The best seaside destinations in Europe with pink sand
A WHITE sandy beach is on most Brits’ bucket lists, conjuring up images of beautiful coastlines in Greece or the Caribbean.
But there are some beaches that are even more romantic with pink sand – and a handful can even be found in Europe.
The pinky-red shade is caused by iron minerals in the sand oxidizing with the air.
While these beaches can be found all over the world, there are several spots in Europe where holidaymakers can wiggle the pink sand between their toes.
Paignton Beach, England
Most Brits flock to the English Riviera to visit parts of the Jurassic Coast, the stretch of seaside is also home to a beach with pink sand.
Set on the south coast, Paignton Beach has been raved about by holidaymakers on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote: “My daughter loved the pink sand! The beachfront is good too, it’s tidy and clean and was not crowded.”
While most holidaymakers will spend a day relaxing on the sand, there are also various other attractions in the area including Paignton Pier.
Splashdown Quay West, the UK’s largest outdoor water park, is also nearby.
Other beaches in the area like Broadsands Beach and Goodrington Sands are also known for their unusual pinky-red shade of sand.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete
While most holidaymakers head to Crete to relax on its golden sands or visit some of the island’s ancient sites, there’s a lesser-known attraction that often goes unnoticed.
The small island of Elafonisi is set in western Crete and is connected to the mainland via a shoal.
As well as enjoying the pink sand, holidays can also sunbathe on a sunlounger or under a parasol.
Both TUI and easyJet operate direct routes from London to Crete Heraklion, and flights cost £71.
Spiaggia Rosa, Italy
On the island of Budelli in Sardinia lies a stretch of pink sand that’s been protected by the Italian government since 1992.
Budelli Island is part of the La Maddalena Archipelago and is home to Spiaggia Rosa.
While it is strictly forbidden to step foot on the beach, holidaymakers are able to admire the pink sand from the safety of a boat.
Brits who want to visit the island will need to book themself onto a private boat tour or a ferry service to glimpse this secluded spot.
Other nearby activities include a visit to Razzoli Island or the island of Santa Maria.
Playa de Ses Illetes, Spain
For holidaymakers who are after a dreamy place to relax in Formentera, then Playa de Ses Illetes has plenty of promises.
Set on the western tip of the island, this pink beach is more understated than others as coral dust combines with white grains of sand.
If the crystal clear water isn’t enough, holidaymakers can also charter a yacht for the day or go scuba diving.
To reach Formentera, Brits will need to fly to Ibiza where they can catch a ferry onto the island.
As well as beaches that are formed of pink sand, there are also more rarer beaches that have just green sand.
A beach in the Canary Islands even has sand that looks like popcorn, due to the shape of the coral.