Published 27th Aug. 2023
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Sunsets are one of Mother Nature’s most magical quirks. Seeing the sun sink beneath the horizon while the sky turns incredible shades of pink, orange and purple is a wonderful finale to a day well spent. This is all the sweeter when you can enjoy it on holiday, away from any crowds and with a chilled drink in hand. Stunning landscapes and colourful skies combine in these five destinations for some of the best sunsets in the world. Read on to find out where you can see them for yourself...
1
Steer clear of the crowds that gather around the Mayan ruins of Tikal in Guatemala and head for the nearby and far less visited site of Yaxha. Perched atop a hill overlooking two tranquil lakes, the site is an ideal vantage point for seeing the sun paint the sky shades of orange and pink. Tour the impressive temples before climbing to the top of one of the vast pyramids, where we can arrange to have drinks and snacks on hand as you watch the sunset over the lush rainforest. Keep your ears alert to jungle sounds as nocturnal animals emerge under the cover of darkness.
2
Every afternoon before dusk begins to descend, the locals of Jericoacoara in Northern Brazil climb the aptly named Sunset Dune. Sunset viewpoints are a rarity in this country, with its mostly west-facing coastline, so visiting Sunset Dune has become somewhat of a ritual. Scale the giant dune with chilled drinks in tow, and say ‘cheers’ as the sun hits the horizon, before watching it set into the sea. Clamber back down in time to watch the town’s dance troop practising their moves in the last vestiges of light.
3
Situated on the Istrian peninsula in the northern Adriatic Sea, Rovinj Old Town has plenty of places to see the sky changing colour as the day draws to a close. Take an evening dip in Lone Bay and watch the sun descend behind the horizon while you’re at it. The water here is so salty that you can pretty much float without needing to doggy paddle; lie back, relax and watch the sky turning pink, then purple and finally, inky blue. For uninterrupted views of the Adriatic, head to the western tip of the town (near the lighthouse) to watch one of the best sunsets in the world. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two swimming off into the sunset.
4
The Big Sur’s rugged cliffs and sweeping sea views lend themselves to sunset gazing. The Sierra Mar restaurant at the Post Ranch Inn, in particular, attracts sunset seekers thanks to its breathtaking cliffside location and coastal vistas out over the Pacific Ocean. We can book you a table in prime position by the window, so you can enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and some of the best food along the Californian coast, while gazing out at the sunset over the ocean.
5
When it comes to the best sunsets in the world, the Greek Island of Santorini’s is a must-see. There are several elegant, white-washed hotels perfectly poised along the cliffsides, from which you can enjoy picture perfect views of the sun sinking into the Aegean behind the volcanic caldera. The northern village of Oia is often signposted as the most popular place to watch the sunset, thanks to the iconic view across its sugar-cube buildings. Although if you wish to dodge the crowds, you can choose to toast to your holiday on a private villa balcony, as the sky puts on its light show above the horizon.
Written by Luisa Watts
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