crete

Not all of the beaches are clustered in the Bahamas/Caribbean/Bermuda.  One of the world’s most famous pink beaches is Elafonisi Beach on the island of Crete in Greece.  Located on the southwestern side of the island, it is quieter because it is 1.5 hours away from Chania, the nearest city.  Technically, Elafonisi sits on an island that is connected to the mainland by a sandbar that is submerged at high tide under only one meter of water. The mainland part has all the amenities of a popular beach spot with parking, restrooms, and beach chairs, and umbrellas.  But wade out to the actual island and you will find yourself in an internationally classified nature reserve filled with rare wildflowers and loggerhead sea turtles.

Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain

Gorgeous beach of Playa de Sea Illetes

Staying in Europe, head over to Playa de Ses Illetes, the less crowded counterpart to neighboring Ibiza.  The name means  “beach of the small islands” – nearby is a cluster of small islets that lie off the coast of Formentera.  The waters are calm and shallow, and you can spend a day relaxing amongst the tourists and yacht owners.  When you have had enough of lounging, try one of the many seafood restaurants that dot the island.  This is a great place for families because of the relative safety of the beach and surrounding services and amenities.

Tangsi Beach, Lombok, Indonesia

Tangsi Beach on the island of Lombok, Indonesia

Indonesia has no shortage of magnificent beaches.  If you are considering a visit there, journey to the island of Lombok next to Bali.  There you will find Tangsi Beach, one of the most colorful beaches in the country.  While some pink beaches may lean to the pale side, Tangsi is really and truly pink and brightest in the morning.  Tourism is on the rise here, but the infrastructure is still very basic.  While the beach itself is great for kids, there are no services such as restaurants, and the paved road leading to the beach is poorly maintained.  But, if you are an intrepid traveler, you will not want to miss this beach.

Crane Beach, Barbados

Crane Beach at The Crane Resort, Barbados

Head back to the Caribbean, and take a trip to Barbados, specifically Crane Beach.  Settle into your room at the luxury Crane Resort and head out to the best beach on the island.  Guests of the resort are entitled to free loungers and umbrellas that are also available for a fee to everyone else.  While many pink sand beaches have calm waters due to the coral reefs, Crane Beach features powerful waves which are great for boogie boarding (must bring your own board).  Fun fact: The Crane is one of the oldest operating hotels in the Caribbean, having opened in 1867.

17 Mile Beach, Barbuda

The quiet 17 Mile Beach in Barbuda

Our last, but not least, beach on this list is 17 Mile Beach on the tiny island of Barbuda. Due to its unique land ownership laws, it has escaped mass tourism over the years and sadly was almost decimated in 2017 by Hurricane Irma. The best way to visit is as a day trip from the neighboring island of Antigua. The beach is virtually unspoiled and makes for a truly off-the-beaten-path beach experience.  Snorkelers and divers will delight in the variety of sea life that comes from the convergence of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

So, are you ready to visit one of the fabulous pink sand beaches on this list? Or any beach?  If so, give me a call and let me help.

Looking for some more vacation inspiration? Check these out.

Aruba – A Foodie’s Paradise in Paradise

The 10 Best Resort Pools in the United States

Jamaica: More Than Just Beaches and Resorts