Rainbow Beach, Australia
Rainbow Beach in Australia gets its name from its vibrant colored sand dunes that range from red, yellow, and orange to pink and purple. The colors are a result of minerals like iron oxide and rutile mixing with the sand.
Pfeiffer Beach, California
Pfeiffer Beach in California is famous for its purple sand, which comes from manganese garnet particles washed down from the nearby hills. The contrast of the purple sand against the turquoise waters is truly stunning.
Vik Beach, Iceland
Vik Beach in Iceland features black sand, created by volcanic activity in the region. The stark black sand against the white foam of the waves crashing on the shore creates a dramatic and otherworldly landscape.
Hyams Beach, Australia
Hyams Beach in Australia holds the Guinness World Record for having the whitest sand in the world. The sand is almost pure silica, giving it a brilliant white color that contrasts beautifully with the clear blue waters.
Pink Sand Beach, Bahamas
The Pink Sand Beach in the Bahamas gets its unique color from tiny red coral insects called foraminifera that live in the coral reefs offshore. When these organisms die, their red shells mix with the sand, creating a stunning pink hue.
Navagio Beach, Greece
Navagio Beach in Greece is known for its golden sand, which is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach is only accessible by boat, adding to its secluded and picturesque charm.
Green Sand Beach, Hawaii
The Green Sand Beach in Hawaii, also known as Papakolea Beach, gets its color from the mineral olivine, which is formed from volcanic activity. The olive-green sand against the backdrop of the deep blue ocean is a sight to behold.
Red Sand Beach, Santorini
Red Sand Beach in Santorini, Greece, is named for its unique red sand, which comes from the surrounding red and black volcanic rocks. The contrast of the red sand against the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea is truly mesmerizing.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Whitehaven Beach in Australia is famous for its pristine white silica sand that stretches for 7 kilometers along the Whitsunday Island. The sand is so pure that it squeaks when walked on, and the beach is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world.
Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Black Sand Beach in Hawaii, also known as Punaluu Beach, features jet-black sand created by lava flowing into the ocean and shattering into tiny fragments. The black sand against the backdrop of lush green palm trees and the deep blue ocean creates a striking contrast.