Crete pink beach: how to get there, hotels, attractions, reviews. Pink beach in the Bahamas Greece Crete pink beach

On one of the islands, lost among the vastness of the Caribbean Sea, lies a pink beach... This is not a fantasy or a dream, but a real reality, an ideal place for romantics and tireless dreamers. Throughout the day, the pink sand plays in different shades: sometimes it is soft purple, sometimes it is rich in bright color, but always equally beautiful.

The beach owes its color to pink shells and corals, the smallest fragments of which are washed ashore by the surf. They mix with the soft white sand and give the coast this amazing color. Pinkish particles are clearly visible upon closer inspection.

The smallest fragments of pink shells, one of which is shown in the photo, are one of the components of pink sand

A fabulous pink sand beach is located on the small Harbor Island in the Bahamas archipelago. The only town on the island, Dunmore, was founded in the 18th century and is considered one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas. Currently, 2,000 people live here, who are mainly employed in the production of souvenirs and serving tourists. The town makes a very pleasant impression - colorful houses, a bright rainbow of fruits on the stalls of traders, an abundance of tropical flowers and the inexhaustible hospitality of the local residents.

One of the streets in the town of Dunmore

They consist of approximately 700 islands scattered throughout the Caribbean Sea. For a long time they belonged to the British Empire, as a result of which many buildings here have a characteristic British colonial style. Harbor Island (also called Breeland by locals), where the pink beach is located, does not have large tourist complexes. Only small hotels and private villas, designed for a relaxing holiday surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of this earthly paradise.

Along the pink sand coastline there are small hotels and private villas.

There are also no cars here. You can rent a golf cart or explore the island on foot - this little Caribbean paradise is just over 5 km long and less than 1 km wide. The famous pink sand beach stretches along the east coast for 4.5 km.

Small particles of pink shells, corals and other marine organisms accumulate in the waves on the surf line.

The sea here is calm and serene. The shore is protected from strong waves by coral reefs - another attraction of the island. The clear water and rich underwater world create ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling.

Stunning contrast of pink sand and azure waters of the Caribbean Sea

You can get to the island of pink sands by ferry from the neighboring larger island of the Bahamas archipelago - Eleuthera (the trip will take about 10 minutes). Those wishing to relax longer on the pink beach should pay attention to Pink Sands Hotel, operating here since 1951. It occupies an area of ​​8 hectares directly in front of the coastline, surrounded by palm trees and tropical gardens. The hotel is included in.

Originally designed entrance to the Pink Sands Hotel

Pink Sands offers its guests 25 cozy private cottages, designed in the traditional colonial style of the Bahamas. It is noteworthy that Barbara Hulanicki, known as the founder of the London fashion brand Biba, worked on the design of the hotel. Barbara showed her design talent not only in the modeling business, but also in interior design for a number of hotels in Caribbean resorts.

From the terrace of many cottages an idyllic picture opens up - azure sea, palm trees, pink beach... All worries dissolve in this tropical paradise, leaving room only for relaxation and tranquility.

Terrace at one of the villas at the Pink Sands Hotel

Jacuzzi in one of the private villas at the Pink Sands Hotel

In the evening, the picture is transformed: the pink sand lights up with bright colors in the rays of the setting sun, and the coming night is filled with an atmosphere of romance.

Evening on the pink beach near the Pink Sands hotel

Many authoritative publications, including Forbes and Travel + Leisure magazines, have awarded this one among all the colorful beaches in the world. pink beach in the Bahamas the title of the most beautiful in the world. It has been mentioned countless times as an ideal destination for weddings, honeymoons and romantic weekends. But you only have to visit here at least once to add with confidence: the pink beach in the Bahamas is not just beautiful and unusual, it is a real piece of paradise on the planet.

Pink Beach in the Bahamas is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

Photo sources: www.pinksandsresort.com, www.repretel.com, www.sandatlas.org, www.flickr.com, www.telegraph.co.uk, thechive.com, blog.cadenaserviajes.es, news.xinhuanet.com , www.threebeesvilla.com, www.culturainquieta.com, www.photomonde.fr, www.cntraveler.com.

Hotel cost

Prices for a cottage with a garden view start from $750 per night for two (one-bedroom cottage). A one-bedroom cottage with a sea view costs from $1,000 per night.

