7 Most Vibrant Red Sand Beaches
Red sand beaches are some of the rarest in the world, known for their striking color and dramatic landscapes. These beaches get their deep red hue from volcanic rock, iron-rich sandstone, or crushed coral. While many articles mention orange hues, I collected the seven most vibrant red sand beaches where the sand is truly red.
Why Are Red Sand Beaches Red?
Here’s what gives these beaches their unique color:
- Volcanic Rock and Lava: Many red sand beaches are formed from iron-rich volcanic rock, which oxidizes over time, giving the sand its deep red or reddish-brown hue. Examples include Kaihalulu Beach in Hawaii and Rabida Island in the Galápagos.
- Iron-Rich Sandstone: Beaches like James Price Point in Australia owe their red color to the erosion of iron-rich sandstone cliffs.
- Crushed Coral and Shells: In some regions, red-hued sand can be made from crushed coral mixed with volcanic material, as seen in some parts of Sardinia.
Kaihalulu Beach – Maui, Hawaii, USA
Kaihalulu Beach is one of the most famous red sand beaches, located in a hidden cove on Maui. The sand gets its deep red color from the iron-rich volcanic cinder cone surrounding the beach. The secluded location and striking contrast between the red sand and turquoise water make it a must-visit.
Additionally, its proximity to several stunning waterfalls along the Hana Highway makes it a perfect stop on a scenic road trip.
How to get there? The beach is accessible via a steep and sometimes dangerous hike near the town of Hana.
Rabida Island Beach – Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Rabida Island is home to the Galápagos Islands‘ only red sand beach. The striking color comes from high iron content in the island’s volcanic rock. It’s also a prime location for spotting the famous Galápagos animals like sea lions, marine iguanas, and various seabirds.
How to get there? Accessible only by guided Galápagos cruise tours.
Kokkini Beach (Red Beach) – Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s famous Red Beach sits beneath towering red lava cliffs. Its unique color comes from the island’s volcanic history. The beach is small but visually stunning, making it one of the most photographed in the Cyclades.
How to get there? A short drive from Akrotiri village, followed by a short hike.
Legzira Beach – Morocco
Located on Morocco’s rugged Atlantic coast, Legzira Beach is famous for its reddish sand and natural stone arches. Although one of its famous arches collapsed, the beach remains one of Morocco’s most dramatic coastal landscapes.
How to get there? A 2.5-hour drive from Agadir.
Praia do Barro Vermelho – Graciosa Island, Azores, Portugal
Graciosa Island is one of the nine Azores islands. Praia do Barro Vermelho features stunning reddish sand and contrasting black rocks. The beach is known for its calm waters and rugged coastline, making it one of the most unique beaches in the Azores.
How to get there? A short drive from Santa Cruz da Graciosa, the island’s main town.
Playa Roja – Paracas National Reserve, Peru
Roja Beach, located in Paracas National Reserve, features red-hued sand formed from eroded volcanic material. The contrast between the red beach and the desert backdrop creates a striking landscape.
How to get there? A short drive from Paracas, within the national reserve.
James Price Point – Western Australia
James Price Point, located along the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia, is known for its striking red cliffs that contrast beautifully with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The red sand here is due to the high iron content in the coastal rock formations. This remote and pristine beach is also a significant cultural site for the local Indigenous people.
How to get there? A 2-hour drive north of Broome along a dirt road.
More articles about beaches around the world
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.