With only a handful of naturally pink sand beaches around the world, visiting one of these beaches could be considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Although found in various locations around the world from Europe to the Far East and Caribbean Islands, pink sand beaches are extremely rare.

Travellers often seek those picture perfect, powdery white sands, but these blush beaches on the edges of islands with warm, clear waters, have an undeniable charm and should be on your beach bucketlist.

These pink sand beaches get their blush hue from tiny fragments of finely eroded and ground-down coral, and other shell-like particles left behind by foraminifera (microscopic pink shelled sea-organisms).

Elafonissi Beach, Greece

Location: Crete

Located in the south-western region of the Greek island of Crete, Elafonissi Beach is just one of several pink sand beaches found on the Greek Isles.

Plan a road trip or visit as part of a tour, Elafonissi Beach is very accessible to the public.

_{Image: Getty Images/Siaath}

Pantai Merah, Eastern Indonesia

Location: Komodo Island

Part of the Komodo National Park, Pantai Merah is teeming with tropical fish and local wildlife. And perhaps, unsurprisingly is home to the historic Komodo Dragon, and one of the world's most incredible pink sand beaches.

Verging on the cusp of red, the pink beach of Komodo Island offers a striking balance between the red-pink beach and the aqua-blue of the sea.

_{Image: Instagram Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach}

Pink Sands Beach, The Bahamas

Location: Harbour Island

Known for its aqua-coloured, crystal-clear waters and topical vibes, The Bahamas — specifically Harbour Island — is home to one of the world's few pink sand beaches.

Several luxury resorts are dotted along the blush sandy stretch, the area has become a popular travel spot for visitors.

_{Image: Instagram Briland Club}

Spiaggia Rosa, Italy

Location: Budelli Island, off Sardinia Island

Sitting on the Strait of Bonifacio, the tiny island of Budelli, off the coast of Sardinia has Italy's only pink beach.

Famously, Budelli Island was the permanent home to just one man for over thirty years, until he left in 2021 aged 81.

Less than two kilometres squared, Budelli Island is regularly visited by tourists and locals alike seeking a glimpse of the Spiaggia Rosa (translating literally to Pink Beach).

_{Image: Instagram Mauro da Budelli}

Lead Image via Instagram Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach

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