Rates offered include continental breakfast, airport transfers to the hotel, tennis courts, swimming pool, gym, wi-fi in the lobby and library, as well as kayaks and snorkeling equipment. Pink Sands Hotel does not accept pets.

As a rule, in September the hotel is closed for several days for reconstruction. During the Christmas/New Year holidays, the hotel accepts reservations for a minimum of 7 days. The cost of living on these dates increases significantly.

Pink Sands Resort also sells private cottages and land in the Bahamas. The minimum cost of a one-bedroom cottage is $1,500,000 million.

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Location

Pink Sands Hotel
Address: Chapel Street, Harbor Island, Bahamas
www.pinksandsresort.com

The pink beaches that frame the shores of the small Greek island of Elafonisi are an amazing natural phenomenon. The coast got this color due to a large number of impurities in the sand, containing small fragments of shells, seashells and corals. You can see the sand from soft pink to purple shades not only near the shore, but also at shallow depths: crystal clear water reveals the coast of Elefonisi.

However, there is another version of the appearance of pink beaches. In 1824, Elefonisi was attacked by the Turks; More than seven hundred local residents were killed in the massacre. In memory of the bloody massacre of the Greeks, a memorial was erected at the highest point of the island. And the pink color of the coast of Elefonisi to this day is a reminder of those tragic days.

The island is separated from Crete by a narrow strait about a hundred meters long, which, due to its shallow depth, is easy to ford. The depth of the strait depends on the time of year: for example, in the summer months it does not exceed 20 centimeters.

The beaches of Elefonisi are ideal for families with small children: the gentle slope into the water allows you not to worry about the safety of the kids. In addition, you can swim here even in a storm: due to the shallow depth, there are no large waves on Elefonisi.

Parking located near the beaches on the island part of Crete is free. Renting a sun lounger will cost on average 9 euros per day. During the summer months, Elefonisi is wildly popular with tourists, so for a relatively secluded walk along the coast, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning.

How to get there

From Elefonisi you can get by car along the E75 highway, which turns into E65 closer to the west coast. Before the town of Kastellion (Kastellion, Kissamos, Kastelli Kissamou) turn left, deep into the island - and continue moving. Be careful: when approaching Elefonisi, a mountain serpentine begins, with steep descents and ascents; the road winds all the way to the southwestern coast of Crete. Due to the mountainous sections of the route, the journey usually takes longer than expected; Thus, the travel time from Chania to Elefonisi may take several hours, but the picturesque views of Crete, opening from the steep descents, are definitely worth it.

During the summer season, a bus service connects Elefonisi and the city of Chania. From other cities located in the southwest of Crete, you can change with a transfer in Kissamos, from where there are several regular buses a day to the island.

Also, from May to October, you can get to the pink beaches of Elefonisi by purchasing a one-day excursion tour.

Location

The Greek island of Elefonisi is located in the southwest, 76 km from the city and 42 km from Kastellion.

The picture that most people conjure up when they hear the word “beach” includes many shades of gold or white. However, there are beaches in the world covered with pink sand. Fragments of corals and shelled single-celled organisms called foraminifera are responsible for this delicate color. Storms and waves throw them ashore, where they are broken into tiny crumbs and mixed with sand.

We present to you the top 10 the most beautiful pink beaches in the world.

10. Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece

Located in the southern part of the Mediterranean island of Crete. The magnificent beach, covered with light pink sand, is equipped with showers and toilets. The water is light blue with purple reflections along the shoreline, very clean and warm, and children will enjoy splashing around in the shallow waters. Some parts of the beach are rocky.

9. Spiaggia Rosa, Budelli Island, Italy

The most famous of the beaches on the Italian island of Budelli is Spiaggia Rosa. Its name is simply translated as “pink beach”. Fine sand with a “glamorous” tint is beautifully set off by the granite rocks surrounding the beach.

8. Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Indonesia

Indonesia is made up of 17,508 islands, and one of them is Komodo. The island is known as the home of the Komodo dragon and is famous for its pink beach formed from red coral particles. Combined with the green hills surrounding the beach and clear waters, this place looks like a holiday paradise.

7. Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda

Waves wash up pieces of coral and shells onto the shoreline of Horseshoe Island, where they mix with the soft sand. The turquoise waves of the ocean roll onto the pink shore, creating a bizarre natural contrast and inviting for walks.

