17 Of The World’s Most Unusual Beaches
Imagine stepping onto a beach where the sand glimmers like a starry night sky or where the shore is adorned with colourful glass pebbles instead of the usual golden grains. These are just some of the marvels you can discover on the world’s most unusual beaches. Join us to explore 17 extraordinary coastal wonders, each offering a unique blend of beauty and intrigue.
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California’s One-of-a-Kind Glass Beach
Our adventure begins on California’s Glass Beach, a shoreline transformed by time and tide. Once a dumping ground for discarded glass bottles and trash, nature has reclaimed this beach, turning the debris into a sparkling carpet of sea glass. Walk along the shore and marvel at the kaleidoscope of colours under your feet, a testament to the power of nature’s recycling.
Marieta, Mexico: The Hidden Beach
From California, we jet south to Mexico’s Marieta Island, home to a hidden beach nestled inside a collapsed volcanic crater. Accessible only by swimming or kayaking through a narrow tunnel, this secluded paradise offers a glimpse of untouched beauty. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and emerge into a hidden world surrounded by towering cliffs and azure skies.
Maldives: A Beach Resembling a Starry Night Sky
Next on our list is a beach that looks like something out of a dream. In the Maldives, bioluminescent phytoplankton illuminate the shore, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that resembles a starry night sky. With each step, the sand beneath your feet glows with an ethereal light, a reminder of the magic beneath the sea’s surface.
The Cathedrals Beach in Ribadeo: Nature’s Architectural Marvel
Travelling to Spain, we discover The Cathedrals Beach in Ribadeo, a masterpiece of nature’s architecture. Massive rock formations, sculpted by wind and water, tower over the shoreline, creating a cathedral-like effect. Explore the hidden caves and caverns that dot the beach, each a testament to the power and beauty of the natural world.
Pink Sand Beach in the Bahamas: A Pastel Paradise
Our journey takes us to the Bahamas, where we find a beach with pink sand that defies convention. The soft, blush-colored sand gets its hue from microscopic coral insects called foraminifera, whose shells wash up on the shore. Stroll along the beach and feel the gentle crunch of the pink sand beneath your toes, a reminder of the delicate balance of life in the ocean.
Landings of Extreme Planes at Maho Beach, Saint Martin
For a thrill unlike any other, head to Maho Beach in Saint Martin, where aeroplanes land just meters above beachgoers’ heads. Watch in awe as massive jets touch down on the runway, their engines roaring as they come in for a landing. It’s a spectacle that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
Jokulsarlon, Iceland: Where Glaciers Meet the Sea
In Iceland, we find a beach unlike any other, where glaciers meet the sea in a stunning display of nature’s power. Jokulsarlon Beach is strewn with shimmering icebergs, calved from the nearby glacier and carried out to sea. Wander along the shore and marvel at the surreal beauty of this icy landscape, a reminder of the fragile balance of our planet’s ecosystems.
The Moeraki Boulders (Dragon Eggs) at Koekohe Beach, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Koekohe Beach is home to the Moeraki Boulders, giant spherical rocks that litter the shoreline like dragon eggs. These mysterious boulders are a geological marvel formed over millions of years by accumulating sediment and minerals. Explore the beach and marvel at these natural wonders, each a testament to the forces shaping our world.
Kourou, French Guiana: The Enigmatic Green Sand
For a beach experience like no other, head to Kourou Beach in French Guiana, where the sand glows a vibrant green. This stunning phenomenon is caused by olivine crystals, which give the sand its unique colour. Walk along the shore and feel the cool, green sand between your toes, a reminder of the wonders beneath the Earth’s surface.
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, Hawaii: Nature’s Emerald Jewel
Hawaii’s Papakōlea Beach is another green sand wonder, boasting a vibrant hue contrasting the island’s lush landscape. Formed by the erosion of a nearby volcanic cinder cone, the beach’s sand is rich in olivine, giving it its distinctive colour. Explore this natural gem and marvel at the beauty of Hawaii’s diverse coastline.
Giants Causeway Beach, Ireland: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
In Ireland, we find the Giants Causeway Beach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its hexagonal basalt columns. Legend has it that the causeway was built by giants, and as you walk along the shore, you can’t help but feel the magic of this ancient landscape. Explore the interlocking columns and imagine the giants who once roamed these shores, a reminder of Ireland’s rich folklore and history.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii: A Study in Contrast
We discover Punaluu Beach in Hawaii, where the sand is as black as night. Formed by the erosion of volcanic rock, the beach’s black sand is a striking contrast to the island’s lush greenery. Walk along the shore and feel the heat radiating from the dark sand, a reminder of the volcanic forces that shape Hawaii’s landscape.
Rabida Red Sand Beach, Galapagos: Nature’s Palette
Our journey takes us to the Galapagos Islands, where we find Rabida Beach, a shoreline painted in shades of red. The beach’s crimson sands result from high iron content in the volcanic soil, giving it a vibrant hue. Explore the beach and discover the unique flora and fauna that call the Galapagos home, a reminder of the biodiversity in this remote paradise.
Shark Bay, Australia: The Shell Beach Wonder
In Australia’s Shark Bay, we find a beach unlike any other, where the shore is composed entirely of tiny cockle shells. The sheer volume of shells creates a dazzling white shoreline that stretches as far as the eye can see. Walk along the beach and listen to the crunch of shells beneath your feet, a reminder of the abundance of marine life that calls Shark Bay home.
California’s Pfeiffer Purple Sand Beach: A Lavender Dream
Back in California, we discover Pfeiffer Purple Sand Beach, a hidden gem with sands that shimmer in shades of lavender. The beach’s purple sand results from manganese garnet deposits, giving it a unique and magical quality. Stroll along the shore and admire the beauty of this lesser-known beach, a reminder of the wonders that can be found off the beaten path.
Vik Beach, Iceland: Basalt Columns and Black Sands
Our journey concludes in Iceland, where we find Vik Beach, a dramatic landscape of basalt columns and black sands. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, Vik Beach is a photographer’s dream, offering breathtaking views of the rugged Icelandic coastline. Explore the towering basalt columns that line the shore, remnants of volcanic eruptions long past. Feel the volcanic sand beneath your feet and marvel at the stark beauty of this otherworldly landscape.
Cave Beach in Portugal’s Algarve: A Hidden Gem
Our final stop takes us to the Algarve region of Portugal, where we find Cave Beach, a hidden gem nestled within towering cliffs. Accessible only by boat or through a series of sea caves, this secluded beach offers a sense of tranquillity and seclusion. Explore the caves that line the shore and discover hidden beaches and coves, each one a reminder of the beauty and diversity of Portugal’s coastline.
In conclusion, the world has extraordinary beaches, each offering a unique blend of beauty, mystery, and wonder. From the colourful glass pebbles of California’s Glass Beach to the bioluminescent shores of the Maldives, these beaches are a testament to the power and beauty of nature. So, pack your bags, grab sunscreen, and embark on a journey to discover the world’s most unusual beaches. Your next adventure awaits!
