From the Canary Islands to Turkey’s Taurus Mountains, passing through Portugal and Cyprus, discover some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
Watching the sun slowly sinking into the horizon isn’t just for romantics, it’s one of the most beautiful shows Mother Nature puts on. The colours of the sky warming up, the cooler air and the changing landscapes become even more fascinating, making this a truly magical moment of the day. And when you’re travelling, it’s worth treating yourself to this moment whenever possible, especially if you’re in spectacular west-facing places where you can admire beautiful sunsets.
But where can you see the most beautiful sunsets? From Portugal to Turkey, from the Canary Islands to Greece, read on to discover seven superb sunsets from around the world:
1. Algarve, Portugal
One of Portugal’s most famous holiday destinations, the Algarve promises relaxing holidays, dream beaches and enchanting natural landscapes. As if that weren’t enough, almost every sunset in the Algarve is a spectacular event. The most famous is undoubtedly the one that can be seen from Cabo de São Vicente, the country’s westernmost point, which deserves an honourable mention for its wild charm.
But forget about the coast for a moment – the most beautiful sunset can be admired in the hinterland, from the hills that overlook the ocean. Immersed in the lush nature of the Monchique Mountains, this area retains the Algarve’s most authentic spirit, a relaxed lifestyle and renowned medronho distilleries. Choose the perfect vantage point, let your gaze wander to the ocean and admire the landscape changing colour as the sun goes down. Simply enchanting.
Recommended experience: 4×4 tour in the Monchique hills with sunset and traditional dinner
2. Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos is a charming town located on the coast of Cyprus. As well as crystal-clear sea, beaches for all tastes and unspoiled nature, Paphos floats between the past and legend. The history is above all that of ancient Pafos, the capital of the island during the Roman Empire. Today, it can be relived thanks to archaeological sites, the tombs of kings and the ruins of the Governor’s Palace, with its magnificent mosaics.
And then there’s the legend, the one that links Cyprus to the cult of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. It’s said that Aphrodite was born in Paphos, in Petra tou Romiou, a beach bookended by large rock – ‘Aphrodite’s Rock’ – overlooking the bay. A place full of beauty that becomes almost touching at sunset. And while the sky turns pink and the goddess of love seems to visit the earth, you can sip a glass of bubbly and enjoy this magical moment.
Recommended experience: Sunset drink in Petra tou Romiou with traditional meze, music and dance
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s already considerable fame exploded after it was used as the setting for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. This walled medieval town, which is hugged the sea, is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic and retains an immaculately preserved historic centre. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
If a guided tour of the city by day is a must, then in the evening we advise you to find a spot in one of the many panoramic viewpoints, perhaps with a glass of wine in hand, to enjoy the sunset. The composition of the red roofs, the honey-hued buildings, the sea and the flickering lights of the port is spectacular.
Recommended Experience: Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour with Sunset Drinks
4. Las Palmas, Spain
What’s more beautiful than staying on the beach until late, with the salt in your hair, the cool breeze rising from the sea and a sun that slowly disappears behind the horizon? Well, Las Canteras beach in Las Palmas ticks all the boxes. Here, as the sky turns orange, locals head to the Mercado del Puerto to get their fill of tasty tapas.
And when night falls, the day is certainly not over. In fact, the evening is the best time to let yourself loose in the Vegueta district, the history-steeped centre of the lively capital of Gran Canaria.
Recommended experience: Las Palmas evening tour with Las Canteras beach and Vegueta district
5. Taurus Mountains, Turkey
The Taurus Mountains on the southern Anatolian coast are ideal for adventure lovers. In Köprülü National Park, you can immerse yourself in nature, enjoying adrenaline-pumping experiences, from whitewater rafting to trekking in Eagle Canyon and off-roading. And to make it even more memorable, between the mountain peaks and the dense vegetation, you can admire a breathtaking sunset, which will accompany you gently towards an incredible starry night.
Recommended Experience: Taurus Sunset 4×4 Tour with Tazi Canyon, Köprülü National Park and River BBQ
6. Skiathos, Greece
While it may be one of the least-famous Greek islands, Skiathos is legendary when it comes to sunsets. With dozens of sandy beaches and pine forests, this island in the Sporades archipelago is full of romantic views from where you can admire the incredible colours of the sky at dusk, with its pink and purple tones.
As if that weren’t enough, the island’s capital overlooks a beautiful bay, and as night falls it comes alive with small shops and taverns, where you can order tasty local dishes. Take a slow stroll to the port while the evening air cools, find the spot to take the perfect sunset photo and then get ready to dive into the nightlife of this compact cosmopolitan town.
Recommended experience: Skiathos town evening walking tour with tasting of local products
7. Fuerteventura, Spain
Known as Isla Lenta, or ‘go-slow island’, Fuerteventura is the perfect corner of the world to forget the stresses of everyday life. Volcanic landscapes are the stars of the show inland. You can explore them slowly, on foot and by bike or, a bit faster, off-road. The coast, on the other hand, is dotted with beaches of blond sand washed by crystal-clear waters.
Remote villages of sugar cube houses dot the island’s west coast. Here, traditional fish dishes are a staple in most restaurants. When the sun starts to go down, secure a spot at a bar, and treat yourself to a sundowner. Then, with a glass of cava in hand, enjoy the golden sun set in the Atlantic off Fuerteventura.
Recommended experience: Fuerteventura off-road tour with aperitif at sunset
Time to see these beautiful sunsets live. Have a look at our experiences:
Which of the 7 sunsets is more beautiful?
It’s impossible to choose! Do you have a favourite?