6. Pink Beach, Great Santa Cruz Island, Philippines

The beach surface contains coral chips. It mixes with sand during erosion. Not far from the island is the city of Zamboanga, which has preserved ancient colonial architecture from the time of Spanish rule. The beach is one of the National Geographic beaches.

5. Pink beaches, Barbuda island, Caribbean Sea

The west coast of Barbuda is one continuous stretch of beach with “belts” of beautiful pink sand.

4. Balos Laguna Beach, Crete, Greece

Another corner of Crete, included in the list of amazing pink beaches in the world. In addition to the presence of pink sand, the coastline here is very wide and numerous tourists do not interfere with each other. The sea is very shallow and warm, ideal for vacationers with small children.

3. Tangsi Beach, Lombok Island, Indonesia

The initially white color of the sand changed to rich pink under the influence of corals crushed by water and winds. Due to the remote location of this quiet beach, there are not many holidaymakers on it. Picturesque coral reefs make Tangsi a great place for snorkeling. There is no hotel or restaurant near the beach, so it is better to visit this place in the morning or afternoon.

2. Bonaire Pink Beach, Caribbean

Bonaire (the name translates to "good air") is one of the most picturesque islands in the world, and Pink Beach is an integral part of its charm. The beach, covered in pink sand, owes its color to millions of crushed foraminifera shells. This beautiful place is popular among lovers of scuba diving and water sports. 450 species of fish and 70 species of algae swim in the island’s waters.

1. Pink Beach, Harbor Island, Bahamas

The large beach on Harbor Island is covered in soft pinkish-orange sand, thanks to the foraminifera shells present in abundance here. Well-kept houses, no high-rise buildings near the beach, beautiful turquoise water and a constant light breeze make this pink beach in the Bahamas the perfect vacation spot.

Island Crete- this is a real masterpiece among all the Greek islands, whose history begins more than 8,000 years ago. On the island, glorious events are closely intertwined with myths and heroic deeds. Crete, according to legend, is the birthplace of Zeus the Thunderer. Crete is a mysterious Minoan labyrinth, numerous myths associated with Icarus, Daedalus and Theseus, the creative workshop of the great artist El Greco and icon painter Michael of Damascus, and much more. Crete is a special island that has been able to maintain its uniqueness throughout its existence. Crete is not only for history buffs. Guests enjoy spending time lying on the beach and soaking up the sun. Tourists also respect local bars, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs, where you can not only party and listen to music, but also taste delicious national cuisine.

Pink beach on the island of Crete

located in the western part of the island of Crete, slightly southwest of the city Chania, 76 km from it. This is a stunning uninhabited island in the Mediterranean Sea. This island is 100-150 meters away from the coast, and this isthmus is only 20 cm. Thus, you can also wade to the island. This is a stunningly beautiful pink sand beach that boasts clear waters. Elafonisi Island is a natural and protected reserve. It is quite low; here you can only find small sandy or rocky hills. The perimeter of the beach is surrounded by a series of small beaches with a completely calm sea, which is separated by rocky areas.

Mostly white sand predominates here, but in some places you can see pink shades. This is due to the small shells, seashells and pink colored corals that are mixed into the sand. It is also worth noting that sand from soft pink to purple can be observed not only on the shore, but also at shallow depths.

Looking at all the beauty that this beach provides, it is very difficult to believe about the tragic events that once happened here. In addition, the pink color of the sand is tied to them. In 1824 there were not the brightest moments here. This place was the site of a massacre by the Turks 850 women and children. When the Turkish invaders set up their camp here, the women and children hid on the island, and the Turks found them and killed them all without exception. According to legend, it was the blood of these victims that turned the sand pink. To this day, looking at the sand, people remember that disaster. In memory of the victims, a memorial was erected at the highest point of the beach.

Elafonisi is one of the few places where you can swim in the sea even during a storm, since there are almost never waves here due to the shallow depth. It is also worth noting that this place is ideal for families with children. There is a gentle sandy descent into the water, so there is no need to worry about the safety of the kids.
The pink beach is quite well equipped and has everything you need for relaxation. For one set of sun loungers and umbrellas you will have to pay 9 euros for the whole day. Showers and changing rooms are free. There is also a volleyball court. Entrance to the toilet will cost 50 cents. Also, there are several bars, shops and taverns where you can have a snack and drink cool drinks.

