Beaches come in countless forms, but some stand apart for their rare beauty and distinctive features. From sands in shades of pink, green, and red to shorelines that glow at night, these destinations offer experiences that go beyond a typical seaside escape. Many of them are shaped by unusual geological processes, rare minerals, or unique wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else. Some, tucked away in remote corners, accessible only by boat or a long hike, famous for their striking scenery. This list explores 20 of the world’s most unique and gorgeous beaches, each with its own character and charm. Whether you are drawn to dramatic cliffs or hidden coves, these locations showcase the diversity of coastlines around the globe.
Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Located on Harbour Island, Pink Sands Beach stretches for nearly three miles and is famous for its rosy-colored shoreline. The soft hue comes from microscopic coral insects called foraminifera that mix with fine white sand, creating a blush effect. These organisms thrive on nearby coral reefs, and when they die, their red shells break down and wash ashore. The beach’s calm, shallow waters are protected by an offshore barrier reef, making it safe for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Water visibility is excellent year-round, and the sand’s texture is soft and powder-like underfoot. The color appears more intense at sunrise and sunset, when low-angle sunlight enhances the pink tones.
Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Reynisfjara is known for its jet-black volcanic sand, formed from cooled lava, and its towering basalt column cliffs. Located near the fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal, it sits along the South Coast of Iceland where the North Atlantic Ocean meets dramatic sea stacks. The basalt formations, called Reynisdrangar, rise from the water and are steeped in local legend. Puffins and other seabirds nest in the cliffs during summer months. The beach’s unique appearance is enhanced by stark contrasts between the dark sand, green moss-covered rocks, and foaming white surf. Visitors must be cautious due to dangerous “sneaker waves” that can appear unexpectedly and pull people into the cold water.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Situated in the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach is celebrated for its pure silica sand that is almost 98 percent quartz. This composition gives it a dazzling white appearance and a fine, soft texture that does not retain heat, so it stays cool underfoot even in hot weather. The sand’s origin traces back thousands of years, carried and deposited by sea currents from distant locations. The turquoise waters create swirling patterns with the sand, a tidal estuary at the northern end of the beach. Access is mainly by boat, helicopter, or seaplane, which limits large crowds and helps preserve its pristine condition. The surrounding waters are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, offering rich marine biodiversity.
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
On La Digue Island, Anse Source d’Argent is known for its shallow, crystal-clear lagoon and massive granite boulders shaped by centuries of erosion. The unique combination of white sand, calm turquoise waters, and towering rock formations creates a visually striking landscape. The beach is backed by lush tropical vegetation, adding to its exotic feel. The lagoon’s shallow depth and protective reef make it an ideal location for wading and spotting colorful reef fish. Low tide reveals more of the boulders’ bases, which are often photographed at sunset when their surfaces take on a warm golden tone.
Glass Beach, USA
Located in Fort Bragg, California, Glass Beach is covered in smooth, colorful sea glass that has been naturally polished by decades of wave action. The glass pieces originated from bottles, jars, and other discarded materials that were dumped into the ocean in the mid-20th century. Over time, nature transformed this waste into a shimmering shoreline of green, brown, and clear glass fragments. The area is now protected, and removing glass is prohibited to preserve its beauty. The nearby tide pools are home to marine life such as crabs, sea anemones, and small fish, making the beach a combination of natural beauty and an environmental recovery success story.
Navagio Beach, Greece
Also called Shipwreck Beach, Navagio is on the Greek island of Zakynthos and is famous for the rusting remains of the cargo ship Panagiotis, which ran aground in 1980. The beach’s brilliant white pebbles and turquoise waters are framed by towering limestone cliffs over 600 feet high. The shipwreck sits on the shore, adding a dramatic focal point to the view. Navagio is accessible only by boat, with excursions departing from nearby ports. From above, visitors can view the beach from a cliffside lookout, which offers one of the most iconic panoramas in the Mediterranean.
Giants Causeway Beach, Northern Ireland
While the Giant’s Causeway is best known for its geometric basalt columns, the small beach adjacent to it offers a rare blend of geology and coastal beauty. The interlocking hexagonal stones were formed by volcanic activity about 50 to 60 million years ago. The nearby shoreline features tide pools filled with small marine creatures and offers views of the rugged Antrim coast. On clear days, the Scottish coastline is visible across the sea. The mix of smooth basalt and small pebbles creates a striking texture along the waterline.
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, Hawaii
Papakōlea is one of only four known green sand beaches in the world. Its distinct olive tone comes from a high concentration of the mineral olivine, found in the nearby volcanic cone of Puʻu Mahana. The mineral is denser than typical sand and remains onshore while lighter materials wash away. Access to the beach requires either a three-mile hike across open terrain or a ride in an off-road vehicle. The beach is small and framed by steep cliffs, with waves that can be strong depending on the season. The unique coloration is most vibrant in direct sunlight, making midday the best time to view it.
Pfeiffer Beach, USA
Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California, is distinguished by its purple-tinted sand caused by manganese garnet deposits from nearby hills. The purple hue appears in streaks, especially after rainfall when minerals wash down to the shore. The beach is also famous for Keyhole Rock, a large sea arch that aligns with the setting sun during winter months, creating a dramatic light beam through the opening. The surrounding cliffs and coastal vegetation make it a scenic spot year-round. Access is via a narrow road off Highway 1, which helps keep the beach less crowded.
