We’ve all done the normal bucket-and-shovel beach holidays, but a shoreline with colored sand is a different matter entirely. From orange and red, to purple and green, there are beaches all over the world with sand as pretty as a picture, and we want to see them all. Didn’t you hear? Beige sand is so last year...
by Hannah Hopkins
Color: Pretty Purple
Pfeiffer Beach is slap-bang in the middle of California’s Big Sur coastline (or the Big South as it’s known to locals). Though it’s a bit of trek to reach, the views make it well worth the trip (and it’s remote location keeps the tourists away). The beach is filled with sand in every shade of purple and is surrounded by dark stacks of rocks and the deep blue sea, all of which make for a picture-perfect location to take in the Californian sunset. Sunbathers and swimmers rejoice: Pfeiffer Beach is an ideal destination for both activities, though surfers may want to venture elsewhere (rip tides=bad news). Love to be at one with nature? Not a problem. Pfeiffer Beach is occasionally frequented by nudists. Either way, you’ll definitely be getting a view to remember...
Color: Olive Green
A trip to Papakōlea Beach is not for the faint of heart. To get there, you have to hike two miles across rugged terrain to reach the ‘bowl’ of the coastline, and then climb down a steep slope to the beach. Phew. Alternatively, hitch a ride with one of the friendly locals (which may end up rivalling the best theme park ride you’ve ever been on). But hey, where else can you see a green sand beach? Luckily, this stretch of sand offers plenty of rewards for those who make the effort to get there. Dramatic cliffs, aqua blue water, and, of course, olive-colored sand are three things you don’t often see together. At sunset, the hue of the sand is amplified, and the result is pretty stunning. To make the experience truly unforgettable, have a go at the 40-foot cliff jump from South Point (go on, we dare you...)
Color: Fiery Orange
An under-developed beach is a bit of a rarity these days, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Ramla Bay. Nestled in a corner of the island of Gozo in Malta, the beach’s fiery-coloured sands draw tourists from far and wide, yet its natural beauty has been preserved. The soft sand and shallow water makes this a sweet spot for families, but your ‘run-of-the mill’ beach it is not. There are barely any of the stereotypical food places and rip-off tourist shops (Malta key ring, anyone?). Plus, the Bay is steeped in history. The statue of the Virgin Mary that takes pride of place on the beach was placed in commemoration of a local shipwreck, and Calypso’s Cave, where Odysseus was said to have spent seven years hidden with the temptress, can be found on the western corner of the beach. Soak up all that history as you laze on the beach and chow down on a local prickly pear.
Color: Rusty Red
If you ever end up on Maui’s Kaihalulu Beach, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled onto Mars. The sand is rich in iron, giving it a deep red color, and is surrounded by a wall of jagged lava rock that adds to the otherworldly vibe. Like most things worth seeing, you have to work a bit to get there—the hike to the beach is hazardous and steep (sensible footwear is a must)—but you’ll be compensated with a hidden cove beach that takes seclusion to a whole new level. Since swimming is not advised in the turbulent waters, there’s little to do on the beach except for sunbathing and soaking up the laid back atmosphere (perfectly fine by us). Kaihalulu means ‘roaring sea’ in Hawaiian, and it was given that name for a reason.
Color: Deepest Black
Handily, this shoreline is also known by the much easier to pronounce Black Sand Beach. The black sand is actually basalt, created by lava flowing into the ocean and exploding as it cools. Luckily, there’s no risk of lava flow nowadays (thank goodness), but swimming at the beach is still pretty treacherous due to large rocks hidden in the water. Yowzers. Your disappointment will be short lived when you find yourself side-by-side with the resident honus, or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, who frequently bask on these sandy shores. If you do decide to brave the ocean, freshwater from nearby springs mixes with the seawater here, bringing the temperature of the water down and making it perfect for a refreshing dip. Legend has it that in times of drought, Hawaiians living in the area would dive underwater with a jug to get their fresh water.
