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10 of the World's Most Unusual Beaches: Extraordinary Shores from Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Sights

From candy-colored sands and vanishing tides to troll-like rock formations, these shores redefine extraordinary. Featured in Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Sights, these 10 beaches offer mesmerizing sights—though not all ideal for swimming.

1. Bowling Ball Beach, California

Perfectly round concretions resembling giant bowling balls dot this Sonoma Coast beach, creating an otherworldly scene best viewed at low tide. These uniform spheres endured wave erosion while softer surrounding rock washed away, evoking a titan's forgotten game.

2. Harbour Island, Bahamas

The east coast of Harbour Island boasts pink-sand beaches, their blush hue from tiny coral particles and foraminifera shells mingling with white quartz. Paired with the Bahamas' signature turquoise waters, this surreal paradise needs no filters.

4. Prince William Sound, Alaska

In this Gulf of Alaska gem, tidewater glaciers calve into crystalline waters amid reflected peaks, green hills, and blue ice. Black-sand beaches host abundant wildlife—seals, otters, whales, eagles, bears—making it a premier kayaking destination.

6. Chandipur, India

At Chandipur Beach in Odisha, the sea recedes dramatically up to 5km at low tide, exposing a seabed alive with shells, driftwood, and red crabs. Explore this rare phenomenon, then discover nearby hidden beaches off the tourist trail.

7. Perissa, Santorini, Greece

10 of the World s Most Unusual Beaches: Extraordinary Shores from Lonely Planet s 1000 Ultimate Sights

Image by iriskh

Santorini's Perissa Beach shines as one of its finest black-sand stretches, framed by the dramatically lit Mesa Vouno cliff at night. Its length eases crowds; escape to ancient Thira ruins via a short hike. Wear flip-flops—the sand scorches.

8. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

Ancient volcanic activity forged thousands of hexagonal basalt columns here, mimicking organ pipes and fueling legends of giant Finn McCool bridging to Scotland. Marvel at formations like the Giant's Boot and Chimney Stacks; similar sites exist across the sea.

9. Rainbow Beach, Australia

On Fraser Island—the world's largest sand island—Rainbow Beach reveals multicolored sands in cliff layers of nougat, rose, honey, and cream. Aboriginal lore attributes the hues to a rainbow spirit. Closer inspection unveils the vibrant spectrum.

10. Vík Beach, Iceland

Iceland's southernmost, rainiest village cradles a stunning beach: white waves crash on jet-black sands beneath green cliffs and basalt stacks resembling sun-struck trolls from folklore. Admire, don't swim, in this dramatic seascape.

Further reading:

  • World's best secret islands
  • 10 best beach cities
  • The Mediterranean's hidden coastline

10 of the World s Most Unusual Beaches: Extraordinary Shores from Lonely Planet s 1000 Ultimate Sights Discover the world's best photo opportunities with Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Sights.


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