The bizarre beach where the sand is purple – and it’s the only one in the world
MOST Brits are looking for a white or golden sandy beach for their holiday.
But there is one coastline which is home to very unusual sands, that are shades of purple.
Pfeiffer Beach is found on the Californian coastline the Big Sur.
The natural wonder draws visitors from all over the world due to its bizarre colouring.
The source of this purple colour is still a bit of a geological mystery.
It's believed to come from manganese garnet particles washed down from the hills and cliffs that surround the shoreline.
Pfeiffer Beach is a must-visit spot for those exploring the breathtaking California coastline.
However, it isn't just famous for its purple sands - it also offers a secluded and relaxing experience that's hard to find on more touristy beaches in California.
To reach the beach, you'll have to navigate a narrow, winding road that leads to a small parking area.
From there, a short walk takes you to the one-of-a-kind shoreline.
Most read in Beach holidays
While it may not be the easiest place to access, the stunning views more than make up for it.
Pfeiffer Beach is also a natural playground for explorers and adventure seekers.
The swell of the ocean in this area is perfect for surfers looking to catch a wave.
Or if that’s a little too adventurous, there are plenty of rock formations to explore, including the famous Keyhole Rock, with a perfectly circular hole carved through it from centuries of weathering.
It's particular popular among photographers and selfie-lovers when the sun sets, as the light filters through the hole.
The closest international airport to Pfeiffer Beach is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about 125 miles north of Big Sur.
Once you arrive at SFO, you can travel to Big Sur on a domestic flight to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), which is around 37 miles from Pfeiffer Beach - best reached by car or bus.
Alternatively, you can rent a car and travel the entire distance from SFO or via public buses and shuttles.
While this is not as fast as a domestic flight, the journey offers spectacular coastal views along the way.
While this is the only known purple beach, there are quite a few pink sandy beaches around the world.
The island of Groix, in France, has sandy beaches ranging from dark red to shades of pink.
But closer to home, the seaside town of Paignton in the UK has sands which can also turn pink.
More unusual are green sandy beaches, which are caused by ground up olivine - and there are just four in the world.
They're found at Hornindalsvatnet in Norway, Papakolea Beach in Hawaii, Punta Cormorant in Ecuador and Talofofo Beach in Guam.
And lots of places have black sand beaches due to the volcanic rocks.
Read more on the Irish Sun
While the most well-known is in Iceland, here's how to find a black sandy beach in the UK.
