Colorful Beaches Around the World

Bermuda’s – and Indonesia’s – Pink Beaches

One of the most popular locations to find colorful beaches is Bermuda. Formed from coralline shells that centuries of waves have pulverized, Bermuda’s pink beaches are practically mainstream, partly due to the island’s proximity to the mainland US.

Moreover, pink beaches aren’t entirely uncommon worldwide. You can also discover them on Komodo Island in Indonesia, although that entails sharing the beach with potentially lethal Komodo dragons – I think I’ll stick with Bermuda.

The Green Sands of Hawaii

Hawaii is renowned for its amazing natural wonders, which is why it’s no shock that a Hawaiian beach – specifically, Papakōlea Beach in the Kau district of Hawaii’s big island – boasts green sands. The green hue originates not from the sand itself but from olivine crystals mixed in over millions of years.

California’s Glass Beach

If you’re seeking a colorful beach along California’s Highway 1, you must scroll down a few paragraphs. However, if you’re willing to drive north of San Francisco for several hours, you can find a beach that features a spectrum of colors.

The beach of Ft. Bragg, located on California’s Mendocino Coast, was once a toxic dump, unsafe for swimming or walking. Fortunately, authorities refurbished the area by tumbling the glass that once polluted the beach, transforming it into smooth rocks that create a rainbow of benign glass on the shore.

Malta’s Orange Beach

Malta, with an area of just 122 square miles, is often overlooked. However, if you visit Malta, make sure to stop at Gozo island, whose Ramla Bay features exceptionally rare orange sand, offering fantastic photos alongside ancient Roman ruins nearby.

Hawaii’s Got a Red Beach, Too

In addition to green sand, Hawaii’s Kaihalulu Beach on Maui showcases red sand, which owes its rusty hue to iron ore deposits beneath the land. This unique coloration creates a striking contrast against the turquoise water just offshore.

Black Sand in Iceland

Iceland experiences an influx of tourists, which is understandable given its breathtaking sights. Among its highlights is the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, located near Vík on the southern coast. While not the only colorful beach, it has gained fame due to its proximity to the popular Ring Road and dramatic offshore stone stacks.

There’s Also a Purple Beach in California

Here’s the purple beach you were promised in California. Though there are amethyst deposits in the sands of Pfeiffer Beach within Big Sur National Park, the purple color isn’t easily spotted by the naked eye; you must closely observe the sand for subtle shades of violet. Nevertheless, it’s a stunning beach!

The Rusty Beach of Santorini

For those seeking a red-orange beach without venturing to Hawaii, consider Greece’s stunning Santorini. The Red Beach, located near Akrotiri and a taxi ride away from Oia, is a beautiful alternative to the often crowded tourist destinations.

Iceland’s Diamond Beach

Another colorful beach in Iceland is known less for its color and more for its texture. Dubbed “Diamond Beach,” it features black sand, but what stands out are the icebergs that blanket the shore. They shine brilliantly in daylight, producing a sparkling effect that has earned this beach its nickname. Visiting at sunrise or sunset offers a breathtaking contrast against the glittering backdrop!

An Iridescent Beach on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea

It may surprise you to find that a beach in Japan made this list. However, similar to Iceland’s Diamond Beach, the true marvel lies in its glowing waters. The specific plankton species near the “Weeping Stones” close to Okayama create a striking blue bioluminescence, making this one of the most colorful beaches globally. It’s undoubtedly the most remarkable beach on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea.