The Pink Beach, Protected beach on Budelli Island, La Maddalena archipelago, Italy.
The Pink Beach on Budelli Island in the La Maddalena archipelago gets its color from microscopic marine organisms and coral fragments mixed with particles of granite and other rock. The shoreline stretches about 200 meters and features shallow, clear water that is easily seen from visiting boats.
The beach came under official protection in 1994 when authorities recognized that visitors were removing sand as souvenirs, threatening the natural makeup of the shoreline. This led to restrictions that eventually closed the beach to direct access and made boat tours the only way to view it.
The beach holds meaning as a protected natural monument within the La Maddalena National Park, reflecting how the local community values conservation as part of their identity. Visitors notice this through the careful management of the site and the respect shown by everyone who comes here.
You can only view the beach from a boat on a guided tour, as stepping onto the sand is not permitted. Plan your visit for calm weather with good visibility, and remember that viewing happens entirely from the water.
The pink color comes mainly from shells of a tiny marine organism called Miniacina miniacea, which exists worldwide but appears here in an unusually high concentration. This microscopic creature shows how grand natural wonders can be created from invisible components.
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