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Maya Bay, Thailand © Dmitry Pichugin | Dreamstime.com
From deep blues and brilliant whites to delicate pastels and rich reds, these striking beaches around the globe are celebrated for their vivid, photographable colors and unique natural features. -
Ramla Bay, Malta © Petroos | Dreamstime.com
Ramla’s name in Maltese means “red sands,” though the shoreline often appears a vivid orange. Beneath the sand lie Roman remnants, and the famed Calypso Cave overlooks the western end of the beach, adding dramatic history to its fiery tones. -
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur © Americanspirit | Dreamstime.com
Big Sur offers countless scenic views, and Pfeiffer Beach stands out for its distinctive stone arch and the striking violet bands in its sand—minerals washed down from the cliffs create an unforgettable, otherworldly shoreline. -
Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island © Alain Lee | Dreamstime.com
Cavendish Beach on Canada’s Prince Edward Island is defined by its red sandstone cliffs, dunes and sand. Scenic trails run along the coast and dunes, providing excellent vantage points to admire the warm, earthy hues of the shoreline. -
Black Sand Beach, Vik, Iceland © Andrey Bayda | Dreamstime.com
Vik’s Black Sand Beach delivers dramatic contrast rather than warm water—jet-black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns and seabird colonies (including puffins) create a raw, powerful coastal landscape. -
White Beach, Boracay, Philippines © Erik De Graaf | Dreamstime.com
Boracay is famed for its combination of calm waters, lively atmosphere and exceptionally white sand. White Beach is a postcard-perfect stretch of powdery sand and crystal-clear sea that draws visitors seeking both relaxation and vibrant island life. -
Papakōlea (Green Sand Beach), Hawai‘i © Alexander Garaev | Dreamstime.com
From afar Papakōlea on Hawai‘i’s Big Island looks moss-covered, but the color comes from olivine crystals in the sand—remnants of Mauna Loa’s volcanic activity. It’s one of only a handful of green sand beaches in the world, offering a rare and striking coastal scene. -
Crane Beach, Barbados © Byvalet | Dreamstime.com
Crane Beach, often ranked among the world’s best, features turquoise waters and soft, shell-rich sand that glows a delicate pink. The pastel tones come from crushed coral and shells, creating a gentle, inviting shoreline.