At the mention of the word ‘beach’, a certain, indelible image – a beauteous landscape blessed with the gentle sway of the coastal breeze, blue water, soft white sands, and the therapeutic sound of gushing waves, is formed in our minds. But it is not always the same as there are several unique beaches in the world that would defy the image of a stereotypical beach. From ashen-black & pink sandbanks to starry shores swathed with bioluminescent waves, these beaches are simply breathtaking with their natural beauty, and their unusual geological formations. Get ready to explore some of these most unique beaches of the world and embark on an unfamiliar holiday on your next trip.
Hidden Beach, Mexico
Situated on the Mexico’s Marieta Islands, the Hidden Beach is one of the most unique and uninhabited beaches in the world as it is hidden inside an open-crater or a sprawling cave formation. Also known as Playa del Amor, this beach is said to have formed after the Mexican government used the uninhabited islands for target practice or test bombing in the . Known for its exotic, turquoise Pacific waters and its secluded location, the beach is popular among tourists and honeymooners. The beach is only accessible at low tide through a long, side water tunnel that can only be traveled by kayaking or swimming.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Home to several exotic beaches, Hawaii is also known for one of the most unique and striking beaches in the world – Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Situated along the south coast of the Big Island, the beach has black sandbanks that are formed due to the basalt that gets washed up to the shores. Basalt is formed when streams of lava flowing underwater overheat the rocks and cause them to explode. Besides its black sandbanks, the beach is also a vital habitat for a few endangered species like Hawksbill Turtle and Hawaiian Monk Seal. One can easily access this beach from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Attracting a large number of tourists as well as locals, it is one of the must-include places in Hawaii Tour Packages
Giant’s Causeway Beach, Northern Ireland, UK
Located in Northern Ireland, UK, the Giant’s Causeway Beach is one of the most unique beaches in the world as it has unusual rock formations and fissures due to volcanic activity. The giant’s causeway was formed 50-60 million years ago when basalt lava rose to the surface and cooled, cracking into strange, large columns. Today, the site comprises forty-thousand basalt columns and boulders in hexagonal scale-like patterns. There are many legends and tales about the Giant’s Causeway, the most famous one gives its name to the attraction – that the columns are remnants of a causeway built by the giant Finn MacCool. The mysterious geological formations at the Giant’s Causeway Beach have enthralled visitors for years as part of UK tour packages.
Koekohe Beach, New Zealand
Set on New Zealand’s Otago coast, Koekohe Beach is one of the most unique beaches in the world. The beach is home to the mystifying Moeraki Boulders, a collection of huge spherical boulders dotted across its shores. Also called Dragon’s Eggs or Dinosaur’s Eggs, the boulders on Koekohe Beach in New Zealand are an extraordinary sight to see. Dating back a whopping 60 million years, these ancient giant spheres are made of sedimentary rock that has been shaped by the crashing waves, giving them their distinct look. Thronged by several tourists, it is among the best places to visit in New Zealand.
Glass Beach, California (USA)
Glass Beach is one of the unique and most interesting beaches located in MacKerricher State Park of Fort Bragg in California. Earlier a dumping ground, this glossy beach was formed by the tiny pieces of degraded glass that are dumped by the locals. The garbage was eventually pounded into the sand by the ever-changing surf and tides. These broken pieces got smooth and shiny over the years, and look magical on top of the beach’s white sand. It is absolutely safe to swim here but not ethical and legal to pick the glasses.
