THE 10 MOST STRIKING PINK SAND BEACHES IN THE WORLD

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by LUCIA TONELLI | Elle Decor

If crystal clear waters and pure white sand isn’t enough to satisfy your vacationer needs, these pink sand beaches will definitely do the trick. Rare, unusual, and undeniably striking—these destinations are an aesthete’s dream and Mother Nature’s reality.

From Italy's Isola Budelli to California's Big Sur, read on to see which blushing shorelines await.

1. ELAFONISI BEACH, CRETE, GREECE

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Elafonisi Beach is one of Crete's most popular beaches, due to stunning pink sand, its quaint feel, and beachside amenities, including bathrooms and parking. Make your way to the sandbar or post up by the rocks, as this beach will tempt you to stay a while.

2. PINK BEACH OF KOMODO, INDONESIA

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Komodo island may be best known as the home of the Komodo dragon, though a quick trip to the other side of the island will prove that there is much more to explore. Pantai Merah, Komodo Island's pink sand beach, is surrounded by rusty-red volcanic hills and gorgeously lush forests.

3. PLAYA DE SES ILLETES, FORMENTERA, SPAIN

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Think of Playa de Ses Illetes as Ibiza's cooler, less crowded younger sister. Located on Spain's Balearic Islands, the pale pink beaches are on a narrow strip of land, where you can watch luxury yachts pass by or dine at some of the islands' incredible restaurants.

4. HORSESHOE BAY BEACH, BERMUDA

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Pale pink sand and crystal clear waters make Bermuda's Horseshoe Bay a must-see spot on the main island's southern coast. You're going to want to get there early as the beach does get crowded, though with restaurants and bathroom access, you'll want to stay the whole day.

5. SPIAGGIA ROSA, ISOLA BUDELLI, ITALY

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Just off of Sardinia's northern coast, you'll find Isola Budelli—a quaint island in the Maddalena Archipelago that is home to Spiaggia Rosa. The idyllic pink sand beach boasts a beautiful fuschia hue, made possible by pink stones and crushed coral.

6. BALOS BAY, CRETE, GREECE

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Get your cameras ready before you make your way to Greece's Balos Bay, one of the world's pinkest beaches due to an abundance of crushed seashells. To get to Balos Bay, you can drive or take the ferry, making visiting this hot spot an easy commute.

7. HARBOUR ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS

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Turquoise waters and pink sand unite on the eastern shore of Harbour Island, located only a few miles from The Bahamas’ Eleuthera. The pink hue of Harbour Island comes from Foraminifera, which are small sea-protists with pink shells.

8. LES SABLES ROSES ON RANGIROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

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Travel by boat across the Blue Lagoon to Les Sables Roses on the island of Rangiroa, which is the second largest coral atoll in the world. Idyllic blue waters and pretty pink sand create a cotton-candy effect in the water, making it a popular destination for the more adventurous traveler.

9. PINK BEACHES OF BARBUDA, CARIBBEAN SEA

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If you're looking for a less-touristy pink sand beach, the Pink Beaches of Barbuda are for you. Not only will you be graced by beautiful rose-toned sand, but you can also enjoy snorkeling in the wildlife-rich waters.

10. PFEIFFER BEACH, BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA

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California's Big Sur is a popular destination for road trippers, hikers, and campers, with plenty to see and do. For the avid beachcomber, you'll want to head off of the beaten path to Pfeiffer Beach, which boasts stunning mountain views and gorgeous pink and purple sand.

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