09 Jun The World’s Most Beautiful Sunsets
There’s something majestic about the sun setting for the day, but what does a beautiful sunset actually mean? For some, it’s the orange glow setting behind a silhouetted building. For others, it means watching shades of pink and purple sweep over a viewpoint. Essentially, a beautiful sunset means whatever you want it to. We’re all looking at the same sunset, but we all have our own experiences with them.
Below, we’ve selected the world’s best sunsets. These take you all around the world, from vast deserts to city lights. Remember to come back to this post when you’re in need of holiday inspiration!
1. The Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal in the Indian state of Agra is regarded as one of the world’s architectural wonders. It transforms into one of the best sunsets in the world when the day comes to an end and the sun starts to set behind it. The sun’s rays bend and wind round the white marble dome, bathing the stuccoed walls, minarets and garden in a soft pink and orange haze.
2. The Atacama Desert, Chile
Chile’s Atacama Desert is so dry that plants find it difficult to sustain life here. This is where the 2001 film Space Odyssey was shot, the desert doubling up as the Moon’s arid surface. Small populations cluster round water-filled oases, witness to an incredible sunset each day. Sandboarding and sunset excursions are a popular way for tourists to enjoy the spectacle of the fiery sun sinking over the bone-dry land.
3. The Matterhorn, Switzerland
Rearing 4478 metres skyward, the mighty Matterhorn is the icon of the Swiss Alps. The sight of the sun setting behind its snow-streaked slopes is truly awe-inspiring. Head to the futuristic-looking, eco-friendly Monte Rosa hut to catch this cool sunset. The trip there requires plenty of energy and pluck but the views are certainly worth the effort.
4. Punta del Este, Uruguay
Punta del Este is a chic and fashionable resort town. It’s Uruguay’s answer to Europe’s glitzy St Tropez! Punta del Este sits on a peninsula with the Atlantic sea on one side and a calmer estuary strip on the other. After a busy day on the beach, sip a cocktail at one of the seafront bars – check here for the best restaurants in Punta del Este. Then, it’s time to watch the large red orb dip below the ocean’s waves. Along with the city lights shimmering against the water’s reflection, it makes for a very pretty sunset.
5. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is a beautiful island off the coast of Tanzania. It has multiple tropical beaches that are the perfect spots to watch the hot African sun disappear. Alternatively, hop on a boat and cruise about on the gentle waves, stained blood-red by the setting sun. It might just be the best sunset in the world!
6. Siem Reap, Cambodia
You won’t be watching the sun set in peaceful isolation on the top of Phnom Bakheng temple in Angkor Wat. From around 4pm a large and cheerful crowd begins to gather at this Siem Reap hotspot. Wait for the magical moment when the sun hits the top of Tonlé Sap lake, sparkling and shimmering. As beautiful sunsets go, this is one of the best.
7. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Quiraing is an oddly shaped landslip on the Isle of Skye’s Trotternish Ridge. But for all its uniqueness, it offers a beautiful mountain sunset. It’s a favourite spot among photographers, who come armed with their lenses. As the sun sets, the light bounces off the crags and crevices, and this light show becomes even more captivating. Syke also featured in our reader survey of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
8. Santa Monica, California, USA
California’s much-loved playground, Santa Monica Pier boasts rollercoasters, amusement arcades, shops and cafés. There’s also a whirling carousel and an aquarium. Clearly, there’s plenty of things to do; but one of Santa Monica’s best experiences is totally natural. When the sun begins to go down, head to the beach below the jetty. Watch the lights from the amusement park twinkle in the twilight. If you’ve spent the day on the rollercoasters, this beautiful beach sunset will certainly keep you grounded.
9. The Maasai Mara, Kenya
Sunset on safari is a must-see sight. The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of the most magical places to enjoy it. The sun’s rays begin to cool as it sinks beneath the horizon, immersing the land and wildlife in a rusty orange light. Remember your camera, because this is surely one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
10. Sussex, England
The white, chalky cliffs between Seaford and Beachy Head provide the perfect blank canvas for a pretty sunset. Along this picturesque Sussex coastline is a perfect sunset-watching spot. Catch the rays of the setting sun bounce off the cliff walls. It engulfs the entire landscape in a burnt orange and dusky pink glow.