Kaihalulu, Maui: Red Beach
Passion, strength, determination, and creativity: red is a symbol of happiness for one in five Italians. For wanderlust-filled travelers, the unmissable stop is the “fiery” Kaihalulu Beach on Maui in the Hawaiian Islands. The striking red hue—created by volcanic ash and a high concentration of iron—turns the landscape almost otherworldly, especially under the scorching sun. Pack a hat, SPF 50 sunscreen, and plenty of water!
Papakolea Beach, Hawaii: Green Beach
Green brings happiness to 20% of Italians—a color that stands for perseverance and justice in the eyes of those who favor it. If you’re seeking that unique harmony only green can provide, lastminute.com suggests a dip in the Hawaiian islands: Papakolea Beach is the renowned green sand beach here. Its color comes from the volcanic cone rich in olivine crystals surrounding the bay.
Ramla Bay, Malta: Yellow Beach
A symbol of sunlight, energy, and knowledge, yellow is the color Italian women prefer most (22%), while the average across Italy is 19%, rising to 30% in Ireland and the UK. Outgoing lovers of yellow will be thrilled to stroll the shore of Ramla Bay—the largest beach on the island of Gozo. Its golden sand is made even more enchanting by Calypso’s Cave, said by legend to still house Ulysses’ spirit, kept captive by the nymph for seven years.
Vaadhoo, Maldives: Blue Beach
Blue (16%) is especially beloved by islanders—and by Italian men (21% versus 11% of women). Across Europe, this color symbolizes peace and sensitivity, bringing happiness to 27% of French, and 22% of Spanish and Dutch respondents. For true blue beaches, head to the Maldives and wait for nightfall: on Vaadhoo Island, the shoreline glows with a stunning blue shimmer, making the sea look like a starry sky. This magical sight is produced by the bioluminescence of phytoplankton.
Komodo Pink Beach, Indonesia: Pink Beach
For one in ten Italians, pink best expresses a joyful nature—a color believed to help men better understand women, though it’s still especially popular with women! If you’re full of love and vitality, your perfect destination is Pink Beach on Komodo Island, Indonesia. Here, calcium carbonate from tiny invertebrates mixes with coral and shell fragments to tint the sand pink.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia: White Beach
White stands for purity, trust, and hope for the future—chosen as the color of happiness by 7% of Italians. If you value spirituality, Whitehaven Beach in Australia is ideal: among the world’s most beautiful beaches, it features brilliant white sand due to its 98% pure silica. It’s part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Pfeiffer Beach, California: Purple Beach
To spark creativity and imagination—the spirit of purple—plan a trip to Pfeiffer Beach in California, where the sand turns violet thanks to traces of manganese garnet. The best time to admire it is at sunset, when the last rays of sun reflect off the waves, the sand, and the rocks, creating gorgeous color effects. No wonder it’s also called the “rainbow beach.” But be careful if you swim here: the water is cold and sharp rocks abound.
Punalu’u, Hawaii: Black Beach
Black isn’t usually associated with happiness, but it’s a favorite among young people: 10% of Italians aged 18 to 25 call it their signature color. For nonconformists, Punalu’u Beach on Hawaii’s Big Island is the place to soak up the sun—the black sand here is made of lava pebbles. Local turtles especially love the sand’s warmth and are frequently spotted here!
