White sand beaches with turquoise water are always a crowd pleaser but have you ever been to a pink beach? These rare natural wonders can be found at a select few places around the world. Whether you’re visiting Australia, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Tanzania or Central America, you’ll want to include a stop at one of these amazing attractions. From cotton candy-hued lakes to rose-colored shorelines, be sure to visit these stunning pink places on your next vacation. (You may even spot some pink flamingos while you’re there!)

Top 5 Pink Lakes You Shouldn’t Miss

These five gorgeous bodies of water are all a bright pink hue and make for amazing photographs. The exact cause of the naturally pink water hasn’t been determined but scientists believe the high salt content gives these lakes their unique coloring by allowing only very few microbes to thrive in them.

Hutt Lagoon & Lake Hillier in Australia

Western Australia is full of stunning natural beauty and Hutt Lagoon is no exception. This surreal pink body of water spans 27 square miles (70 square kilometers) and is located in the fishing village of Port Gregory. It’s also known to change color depending on the time of day, season and weather; See everything from bright red to bubble gum pink! (Pro tip: The best time to visit is mid-morning and at sunset.)

Lake Hillier is another gorgeous pink body of water in Australia. Located on the Middle island, the largest of the islands that make up the Recherche Archipelago off the coast near Melbourne. This pink lake is 1,968 feet long and 820 feet wide and is best viewed from above on a helicopter tour. The only barrier between the bright pink lake and the blue ocean is a strip of lush green forest, making for a spectacular sight from the air.

Lake Natron in Tanzania

Located near the border of Kenya, Lake Natron is famed for its deep red and pink waters. Its high salt content and hot climate create the perfect environment for salt-loving microbes, which turn the lake pink. Besides its striking color, Lake Natron is also a wildlife haven, attracting thousands of flamingos that feed on the lake’s algae. You can explore this extraordinary lake on a safari tour that includes the Serengeti and other nearby national parks.

See Lake Natron on an unforgettable Tanzania Safari that also includes Serengeti National Park.

Laguna Colorada in Bolivia

Home of the incredible Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia is a popular destination for natural wonders. Experience the Laguna Colorada, a beautiful 23-square-mile beautiful pink lake that lies more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Located on the border of Chile, Laguna Colorada is surrounded by an incredible backdrop of the rolling Andes Mountain range. It’s also home to the endangered James’ flamingos.

See Laguna Colorada on a Bolivia Tour that also includes the mirror-like salt flats, the tranquil Valley of the Rocks and the charming colonial town of La Paz.

Las Salinas de Torrevieja in Spain

Located about two hours south of Valencia on the southeastern coast of Spain, Las Salinas de Torrevieja is popular for its therapeutic properties thanks to the high salinity of its water. Locals enjoy relaxing on its 3,459 acres and consider it an ideal place to pamper your skin and body. Located at Natural Park de Las Lagunas de La Mata e Torrevieja, this pink lake is often visited by flamingos during migration season, making it a truly unique place for photographs.

Lake Retba in Senegal

Lake Retba is often compared to strawberry milk, thanks to its vivid pink waters caused by high levels of salt and Dunaliella salina algae. This lake is situated just outside Dakar and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially for swimming and salt harvesting. Its striking pink hue is best seen during the dry season, from November to June.

Top 5 Pink Sand Beaches in the World

You may have heard of white and black sand beaches, but have you ever visited a pink sand beach? This stunning sight is rare but can be found in a few places around the world. Don’t miss relaxing on these breathtakingly pink shorelines.

Elafonisi Beach & Pachia Ammos in Crete, Greece

The Greek island of Crete is home to two world-renowned pink sand beaches. At Elafonisi Beach, the multicolor sand ranges from crisp white to rosy pink. Part of the beach is on the main island but visitors can also get their feet wet in the shallow waters on the actual island of Elafonisi, which is a nature preserve. Nearby, Crete’s Pachia Ammos beach offers nearly a mile of gold and pink sands. Surrounded by mountains, the breathtaking beach also features ancient ruins, bars, beach activities and more—making it a great place to spend a day.

Visit Crete on a number of unforgettable tours through Greek Islands.

Pink Beach in Komodo, Indonesia

Home to the famous endangered Komodo dragon, this Indonesian island also features Pink Beach. This spectacular beach gets its striking color from microscopic Foraminifera, which produces the red pigment on the coral reefs. Pink Beach is an ideal destination to enjoy a day relaxing, swimming and snorkeling.

Experience this rare paradise on a Komodo Island Tour Package that also includes a chance to view Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.

Pink Sand Beach in Great Santa Cruz Island, Philippines

One of the best places for island hopping in the world, the Philippines features hundred of breathtaking beaches. Journey to the Great Santa Cruz Island to see its pink sand beach which
gets its color from pulverized red organ pipe coral. A popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers, this beach is also known for its crystal-clear waters.

Pink Sands Beach in Harbour Island, Bahamas

Located off of the coast of Florida, the Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands and over 2,000 rocks and cays. Far from its popular and tourist-filled Nassau, Harbour Island is less crowded and features one of the most beautiful pink sand beaches in the world. Stretching three miles (five kilometers), the Pink Sands Beach is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and sunbathing.

Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda

Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda is one of the most popular pink sand beaches in the world. Its rosy hue is due to the crushed shells and coral that mix with the sand. Surrounded by limestone cliffs, this crescent-shaped beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring hidden coves.

How to Plan Your Trip to These Pink Destinations

Visiting these stunning pink beaches and lakes is easier than you think. Many of these destinations are part of popular travel routes or can be included in multi-destination tours. If you’re interested in exploring these unique landscapes, consider booking guided tours to make the most of your trip. Here are some suggestions:

• Western Australia: Take a road trip from Perth to visit both Hutt Lagoon and other natural wonders.
• Tanzania: Combine a visit to Lake Natron with a safari in Serengeti National Park.
• Bahamas: Plan a beach getaway to Harbour Island for some relaxation on the pink sands.

Be sure to check local travel advisories and best visiting times for each location to ensure you capture these pink spots at their most beautiful.