8 of the Most Beautiful Sunsets Around the World
Despite having an eye for a good scene and composition, I’ve always been a lousy visual artist, hopeless at drawing and painting. But a few years ago when I started to travel more, I found that photography was something I could actually do reasonably well.
And over the years, I’ve snapped photos of monuments, mountain views, statues, native artworks, and countless delicious local eats. But in going through my photo library, I’ve realized that I might be most drawn to one particular scene: sunsets.
Sunsets, those stunning, richly-toned scapes colored into the sky by Mother Nature’s paintbrushes, are a phenomenon that captivates shutterbugs worldwide. Wherever you go, they’re beautiful; I snapped the above sunset at a remote bus stop in Hjelmås, a small town just outside of Bergen Norway, and it was a stunning sight.
A sight that, in fact, did a lot to make waiting in -0C temperatures for my bus almost worth it!
Some sunsets are, in my opinion, a cut above the others. Maybe the view is better, the colors more saturated, or there’s just some extra magic in the air that makes them stupendously gorgeous.
Who can say? But the fact remains that I have some favorites, some I think just have a little bit more of a ‘wow’ factor. Some of you will agree with me, some won’t, and some folks will have discovered their next great bucket list destination…
1. Lofoten, Norway
Up and down Norway’s western coast, you’re all but guaranteed gorgeous sunsets, but honestly, Lofoten is the Nordic queen of them all.
The soaring mountains, the red rorbuer cabins, and the glasslike expanse of the Norwegian Sea all make for a breathtaking backdrop to some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets.
Lofoten’s weather can be unpredictable, going from mild calm to exhilaratingly windswept in the blink of an eye, but that lends an adventuresome twist to your sunset chasing itinerary, plus any photos you take could be unique as snowflakes, each one capturing a different face of the island chain’s early evenings.
Lofoten Sunset FAQ’s
Where’s the best sunset viewpoint? Cody at 68North Photography is probably the foremost authority on the best places to watch the sunset in Lofoten, and the best times of year to catch really good ones.
How do I get there? There are two small airports, Leknes and Svolvær, actually within the archipelago, and you can fly to them via Oslo. Otherwise, you could fly to Bodø, which is the nearest large-ish airport; from here you can take the ferry into Moskenes or Værøy and then see about renting a car.
2. Sedona, United States
Like Lofoten, the beautiful state of Arizona offers absolutely fantastic mountain sunset opportunities, most notably in the vortex paradise of Sedona.
Less Nordic fjord majesty and more epic surrealistic dreamscape, the colorful rock formations here make your sunset shots look like fantastical science fiction artwork.
And the best location for gorgeous, unusual sunsets is going to be anywhere in the vicinity of Cathedral Rock, whose churchlike formations can provide both spectacular viewpoint and stupendous backdrop; whether you’re standing atop the rock or admiring the view of it, sunset here will be unforgettable.
Sedona Sunset FAQ’s
Where’s the best sunset viewpoint? Cathedral Rock tops most lists, but the area around the tiny Sedona Airport has several great places you can hike to for epic views as well–be sure to pack accordingly. Bell Rock and Red Rock Crossing are two more popular view points.
How do I get there? The nearest airport to Sedona that offers commercial flight service is in Flagstaff, a little over 30 miles north. You can fly in and rent a car there.
3. Santorini, Greece
When it comes to the world’s most beloved sunset views, the island of Santorini tops so many lists that theirs may well be the most iconic sunsets of all time.
The village of Oia, replete with blue-domed churches, a pastel rainbow of cliffside houses, and sweeping seaside views, is the particular standout here, attracting thousands of tourists annually from solo travelers to family groups.
Oia offers many fine hotels and restaurants with gorgeous sunset views, but there are also plenty of low to no-cost options for budget travelers, so no one goes without a memorable sunset on Santorini.
Santorini Sunset FAQ’s
Where’s the best sunset viewpoint? Oia is the most popular, the one seen most often in photos of the region. But places like the Akrotiri Lighthouse or the village of Imerovigli offer experiences that might be quieter and less crowded. The island’s seaside capital of Fira can’t be counted out either, with its array of whitewashed buildings that glow in the fading light of each day.
How do I get there? Santorini does have an airport with lots of direct flights landing from all over Europe; this is the pricey option, though. Folks generally recommend taking the ferry in, and it may take longer but boy, are the views worth it. Time it right, and you can enjoy some gorgeous sunsets here, too.
4. Flores, Indonesia
Flores, one of our favorite non-Bali Indonesian escapes and a hub for visitors who want to explore the nearby Komodo Island dragon preserve, is also a truly wonderful and, I think, somewhat underrated sunset chasing destination.
Why choose Flores? Because where else will you get a postcard-perfect view of a deeply saturated pink and orange sunset over volcanic mountains and a fleet of iconic Indonesian pinisi boats?
It makes for enchanting memories, and could be the most romantic sunset on this list; just picture yourself and your beloved hand in hand as you take in a sunset that will surely take your breath away–wouldn’t that be special?
Flores Sunset FAQ’s
Where’s the best sunset viewpoint? The town of Labuan Bajo is your gateway to Flores’ most epic sunsets. Bukit Cinta is probably the best known viewpoint, but the Labuan Bajo harbor offers some attractive views as well. And if you like a bit of adventure, then head over to nearby Komodo Island to Pulau Kalong, where sunset summons clouds of fruit bats setting out on their evening hunts.
How do I get there? You’ll need to get to Bali first, but from there you can grab a domestic flight into Flores, where you might be best served by hiring a tour guide to help you get around.
