Green sand in Hawaii, the most famous and dangerous black beach, and a red one in the Galapagos: travel to the surprising colored beaches

When we think of "the perfect beach" , images of endless stretches of white or golden sand , surrounded by lush green vegetation, next to a calm, turquoise sea , appear in our heads.

It's the classic image we all associate with a completely relaxing vacation.

But the world offers beaches for all tastes : with talcum-fine sand, calm waters or rough waves, trendy and crowded ones or wilder and more solitary ones.

There are also those beaches that are distinguished by the color of their sand, which is not very traditional.

In the heart of the Galapagos archipelago, Red Beach on Rábida Island dazzles with its sand, which takes on a crimson hue due to the high iron content in the surrounding rocks.

It is reached by boat from San Cristóbal or Santa Cruz and the name corresponds to the name of the Spanish monastery where Christopher Columbus prayed - in front of the image of Santa María de la Rábida or Our Lady of Miracles - before his first voyage to America .

From the viewpoints on its hills , spectacular panoramas open up. On the sand, sea lions, iguanas, and a variety of birds such as pelicans, Nazca boobies, and the iconic blue-footed boobies await you.

In the water, snorkeling reveals a universe of colorful fish among the corals.

Additionally, a saltwater lagoon behind the beach allows, depending on the season, to observe pink flamingos.

Black sand beaches always attract attention. Among them, Reynisfjara stands out for its beauty.

Located on Iceland's south coast near Vík, this gem is regularly ranked in the top ten of Europe's best beaches, according to TripAdvisor.

Its landscape is stunning, with volcanic ash covering the North Atlantic coast and enormous rock formations emerging from the sea, nearby glaciers, and an impressive basalt cave known as Hálsanefshellir.

It's very important to pay attention to the area: the sea here is famous for its unpredictable and gigantic waves (up to 40 meters high), with huge waves interspersed with smaller ones. Therefore, it's recommended to keep a safe distance from the water.

Furthermore, Visit Iceland, the official website, warns that "it's beautiful, but dangerous." They also recommend paying attention to rockfalls that may occur from the cliffs.

This beach, in addition to its striking natural beauty, gained international fame as one of the settings for the popular series Game of Thrones.

To reach Reynisfjara, which is 180 km from Reykjavik (a two-and-a-half-hour drive), the road offers attractions such as the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. It's worth enjoying the journey and making stops along the way.

A very unique olive green color defines the sand of this beach in Hawaii, which offers a landscape of unique contrasts.

It's on the Big Island, the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago, but it's not easy to get to. The excursion involves a five-kilometer hike from Ka Lae or South Point, along the coast over steep and uneven terrain.

It is essential to wear suitable trekking shoes, supplies, and sun protection, as there is very little shade both on the trail and on the beach.

The green hue of the beach is due to olivine, a mineral abundant in this area, which is found next to a volcanic cone known as Pu'u Mahana.

Due to the winds, currents, and waves, Papakōlea is not a place for relaxing swimming. It is possible to cool off, but with extreme caution (the beach does not have a lifeguard).

Here, the sands take on a delicate pink hue (don't expect a bright, vibrant pink) and merge with the crystal-clear waters of the sea and a serene lagoon , creating a very attractive picture-postcard landscape.

During the high season, the beach is often very crowded: its beauty and fame combine to attract visitors.

Elafonisi is also a protected area of great ecological value, home to more than 100 plant species and a preferred nesting site for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta).

The particular color of its sand, which varies subtly with the light and wind , is due to the rich concentration of snails, corals and seashells in reddish and pinkish tones.

The Canary Islands are famous for their stunning black sand beaches , a fascinating legacy of their volcanic origins that coexists harmoniously with light-sand coves. Among the many options, El Bollullo is a favorite, located in La Orotava.

With a length of approximately 160 meters and a small cove next to it, El Bollullo is distinguished by its wild and natural atmosphere.

Access is via a descent from the El Bollullo restaurant (about a 10-minute walk, including some stairs), and umbrellas are available for rent. There's also a restaurant where you can enjoy local cuisine with views of the Atlantic.

At El Bollullo, you have to be careful with the waves, which are often strong, and the currents when swimming. Ideal for those who want to surf.