Pink Sand Beaches

What makes a pink sand beach—a million pieces of shattered coral? A trick of the eye and the light? On Harbour Island in the Bahamas—one of the most famous beaches pictured here—the pink hue comes from foraminifera, a microscopic organism that actually has a reddish-pink shell, while the sand is a mix of coral, shells, and calcium carbonate. It sounds like a science project, but in truth, it's one of the most magical things we've seen. Here, nine places around the world with some of the most beautiful pink sand.

Elafonisi has the amenities of a popular vacation beach (parking lot, nearby bathrooms) but the feel of a remote oasis, thanks to its location removed from major cities. After swimming in the shallow waters, walk across the sandbar to snap some photos of wildflowers and rock formations—that's if you haven't filled your camera roll with shots of the pink-hued shore, of course.

Formentera is a less-crowded alternative to nearby Ibiza, and Playa de Ses Illetes is its most fashionable beach (just check out designer Laura Ferrara's guide for proof). For a full day, share some rosy sand with yacht-owning vacationers, then enjoy a plate of fish at one of the island's glitzy restaurants. Try Ca Na Pepa for Italian (a 15-minute drive from the beach), or Can Dani, the only Michelin-starred restaurant on Formentera.

Even if you have access to the private beaches next to Horseshoe Bay, you'll probably migrate over for a day, drawn by its contrasts: the blush pink sand and turquoise water, ideal for snorkeling.

Located on the rugged east coast of Barbados, the pink shoreline of Crane Beach is flanked by lush vegetation and turquoise waters. The beach is known for its boogieboard-ready waves, and luxe hotels where you can dry off after pulling yourself out of your beach chair. (We're particular fans of The Crane, one of the oldest operating hotels in the Caribbean.)