Philippines

On Boracay, the white sand can feel surprisingly cool even under the tropical sun.

The beach is made largely from tiny fragments of coral and shells, broken down into white sand.

When researchers compared sand from six Philippine beaches, Boracay’s heated up the slowest. It also had the highest heat capacity, meaning it takes more energy to raise its temperature.

Darker sands richer in volcanic minerals and iron heated considerably faster under the same conditions.

So the white sand is not only something you see. You can feel the difference under your feet.