7 of the Most Beautiful Beaches Without Sand
Updated: Jul. 29, 2023
Who says you need to have sand in order for a beach to be beautiful? These seven sand-less beauties will definitely get added to your beach bucket list.
Seaside sans sand
No sand? No problem! These beautiful beaches from around the world are still some of the most stunning tropical sites while being without sand.
Shell Beach, Australia
This beach in Western Australia is made up entirely of little cockle shells, giving Shell Beach a slightly pink tint. Situated on the northeastern shore of the Taillefer Isthmus along L’Haridon Bight, Shell Beach’s seawater has such a high salinity that it allows the cockle shells to survive and thrive. This beach is one of the only in the world composed entirely of shells, so it’s a must-see for your sand-less beach bucket list.
Durdle Door Beach, Dorset, England
While at first glance it may seem like Durdle Door Beach in England is composed of sand, it’s actually not. Instead, it’s made up of small pebbles rather than sand particles. The most stunning aspect of this place is most definitely the Durdle Door itself, which is the huge natural limestone arch bursting up through the water. We can already imagine the Instagram post now. These are 13 beautiful beaches that naturally glow.
Bowling Ball Beach, California
Although there is a bit of sand on this beach, the huge boulders that dot the shore of the well-named Bowling Ball Beach in California are the main attraction. These rounded boulders were formed by the erosion of the surrounding mudstone over several years, resulting in these incredible (and natural!) shapes. Check out the best beach in every U.S. state.
Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece
Greece is perhaps best known for its beaches, from the black sands of Santorini to the party place of Mykonos. But the country holds more than just the usual (albeit extremely beautiful) sandy spots. Rather than sand, Sarakiniko Beach in Milos, Greece, has volcanic white rock as its base. Complete with emerald tide pools that make for perfect swimming spots, this more under-the-radar spot is a must if you want to steer clear of the typical tourist destinations. And if you are a sand lover, take a look at the most gorgeous pink sand beaches in the world.
Stiniva Beach, Vis, Croatia
Croatia is one of the most aesthetically beautiful countries in the world, and its beaches are no exception. Stiniva Beach in Vis, Croatia, is one of these stunning beaches with a slight caveat: Rather than sand, the ground is made up of smooth stones. That doesn’t stop sunbathers and swimmers alike from reveling in the beauty of this coastal cove. While you’re at it, check out the best beaches in the world that are on our must-visit list.
Trá an Doílín, County Galway, Ireland
Trá an Dóilín Beach in Galway, Ireland, better known as Coral Strand, got its name for a reason. Instead of sand lining the coast of this beach, small coral-like fragments, called maerl (coralline red algae), dot the ground, giving the Strand a unique color and texture.
Glass Beach, California
This beach gives a whole new meaning to the idea of creating beauty out of trash. In the early 1900s, residents of Fort Bragg, California, used the space that is now known as Glass Beach as a landfill, dumping tons of trash onto the ground. While most of the trash dissolved in the water, glass from the debris instead got filtered through the water where it became the smooth, shiny pieces that line the ground of Glass Beach today. Next, check out the 25 best spots where you can camp on the beach.
Sources:
- Panama Jack: “5 MOST BEAUTIFUL NON-SAND BEACHES”
- DreamPlanGo: “The 7 Best Beaches without Sand”
