When it comes to beaches, perfection is often measured by soft sand, swaying palms, and crystal-clear waters. But some beaches go beyond perfection—they are downright surreal. Their unusual colors, rare formations, or magical experiences make them bucket-list worthy. Here are 10 of the most surreal beaches around the world you must see. 1. Bioluminescent Beach – Vaadhoo, MaldivesAt night, the waters around Vaadhoo Island glow like a galaxy of stars. Phytoplankton in the shallow lagoon emits light when disturbed, creating a mesmerizing “sea of stars” effect that feels truly otherworldly. 2. Pink Sands Beach – Harbour Island, BahamasSoft, powdery pink sand stretches along this idyllic Caribbean island, tinted by microscopic organisms in the coral. The contrast with the turquoise waters makes it a photographer’s dream. 3. Whitehaven Beach – Queensland, AustraliaRenowned for 98% pure silica sand, Whitehaven Beach’s brilliant white shoreline swirls with clear turquoise waters at Hill Inlet. Its visual spectacle, ever-changing with tides, is simply hypnotic. 4. Diamond Beach – IcelandNear Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, chunks of glacial ice scatter across black volcanic sand, sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. The stark contrast between ice and dark sand creates a surreal Arctic scene. 5. Papakōlea Green Sand Beach – Big Island, HawaiiOne of only four green sand beaches in the world, Papakōlea’s olive-colored sand comes from olivine crystals. Its remote location and striking color make it an unforgettable experience. 6. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – IcelandThis dramatic beach is famous for its jet-black sand, powerful Atlantic waves, and towering basalt columns. A natural masterpiece of Icelandic geology, it’s both eerie and beautiful. 7. Hidden Beach – Marieta Islands, MexicoAlso known as Playa del Amor, this secluded beach is hidden inside a volcanic crater. Accessible only through a water tunnel, it offers a private slice of paradise unlike any other. 8. Glass Beach – Fort Bragg, CaliforniaShimmering with smooth, multicolored sea glass, this beach was formed from decades of discarded glass polished by the ocean. Walking here feels like stepping on nature’s own gemstone collection. 9. Boulders Beach – Simon’s Town, South AfricaFamous for its resident colony of African penguins, Boulders Beach combines giant granite boulders with secluded coves. It’s surreal not just in scenery but also in wildlife encounters. 10. Red Beach – Santorini, GreeceNestled against rust-colored volcanic cliffs, Red Beach’s terracotta-hued sand and clear blue waters create an iconic, almost painterly landscape. Its dramatic backdrop makes every sunset unforgettable.