Sunsets are synonymous with the word beautiful. The notorious golden hour lights up the sky as the magic of the evening slowly seeps into the fading daylight. Whether the sun is sinking into a shimmering sea or glinting off a bustling city skyline over your favorite lookout point, a sunset anywhere in the world is a glorious spectacle.
Yes, beautiful sunsets leave us spellbound with their dazzling displays of light and color. But where are the best sunsets in the world?
The Best Spots for the Most Beautiful Sunsets
Isle of Skye, Scotland
The craggy hills of the Scottish Highlands are already something otherworldly, but the intensity is dialed up a few notches when the sun starts to set over the dramatic scene. The Isle of Skye’s Quiraing landslip offers a glimpse into a magical realm; as one of Britain’s largest landslips, these crags and crevices are the perfect setting for the light of the setting sun to play off of. The light show captivates, and you can still picture the place where islanders once used to roam this beautiful landscape.
The Taj Mahal, Agra
Considered one of the world’s architectural wonders, India’s Taj Mahal certainly makes for a pretty backdrop – especially once the sun starts to set behind the marvelous palace. What could be more romantic than watching the sun’s rays bathe the ivory marble of the Mughal-era’s ‘Crown of the Palace’, as well as the immaculate gardens in soft hues oranges and pinks?
The Matterhorn, Switzerland
Straddling the main border between Switzerland and Italy, the Matterhorn looms skyward at 4,478 meters – it is the icon of the Swiss Alps and indeed the most famous mountain in Europe. But wait until the sun sets, and the snow-streaked slopes of the near-symmetrical pyramidal giant are tinged in shades of red. If you’re willing to put in some hard work for a better vantage point, head to the eco-futuristic Monte Rosa hut to take in the glorious sunset.
Santorini, Greece
The sunsets in Santorini are a highly popular spectacle. Just before the white and blue town is awash with sunlight, tourists take up every possible spot, setting up picnics and awaiting the moment when the Aegean Sea is aglow with gorgeous rose-pink light. This sparks applause from some spectators, while naturally, others are left breathless. A dazzling sunset in this Grecian paradise – it’s easily one of the most romantic sunsets in the world.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
When it comes to the best places to watch the sunset, nothing compares to an African sunset. And this beautiful island off the coast of Tanzania delivers. Zanzibar has many tropical beaches that offer the perfect spot to witness the hot African sun sink into the shimmering waves. Or you could hop on a boat and take a gentle cruise on the crimson-stained water.
Santa Monica, California
Cali’s favorite playground, the Santa Monica Pier, is all about merrymaking. From rollercoasters to carousels, and of course, candy floss, there’s plenty of things to tickle your fancy. But one of the best experiences at the famous pier is totally natural. Head down to the beach below the boardwalk just as the sun starts to go down and watch the lights from the amusement park twinkle in the dusk light. If you spent the day on the joyrides, this magnificent beach sunset will ground you.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is renowned for its remarkable sunsets. One place is especially charming to watch the sun setting – Jimbaran Beach. This lively stretch has a handful of delightful seafood eateries lining the beachfront and makes for a festive environment. Pull up a chair, order some fresh seafood, and watch as the sun slips gracefully into the waves. The Balinese sunset is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
The Maasai Mara, Kenya
Another must-see African sunset is a sunset safari, and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of the most magical places to experience it. As the sun slinks away beyond the horizon, the sun’s rays wash the African bush and wildlife in rusty orange light. What a perfect way to end off a day of game spotting than in the incredible glow of one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets.
Cape Town, South Africa
The notorious plateau of Table Mountain is the star during Cape Town’s sunset shows. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of the best local wine on the harbor front or sitting atop Signal Hill watching the city bustling below, watching the sun slip behind the flat top of the city’s focal point will most certainly leave you awe-struck.
Cairo, Egypt
The only thing more magnificent than experiencing one of the wonders of the world is experiencing it at one of the most beautiful times of the day – sunset. Especially when that world wonder is the Great Pyramids. Only in Egypt can you witness the most magical sunset ever. Located near Cairo, this sunset mesmerizes everyone who catches a glimpse of it. A fiery red sun sinking into the hot Egyptian desert sand.
Venice, Italy
Wandering canals, marble churches, and narrow streets are charming enough during the daytime, but you get to experience Italy’s most beautiful city when it’s bathed in the marvelous light of the setting sun. Whether you opt for a typical Venetian boat on the Grand Canal or a stroll along the Accademia Bridge – the sunset spectacle only dials up the romance in Venice too! Just make sure you prepare yourself for one of the best sunsets in the world.
Hawaii Island, Hawaii
Situated on Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, Kauna’oa Bay is widely accepted as the best beach in the United States. A crest of pristine beachfront like this is the perfect setting for a glorious sunset. There’s something magical about the tropical sunset turning the Pacific Ocean into a splendid mix of yellow, violet, and orange – Hawaii Island should be on every sunset chaser’s bucket list.
Lofoten, Norway
On this little archipelago in the north of Norway, the sun either never sets or doesn’t rise. In Lofoten in Norway, they have what’s called the “Midnight Sun” during late May and mid-July when the sun never goes down at all. Or the “Polar Night”, during the winter months, when the sun doesn’t show up at all and lets the playful Northern Lights swirl around in the cold winter sky. This Norwegian phenomenon is more than deserving of a place on the list of the world’s most beautiful sunsets.
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Not only is this spot one for the hiker’s and nature enthusiasts, but it’s also one for sunset lovers. Arizona’s Grand Canyon becomes even more incredible at sunset – when the twilight hour turns the rocks, cliffs, and crevices into a deep shade of crimson tinged with a rich orange – almost as if the entire canyon is ablaze! Where are the best places to experience this glorious spectacle? Simply head to the North or South rim and stand back in amazement.
Alaska, USA
From frozen Alaskan lakes to lush dark pine forests covered in thick blankets of snow, everything just becomes a literal winter wonderland beneath the stunning haze of the sunset. Causing the ice to glisten and dyeing the sky a beautiful shade of yellow, sunsets in Alaska are undoubtedly among the world’s most beautiful.
Whether you’re on the Venetian canals or in the middle of the African bushland, the majesty of the setting sun is never underwhelming. Although these are undoubtedly some of the best places to watch the sunset, this list just scratches the surface of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