Playa del Amor, Mexico
Playa del Amor, or the Hidden Beach, is located in the Marieta Islands off the coast of Nayarit. The beach lies inside a crater-like cavity with an open roof that lets sunlight pour onto the sand. To reach it, visitors must swim or kayak through a narrow water tunnel during low tide. The enclosed space offers calm waters for swimming and snorkeling, and the surrounding islands are a protected wildlife sanctuary. The secluded atmosphere, paired with the unusual geological setting, has made it one of the most photographed beaches in Mexico.
Maho Beach, Sint Maarten
Maho Beach is world-famous for its location directly under the flight path of airplanes landing at Princess Juliana International Airport. The runway begins just a short distance from the shore, meaning planes pass at extremely low altitudes over the beach before touching down. This creates a thrilling experience for aviation enthusiasts and tourists alike. The sand here is fine and light-colored, and the waters are generally calm, making it safe for swimming when conditions are favorable. However, the jet blasts from departing aircraft can be intense, and visitors are advised to stand clear of the fence line. The combination of a tropical beach and close-up aircraft viewing makes it one of the most unusual coastal destinations in the Caribbean.
Boulders Beach, South Africa
Located near Simon’s Town, just outside Cape Town, Boulders Beach is known for its colony of African penguins, which settled here in the early 1980s. The beach is dotted with massive granite boulders, some over 500 million years old, that create natural inlets and sheltered swimming areas. Boardwalks allow visitors to observe the penguins without disturbing their habitat, and certain sections of the beach are open for swimming alongside them. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for families, and the surrounding vegetation adds to the secluded feel. The unique mix of wildlife viewing and beach relaxation is rare in the world.
Hyams Beach, Australia
Hyams Beach, located in Jervis Bay, New South Wales, is widely recognized for having some of the whitest sand on Earth. The sand is composed almost entirely of fine quartz, giving it a bright, almost dazzling appearance under sunlight. The waters are exceptionally clear, and the beach is sheltered from strong swells, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and paddleboarding. Nearby national parks protect much of the surrounding land, preserving the area’s natural beauty. The beach’s length and width allow plenty of space even during peak tourist seasons, and the shoreline often has visiting dolphins visible from the sand.
Bioluminescent Beach, Maldives
Certain beaches in the Maldives display a rare natural phenomenon where the shoreline glows at night due to bioluminescent plankton. These microscopic organisms emit a blue light when disturbed by movement, creating the effect of stars scattered across the sand and water. The glow is usually most visible during warmer months and in calm, moonless conditions. Many resorts in the Maldives offer guided night tours to view this spectacle, which can also be seen from the decks of boats. The sight is both surreal and scientifically fascinating, combining tropical beauty with a natural light show.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Punaluʻu, located on the southeastern coast of the Big Island, is one of Hawaii’s most famous black sand beaches. The sand is made from basalt created by lava flowing into the ocean and cooling rapidly. The beach is a known nesting site for endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles, which can often be seen resting on the shore. The waters are cool due to freshwater springs that flow into the ocean here. The contrast of the black sand, blue water, and lush palm trees makes for striking photographs. While swimming is possible, currents can be strong, so caution is advised.
Zlatni Rat, Croatia
Zlatni Rat, or the Golden Horn, is a narrow spit of pebbles extending into the Adriatic Sea on the island of Brač. Its distinctive shape shifts slightly with tides, currents, and wind, making it appear different throughout the year. The beaches are popular for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and swimming, with a mix of shallow areas and deeper offshore waters. The pebble surface is smooth and comfortable to walk on, and pine trees line the shore, providing shaded picnic spots. The clear, calm waters around Zlatni Rat are also great for snorkeling.
Shell Beach, Australia
Shell Beach, located in Shark Bay, Western Australia, is made up entirely of tiny white cockle shells instead of sand covering its beaches. The shells stretch for more than 37 miles and can be up to 33 feet deep in some areas. The high salinity of the water here prevents many predators from surviving, allowing the cockle population to thrive without significant disturbance. The result is a shoreline that crunches underfoot and sparkles in the sun. The calm, shallow waters are inviting for wading, and the unusual texture of the beach makes it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Red Sand Beach, Hawaii
Kaihalulu in Maui is known for its deep red sandy beaches, which comes from the erosion of a nearby volcanic cinder cone. The beach is partially enclosed by a rugged lava rock wall, creating a natural cove with calmer waters than the open ocean outside. Access is via a narrow, unofficial trail that can be slippery and requires caution. The striking contrast of red sand, blue water, and green vegetation makes this beach one of the most visually dramatic in Hawaii. The sand’s red hue is especially vivid in bright sunlight.
White Sands Beach, New Zealand
Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, White Sands Beach is famous for its soft, fine sand and clear, inviting waters. The beach stretches along a gently curving bay, with small waves suitable for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Rock pools and small caves at the ends of the beach offer opportunities for exploration, particularly at low tide. The area is known for its warm summer temperatures and is a favorite spot for both locals and travelers. The clean, bright sand is a standout feature that enhances the tropical feel of the setting.
Playa de las Catedrales, Spain
Playa de las Catedrales, or the Beaches of the Cathedrals, is located in Galicia and is renowned for its massive natural stone arches and caves. At low tide, visitors can walk beneath these formations, which rise like cathedral walls and spires from the sand. The structures were shaped by centuries of wave erosion, creating an intricate maze of rock corridors. During high tide, much of the beach is submerged, so timing a visit is crucial. The combination of dramatic geology and the sound of Atlantic waves makes it one of Europe’s most spectacular coastal sights.
Read More: The 10 Clearest Water Beaches in the World
Disclaimer: This article was created with AI assistance and edited by a human for accuracy and clarity.