Despite the sufficient distance of the beach from all tourist areas and the difficult road that leads here, this place is very popular among tourists. Every day, during peak season, 2000-2500 people come here. If you want it to be a little freer, then you need to come here no later than 11 am. There is something for everyone here. Elafonisi is a heavenly place.

Hotels near the beach

Libyan Princess 5*

This is a beach hotel, which is located just 13 km from the pink sand beach, in the resort of Palechora, 75 km from Chania. There are 34 rooms with a minibar, electronic safe, flat-screen LCD TV, DVD player, air conditioning, coffee maker, internet, hydromassage bathtub and luxury shower, work desk, computer, slippers and bathrobe, hairdryer, balcony, bath amenities and many others. Also, the hotel has a conference room, parking, jacuzzi, massage, beauty salon, outdoor heated swimming pool, several bars and restaurants and much more. Besides Elafonisi beach, there are also Pachia Ammos and Chalikia beaches nearby. Accommodation with animals is strictly prohibited under Greek law.

This hotel is popular among tourists and is 24.7 km from Elafonisi Beach. It operates from the beginning of April to the end of October. There are a total of 200 comfortable rooms, each of which has stylish and comfortable furniture, a balcony with mountain or sea views, TV with satellite channels, CD player, air conditioning, safe, direct dial telephone, radio, bathroom with shower, hairdryer and toiletries and much more. Also, the hotel has a TV room, games room, garden, Agora conference room for 160 people, parking, car rental, shops, laundry, beauty salon, internet, table tennis, tennis court, massage, billiards, gym, 2 swimming pools , sauna, several bars and restaurants. 150 meters from the hotel there is another sandy beach with umbrellas and sun loungers.

This is a beautiful beach hotel, which is located 27.2 km from: Elafonisi Beach, in the resort of Kissamos. There are 26 rooms, including 5 apartments and 21 studios. Each room has a refrigerator, telephone, radio, air conditioning, balcony or terrace, TV, washbasin, toilet, bathroom, shower and much more. In addition to all this, the hotel has a volleyball court, daytime animation, sauna, water sports and entertainment, an outdoor swimming pool, two bars and much more. Accommodation with animals is strictly prohibited under Greek law. A few steps away there is another less popular sandy beach where umbrellas and sunbeds are provided free of charge.

This popular beach apartment hotel is located in Kissamos town, 28.1 km from Elafonisi Beach. The hotel has 40 rooms, including standard rooms, studios and apartments with kitchenettes. Regardless of the type of room, each has air conditioning, internet, hairdryer, telephone, bathroom, TV, and the apartments also have a comfortable kitchen with everything you need. Also, the hotel has parking, terrace, garden, internet, laundry, dry cleaning, car rental, tour desk, barbecue, darts, hiking, swimming pool, restaurant, bar and much more. Also, there are non-smoking rooms here. Accommodation with animals is strictly prohibited under Greek law. A few steps away there is another less popular sandy beach where umbrellas and sunbeds are provided free of charge.

This is a convenient, comfortable beach hotel, which is located 37.2 km from Elafonisi beach, in the resort village of Kolymbari. There are 328 rooms in total. Deluxe, Superior and Family rooms have double or single beds, air conditioning, direct dial telephone, safe, internet, hair dryer, magnifying mirror, CD/DVD player, minibar, luxury bath amenities, bathrobe and slippers and much more. In Deluxe, Executive, Imperial Suites, in addition to everything, the rooms have Super King size beds (200 x 200 cm), coffee machines and scales. Also, the hotel has restaurants, bars, a spa center, several swimming pools, a jacuzzi for 8 people, a gym and fitness center, a sauna, therapeutic and relaxation areas, 10 conference rooms with a total area of ​​2000 m2, shops, a chapel, a library, an open-air amphitheater, two tennis courts, football and volleyball, a games room and much more. Accommodation with animals is strictly prohibited under Greek law. A few steps away there is another less popular sandy beach where umbrellas and sunbeds are provided free of charge.

How to get to Elefonisi

The easiest and fastest way to get to the pink sand beach is by rented car. To do this, you need to take the E75 highway, moving closer to the west coast of Crete, where the highway turns into E65. Just before the town of Kasteion, you need to turn left into the middle of the island and continue moving in a straight line. Further, the cost will lead almost to the water itself. There is a large parking lot right in front of the beach.

The most important thing to remember here is that before approaching the pink beach it begins mountain serpentine, which has many steep descents and ascents. The road will wind all the way to the western coast of the island of Crete. It is for this reason that the travel time will be slightly longer than planned. This is especially worth considering if the journey back is planned on the same day, so as not to end up on a serpentine road at night.