5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
As if Dubai’s opulence, impressive architecture, luxurious shopping experiences, and general ‘go big… then bigger’ philosophy weren’t enough, it also has to have some of the best sunsets in the world? Come on! Leave something for the rest of us, why don’t you?
But seriously, Dubai does indeed have some beautiful sunsets, and a marvelous variety of ways to see them. Want to soar amongst the pink-tinged clouds and watch sunbeams dance off of the glittering city?
Head up to the top of the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa. Prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground?
Trek out into the desert, or hit the many glorious beaches in the emirate to enjoy nature’s artwork while curling your toes into the sand. Want to see an epic skyline view?
Then Dubai Creek Harbour is the place to be, where you can see the city’s turrets and towers pierce the painted sky.
Dubai Sunset FAQ’s
Where’s the best sunset viewpoint? Just about anywhere, honestly. It’s going to be impressive no matter where you are. But my pick would be the Burj Khalifa observation deck. How often might you have the chance to see a sunset from above the clouds?
How do I get there? You can fly right into Dubai’s airport, and the public transit here is extremely comprehensive. You could also rent a car, but traffic can be a little crazy at times, so really… maybe let someone else do the driving!
6. Chichén Itzá, Mexico
As part of the Seven Manmade Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is a fairly iconic destination in and of itself.
But during two short, marvelous seasons of the year, it becomes the site of an epic display that is a marriage of the wonders of nature and the cleverness of Toltec-Mayan architecture.
For about five days in March and September every year, an equinox phenomenon known as ‘The Descent of the Serpent’ takes place at El Castillo, the Temple of Kulkulcan.
The pyramidal structure’s main staircase with its serpent-head sculptures at its feet becomes the serpent god at sunset during these days, the shadows undulating down the sides of the staircase in a sinuous series of gently curved triangles. It’s extremely cool to watch.
Chichén Itzá Sunset FAQ’s
Where’s the best sunset viewpoint? You’ll need to be on the ground by El Castillo to see the serpentine shadow event. And while you can go bang on March 21st or September 21st (the official equinox dates), there will be some massive crowds; fortunately, you can also go a few days before or after the date and still see the shadowplay, with a somewhat smaller audience.
How do I get there? The nearest major airport is Cancún, and if you rent a car you can drive; but there are a lot of buses and van shares that go right to Chichén Itzá from Cancún, Merida, and Tulum as well as other cities, and they run pretty often, so really, it’s probably easiest (and environmentally friendly!) to avoid the car hassle entirely.
7. Keʻe Beach, United States
There’s probably no such thing as a bad sunset anywhere in Hawai’i, let’s be real. It’s Hawai’i! One of America’s top ten most beautiful states! Picking just one incredible sunset point to highlight felt impossible.
But the little pocket beach down the way from the Kalalau Trailhead is a little slice of heaven on earth, and the way the sun sets here like a breathtaking pink and gold watercolor painting over blue water, greenery-festooned cliffs, and white sands is a powerful reminder of nature’s glory.
Keʻe Beach Sunset FAQ’s
Where’s the best sunset viewpoint? Get yourself down on the beach itself, starting at the Kalalau Trailhead and heading for the little curved pocket of beach there. This particular area is a little bluewater cove surrounded by greenery, and an absolute stunner come sundown.
How do I get there? Ke’e Beach is on the island of Kauai, so you’ll need to fly into Lihue Airport and then rent a car or use one of the many shuttle services to get there. Plus, it’s part of Haena National Park so you will need to get a day pass for access.
8. Fish River Canyon, Namibia
The sheer size of the African continent means that there are countless incredible sunsets to be seen–from the pyramids of Giza to the Kenyan savannahs, many an iconic African sunset has been immortalized in media for decades. Fish River Canyon may well be the best of them all, however.
Reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, with a winding naturally orange-hued river, picturesquely scrubby plant life, and incredibly colorful rock faces, Fish River Canyon has a distinct advantage over its larger American tourist cousin: it’s wildly undervisited, so relatively unspoiled and you won’t be fighting massive crowds.
It takes a while to get to, but the incredible natural beauty here makes for an unforgettable memory, a very worthy addition to any sunset-hunter’s bucket list. It’s particularly ideal for experienced hikers looking for a fresh experience.
Fish River Canyon Sunset FAQ’s
Where’s the best sunset viewpoint? Give the well-marked ‘Sunset Point’ a miss and aim instead for Hobas Viewpoint or Sulphur Springs. You’ll need to be driven in, but the incredible views of the canyon cliff faces from these points are unparalleled. There’s also a Hikers’ Viewpoint if you’d rather not deal too much with the fuss of a vehicle.
How do I get there? It’s no easy feat to get to Fish River, so truly, this is a bucket list item. To start, you need to fly into Windhoek, then make your way south to whatever accommodation you book around the canyon itself. From there you can hike (if you stay close enough), rent a 4×4, or join in with a tour group. Be prepared for extreme heat and very rugged terrain–this is no beginner’s trip.
The Sky is a Vast Canvas
In beachy climes, wintry scapes, and rustic autumn pathways alike, a sunset is nature’s love letter to the end of every day.
It’s a beautiful way to bid farewell to daylight, a pretty picture postcard that reminds us the world and all its natural beauties are worth fighting to preserve.
Whether you’re in one of our favorite sunset locales or just sitting on your front porch enjoying your hometown sunset, you’re sure to be treated to a great natural wonder.
Where’s your favorite sunset watching spot? Are you going to add any of these to your bucket list?
