Let’s face it, your neighborhood park just isn’t cutting it for those Instagram-worthy shots. If you’re tired of battling power lines and rooftops to catch a decent sunset, it’s time to step up your game. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, a budding photographer, or just someone who loves a good golden hour glow, we’ve rounded up the best places in the world for watching sunsets that will make you forget all about that uninspiring view from your balcony.
This consensus list comes from the recommendations across 11 expert reviews. And we hope you find some new places to add to your bucket list. Or, should it be called a sunset list? Either way, check out the list below for awe-inspiring and wanderlust-inducing descriptions. And in the comments, let us know about your favorite spot to soak in the sun’s final rays of the day.
Accor describes Santorini as a breathtaking place to watch a sunset: “The Greek Island of Santorini is covered with picture perfect sunset spots, and is known world-over for this. The ragged cliff towns, breathtaking views and white-washed architecture offers sunset seekers an otherworldly experience while enjoying the sunset dusk. Colours range from bright rose-tinted pinks to ivory-infused lavender, accentuated by the glowing white of the island’s buildings and reflection of the Aegean Sea.”
Travel Awaits shares a first-hand account, “Nothing blocked our view of the setting sun. The wide-open Aegean Sea spread out as the bright orange ball began to slowly dip into the deep azure water as the orange, purple, and blues spread out across the open sky. We all cheered and clapped at the sun dipped into the water and hugged tightly, savoring the beauty and the incredible moment.”
And May Cause Wanderlust will give you a bit of sunset envy, too: “The views were breathtakingly beautiful. Watching the sun go down over the caldera and Nea Kameni is something I’ll treasure forever — it really is one of the best places to watch the sunset.”
2. Mount Bromo, Java, Indonesia
According to List 25, “This huge volcanic crater on the island of Java in Indonesia makes for an incredible setting in which to watch as the sun falls below the horizon. After hiking up the mountain, stay at Sukapura Permai Hotel at the foot of the mountain for a well deserved break.”