Just like a rainbow, beaches come in all colors too.
All over the world, there’s no shortage of incredible beaches with amazing vibes, clear blue waters, and soft golden sands.
But if you’re seeking something a little different, these colored sand beaches might just be what you’re looking for. Sink your feet into the soft pink sands of Indonesia or the green (yes, green) shores of Hawaii. They’re great for all your favorite beach activities too…with a few surprises.
Black sand beaches
1. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Pahala, Hawaii
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a popular spot on Hawaii’s Big Island for two reasons: amazing views and wildlife. Feast your eyes on the gorgeous black sands that stand out against the green palm trees and turquoise waters.
Punalu’u is also home to Hawaiian green sea turtles and endangered hawksbills. All year round, they’ll crawl onto the warm black sands to ‘sunbathe’. Bring a hammock to tie between the trees and relax near them.
There are a few ways to reach this gorgeous beach. You can stay in a hotel at the nearby Pahala—a 10-minute drive from the beach. Or, join this small-group tour that departs from Kailua-Kona. It’ll take you to many of the island’s best spots, including Punalu’u and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. For an equally fab experience, book this tour and end the day with some stargazing.
2. Honokalani Black Sand Beach, Hana, Hawaii
Vacationing in Maui? Honokalani Black Sand Beach is another Hawaiian gem, located in Wai'anapanapa State Park. The best time to visit is in summer, when the waves are calmer and perfect for a dip. If you’re not keen to get wet, explore the coastal trail to check out lava tubes and blow holes.
Getting to Honokalani is an adventure in itself. It’s along the Hana Highway (or Road to Hana), a 64-mile road that passes through the island’s must-sees, and has over 600 turns. Enjoy a stress-free scenic drive with this Road to Hana tour, which includes a stop at this beach and other attractions like Ke‘anae Point.
3. Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Iceland
Black volcanic sands, towering basalt columns, mysterious caves, and roaring Atlantic waves. Reynisfjara Beach in South Iceland may not be your typical tropical beach, but it’s just as spectacular.
Many tours to the south coast from Reykjavik (like this one) stop by this incredible spot. They also include visits to other marvelous sights, like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Falls. Visit in summer and you might see puffins too. Be careful near the waters though, as sneaker waves can form at any time.
On the other side of Reynisfjara Beach separated by the Reynisfjall mountain, is another black sand beach right outside Vík í Mýrdal. Stay at a nearby hotel and check it out on foot or on a fun horse-riding tour.
4. Perissa Beach, Santorini, Greece
Perissa Beach is a magical place, packed with velvety black sands that shimmer under the Mediterranean sun. It’s also a fantastic spot for alfresco dining, Santorini sunsets, and great nightlife. You can visit all year round, but summer’s the best time for water sports and swimming.
You can stay near Perissa or go on a private full-day tour from Santorini. Beyond Perissa Beach, you’ll also visit the famous Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia) in Akrotiri. It’s a convenient option if you’re strapped for time or traveling with a big group.
Can’t get enough of Santorini’s black sand beaches? Explore lesser-known spots like Caldera Beach and Eros Beach with this horse-riding tour. Go in the evening to get that sweet sunset shot.
Pink sand beaches
5. Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
With endless blue skies, shallow waters, and dusty pink sands, Elafonisi Beach is a must-visit when in Crete. The best spot to see tinges of pink is close to the shore, where the water laps onto the sand.
There are a few nearby hotels, such as Elafonisi Resort. But if you’re staying in Chania, this full-day tour will take you to the beach in a comfy bus.
Elafonisi isn’t the only pink sand beach on the island, though. Balos Lagoon and Falassarna Beach are popular options that you can visit on a semi-private Jeep tour. Plus, they’re also Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award-winning beaches.
6. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas
It’s easy to see why travelers love Pink Sands Beach in the Bahamas. This dreamy spot has it all: beach chairs, umbrellas, shallow turquoise waters, and soft pale pink sands. Fun fact: the color comes from foraminifera, microscopic organisms with red or pink shells.
The beach is about three miles long, and its sand feels cool all year round. It gets rainy from August to October though.
You can walk, bike, or ride an electric golf cart from anywhere on Harbour Island to Pink Sands Beach. Those vacationing in Nassau can visit with this tour, which includes snorkeling with pigs and manta rays.
7. Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Indonesia
Komodo National Park is full of strange yet stunning wonders. Composed of many Indonesian islands, you’ll find breathtaking vistas, wild Komodo dragons, and a rosy pink sand beach, also known as Pantai Merah.
Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and rocky mountains, Pink Beach is perfect for swimming, sightseeing, and snorkeling. The dry season runs from April to November, but September is a great time to visit for cooler days and fewer crowds.
While there aren’t many accommodation options on the island, you can stay at a hotel in Labuan Bajo and book this adventurous Komodo National Park tour. Activities include island-hopping, hiking, and snorkeling.
Red sand beaches
8. Kaihalulu Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Along the Road to Hana, Kaihalulu Beach is a sight to behold. The sands contain high levels of iron oxide, which gives this secluded beach its deep red color
It’s best to admire Kaihalulu from afar as the trail to the beach can be tricky. It passes through private property and runs along the edge of a cliff. If you do decide to head down to the beach, travelers recommend wearing proper hiking shoes.
This private Road to Hana day trip from Maui will bring you to Kaihalulu, Honokalani, and Hamoa Beach (red, black, and golden—that’s three colored sand beaches in a day!).
9. Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Nestled in Prince Edward Island National Park is Cavendish Beach. Stroll along the beach or boardwalk and admire the rust-colored sands. Or, wander a little further to explore a cluster of red, rugged sandstone cliffs.
While there are no beachfront hotels, you’ll find plenty nearby in Cavendish. The coastal town also hosts the annual Cavendish Beach Music Festival—a must-go for country music lovers.
If you’re staying in Charlottetown, go on this sightseeing tour to visit the gorgeous red-sand beach and cliffs. It also includes visits to historic sites that appeared in L. M. Montgomery’s famous novel, Anne of Green Gables.
Green sand beaches
10. Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, Naalehu, Hawaii
Thousands of years ago, a cinder cone volcano erupted and spewed olivine-rich lava into the bay. The minerals cooled to form green crystals, giving Papakōlea Beach its rare, mossy color.
Papakōlea is incredibly remote. It can only be accessed by hiking, and the start point is a 2-hour drive from Kailua-Kona. A roundtrip journey is about 5 miles and is unshaded most of the way, so start early to beat the midday heat. Travelers recommend bringing lots of water too.
Some people also offer rides in their 4x4 vehicles to the beach. However, it’s best not to go with this option as it can damage the ecosystem, and lead to an erosion of the local landscape.
Orange sand beaches
11. Ramla Bay, Malta
One of Gozo’s best-known beaches, Ramla Bay has bright, orange-colored sands and deep blue waters. Though remote, it’s equipped with many facilities like sunbeds and showers. There’s a local restaurant and an ice cream truck near the entrance too.
Ramla Bay isn’t just for beach lovers. When you need a break from the ocean, hike up to Tal Mixta Cave and enjoy panoramic views of the unique beach in Malta.
The nearest hotels are in the town of Xagħra, about a 20-minute drive away. You can get to the beach via public transportation, car, or taxi. For those staying on the main island, visit Ramla Bay and other Gozo gems on this tour, which includes a private ferry ride.
12. Porto Ferro Beach, Sardinia, Italy
Tucked away on Sardinia’s northwest coast, Porto Ferro Beach (or Spiaggia di Porto Ferro) offers a long stretch of orange sands—a combination of orange limestone, crushed shells, and volcanic deposits.
While it isn’t the best for swimming as the waves can get a little rough, there are still plenty of things to do. Stroll over to the scenic Lake Baratz, learn how to surf, or try sunbathing in the nude if you feel extra adventurous.
Like most parts of Italy, summer is the best time to visit Porto Ferro Beach. Arrive early to secure a good spot and soak up the laid-back vibes and pleasant sea breeze.
Bonus: Glass Beach, California, United States
This spot isn’t exactly a colored sand beach, but it’s still worth checking out. Located in Fort Bragg, the Glass Beach is filled with millions of tiny, multi-colored glass pieces.
The beach started out as a landfill from the early to mid-1900s. Since then, the glass shards were sanded down by waves, rocks, and everything in between. Today, it’s a popular destination for curious travelers who are keen to check out the sea glass and enjoy the views.
Don’t forget to swing by the Sea Glass Museum too. Opened by a retired sea captain, the collection features all sorts of rare sea glass, including some that glow in the dark. Fort Bragg is a four-hour drive from San Francisco, and you can spend the night at a cozy hotel near Glass Beach.