Discover 10 Stunning Colorful Beaches Around the World
Picture the ultimate beach escape: crystal-clear waters, vibrant umbrellas, and sands in extraordinary hues beyond the usual beige. These 10 remarkable shorelines showcase nature's most vivid colors, offering unforgettable vacation spots backed by geological wonders and traveler favorites.
From glass-strewn pebbles to olivine-infused green sands, here's your guide to the world's most colorful beaches.
Glass Beach (Fort Bragg, California)
A prime example of nature turning trash into treasure, Glass Beach features smooth, multicolored sea glass pebbles formed from decades of ocean-tumbled dump waste. Sunlight makes them sparkle, outshining traditional shell-hunting. Please leave them in place—visitor removals have significantly depleted the supply.
How to visit: Found in MacKerricher State Park along Northern California's Highway 1 in Mendocino County, access via a short side road from Fort Bragg.
Pink Sands Beach (Harbour Island, Bahamas)
Foras articulated reef fragments create the beach's signature pink tint. Beyond its beauty, enjoy world-class diving on nearby coral reefs. Its secluded vibe keeps crowds away, perfect for peaceful relaxation.
How to visit: Reach Harbour Island by boat; explore on foot for an authentic, car-free Bahamian retreat.
Hyams Beach (New South Wales, Australia)
Holding the Guinness World Record for whitest sand, Hyams Beach dazzles with pure white shores framed by colorful cottages and Jervis Bay's azure waters. Snorkel vibrant marine life or try paddleboarding, sailing, or surfing.
How to visit: In Shoalhaven on Jervis Bay, about 2 hours 45 minutes south of Sydney.
Red Sands Shore (Prince Edward Island, Canada)
This southern PEI stretch evokes Arizona's red rock canyons with clay-rich red sands, cliffs, and paths across areas like Argyle Shore and Canoe Cove. A year-round gem with seasonal activities.
How to visit: Cross the 8-mile Confederation Bridge from mainland Canada into the heart of Red Sands Shore.
Papakolea Green Sand Beach (Kau, Hawaii)
Nestled in a volcanic cinder cone, this rare green beach owes its color to ancient olivine crystals from a 50,000-year-old eruption. Ideal for hiking and views rather than swimming.
How to visit: On Big Island's southern tip; hike the 2.5-mile trail from the parking area (passing archaeological sites) or take a local 4WD shuttle.
Red Beach / Kokkini Paralia (Santorini, Greece)
Towering red cliffs contrast vividly with deep blue seas, enhanced by colorful umbrellas on the sands—a geological marvel.
How to visit: In Akrotiri on Santorini's south coast; park nearby and hike a short path to cliff views and the beach.
Wai’anapanapa / Pa’iloa Beach (Hana, Maui)
Black lava sands and cliffs in Wai’anapanapa State Park pop against lush greenery and turquoise waters. Explore sea caves, freshwater grottos, burial sites, and temples.
How to visit: Along the iconic Road to Hana on Maui's east coast.
Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur, California)
Manganese particles tint the sands purple amid dramatic rock arches, sea caves, and vistas. Family-friendly, romantic, and dog-welcoming.
How to visit: In Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park off Highway 1 in Big Sur.
Porto Ferro (Sardinia, Italy)
Golden-orange sands from minerals complement turquoise bay waters and pine groves. Prime for surfing, windsurfing, and diving.
How to visit: Fly to Sardinia (ferry alternative is lengthy); on the northeast coast in Sassari province, with parking and camping.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (Vik, Iceland)
Volcanic black sands, basalt stacks, and rock formations stun visitors. Stay back from powerful sneaker waves—sightseeing only.
How to visit: Near Vik i Myrdal on Iceland's south coast; easily drivable.