In the summer, you can also get here by on the bus from the city of Chania. If you are coming from other cities of Crete, you will have to change trains in Kissamos, from where there are several buses a day going to the beach.
Also, it is worth noting that from the first days of May to the end of October you can get here simply by purchasing a one-day excursion tour.

Elafonisi on the map:

Pink sand, tropical sun and azure waters of the seas and oceans - a beautiful fairy tale for romantics in love with the exotic. The stories of the origin of sand of unusual color are surrounded by legends and mysteries. We'll tell you about nine amazing beaches with different shades of pink and how the sand could get such an interesting color.

Pink Sands Beach, Harbor Island, Bahamas

Photo: Getty

Coral reefs and the shells of single-celled ocean inhabitants of foraminifera, having a reddish and pink hue, broken by the sea into small particles and mixed with white sand, made the beach (on the map) of Harbor Island unique. The Pink Coast is considered the most popular and unusual in the Atlantic Ocean.

Harbor Island belongs to the Bahamas. This is a small part of the land: no more than a thousand meters wide and five kilometers long. The air is saturated with the freshness of the sea breeze, and the tropical climate pleases with comfortable temperatures. The atmosphere of the island is calm and peaceful.

Balos Bay, Crete, Greece

Photo: Getty

Balos Bay is a picturesque corner where three seas meet: the Ionian, Libyan and Aegean. Balos is famous throughout the world not only for the confluence of three seas, but also for its beautiful beach with pink sand (on the map), the color of which is given by millions of small particles of red shells.

The bay is located in the northwestern part of the Greek island of Crete, near the island of Gramvousa. This is a favorite tourist spot and is always crowded. The remoteness of the beach, shallow water and no signs of development are fully compensated by charming views.

Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa), Sardinia, Italy

Photo: Getty

Spiaggia Rosa literally translates as “pink beach”. For a long time, the waves brought fragments of reddish shells to the shore of Budelli Island, and as a result, the shore acquired a soft pink hue. The rocky Mediterranean island of Budelli can only be seen from the deck of a sea vessel. Due to the great interest of tourists in the unusual sand and their desire to take some away as a souvenir, the coast is closed to visitors. Therefore, neither sunbathing nor swimming is allowed on the pink beach (on the map).

The tiny island of Budelli is part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. The water area and land are protected.

Komodo, Indonesia

Photo: Getty

The volcanic Indonesian island of Komodo is famous not only for dragons (Komodo dragons), but also for its pink sand beach (on the map). Of all the islands in Indonesia, only Komodo has a pink coastline. Due to the hot, dry climate, there are very few trees on the island, and it is not easy to hide from the scorching rays.

Komodo is one of the 17 and a half thousand islands of Indonesia and is considered the territory of the Komodo National Park. Located between the large islands of Flores and Sumbawa.

Playa de Illetas, Formentera, Spain

Photo: iStock/LUNAMARINA

Playa de Illetas beach is a real Spanish fairy tale of the sea. This calm place in the Mediterranean is preferred by most Formentera tourists who are tired of the explosive energy of Ibiza or who initially dreamed of a relaxing holiday.

Playa de Illetas beach is considered part of the Ses Salines natural reserve, located in a quiet bay (on the map) and stretches just over 400 meters.

Elbow Beach, Bermuda

Photo: Getty

Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

Photo: Getty

The pink shore of Horseshoe Bay Beach, a favorite among tourists, is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The subtropical climate eliminates the sultry heat, and even in the summer months, relaxing and sunbathing on the beach is pleasant and comfortable. The place is ideal for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway for two.

Horseshoe Bay Beach is located in a bay (on the map), between Horseshoe and Warwick Long bays, in Bermuda. Its coastline stretches for several kilometers, and the view of the beach from above resembles a horseshoe.

Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece

Photo: Getty

The warm Mediterranean Sea washes the uninhabited Greek island of Elafonisi. The color of the sand on the island's beach is pale purple, and in some places it is deep purple. The sand received its exotic shade due to the large number of particles of red shells and corals, crushed by the force of the surf. They can also be seen through clear sea water, especially since there is shallow water near the shore.

Elafonisi beach is located on the west coast of Crete (on the map) and is considered one of the best in the entire Mediterranean.