While sunsets are a universal daily occurrence, some locations offer a special experience. From secluded beaches and towering mountains to pristine islands and serene retreats, explore our favourite destinations that provide the perfect backdrop for the sun’s descent, making its warmth so much more glorious over the horizon. As travel writers and editors, we bring you our recommendations with this list of the most beautiful sunsets we have witnessed across iconic destinations.
As you experience the magic of a beautiful sunset, follow our recommendations on the most beautiful places in the world that will inspire you to plan your next trip.
Most beautiful sunsets in the world, according to T+L editors
Sunset over Fagu Valley, Shimla, India
Just an hour away from Shimla lies the serene Fagu Valley, popular among trekkers and nature lovers. This offbeat destination, where Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia Senior Editor Rubi Borgohain embraced a breathtaking sunset, is a tranquil escape from the crowds, perfect to revel in the power of nature.
T+L travel tips: Known for its charming apple orchards, Fagu Valley is best visited during the fruit season, from August to October. The trees, laden with ripe apples, add a tint of red to the beauty of the setting sun. Consider staying at one of these luxurious accommodations amidst apple orchards to recreate the magic of this sunset.
How to reach: Chandigarh Airport is the nearest, approximately 142 kilometres from Fagu Valley. Kalka Station is the nearest railhead, 105 kilometres away.
Cannes, France
Gorgeous sunsets aren’t just about the sun; the surroundings and historical context add to the experience. In Cannes, with its ocean horizon and ancient palazzos, Tania Tarafdar, Senior Digital Editor at Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong, witnessed one of the most dramatic sunsets of her life. She strolled along the beach, marvelling at the full-colour spectrum and climbed a hilltop for an even more breathtaking view. The setting sun, a golden ball in the sky, cast a magical light she’ll never forget.
To plan your visit, check out our comprehensive Cannes travel guide.
T+L travel tips: Less than an hour’s drive from Cannes, you’ll find charming hilltop villages offering stunning sunsets and picture-perfect scenery. These villages were once retreats for famous figures like Winston Churchill, Elisabeth Taylor, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. Set off on a road trip to explore the Provencal countryside, visiting Pablo Picasso’s Mougins and the picturesque villages of Biot, Gourdon, and Opio. Explore more of rural France with our selection of the most beautiful French villages.
How to reach: Cannes Mandelieu Airport is the gateway to the city.
A magical sunset over Mumbai, where the city and sea meet in India
The “City of Dreams” is set on India’s west coast, facing the vast Arabian Sea. Its geographical location makes it the ideal place to experience the urban energy of the metropolis together with the charms of the beach. As Yashita Vashishth, Senior Digital Writer at T+L Southeast Asia, discovered, this unique blend creates a perfect setting for magical sunsets. Iconic spots like Bandra Fort, Juhu Chowpatty, Carter Road Promenade, Nariman Point, Gateway of India and Marine Drive have long been popular gathering places for generations of locals and visitors to witness the beauty of the setting sun against the backdrop of the ocean.
T+L travel tips: This beautiful sunset was snapped at Marine Drive. This stretch along the coast in South Mumbai is often crowded, so it is best to come here a bit early to grab a spot so that you can comfortably enjoy the sunset from Marine Drive.
How to reach: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the gateway to the city.
A desert sunset in Abu Dhabi, UAE
A Digital Writer at T+L Southeast Asia, I saw the most fantastic sunset in the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. While the city offers stunning beach and skyscraper views, it is the Arabian Nights-inspired desert that truly captures the magic of the setting sun, shining brightly amidst the vast golden sands.
T+L travel tips: To fully appreciate this desert sunset, consider participating in a dune-basing adventure in Abu Dhabi. Guided tours will take you deep into the Arabian desert, providing you with an experience inspired by tales like Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. If you’re planning a similar adventure in Dubai, our guide on the ultimate Dubai desert safari is what you need for tips and recommendations.
How to reach: Zayed International Airport is the gateway to Abu Dhabi.
South Goa, a sunset lover’s paradise in India
Two of our editors, Rubi and Romaa Das, Senior Digital Editor at Lifestyle Asia India, have been in love with the stunning sunsets found in South Goa. Colva, Palolem, and other magnificent beaches in South Goa promise breathtaking views of the setting sun.
T+L travel tips: South Goa is known for its cleaner and less crowded beaches. While Colva and Palolem are particularly famous for their sunsets, you can enjoy similar views from almost any beach in the area. Discover more hidden beaches in Goa for a quiet and relaxing time.
How to reach: Dabolim International Airport is located in South Goa and provides the way to these stunning beaches.
Book your stay at Caravela Beach Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at Caravela Beach Resort via Agoda
Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre, Italy
One of the breathtaking villages in Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore is an offbeat destination offering a more secluded experience in Italy. Located in the Liguria region, it’s a great place to avoid the crowds and enjoy the Dolce Vita lifestyle. And Nishtha Grover, Senior Editor at T+L Southeast Asia, discovered that sunsets in Riomaggiore are one of a kind!
T+L travel tips: The rocks by the village’s harbour are the best spot to catch a beautiful sunset in Cinque Terre. After the sunset, indulge in the vibrant nightlife of Riomaggiore. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to savour authentic Italian cuisine and mingle with the friendly locals.
How to reach: Pisa Airport is the closest, from where you can hop on a train to La Spezia Centrale and then catch the train to Riomaggiore. A direct train from Milan to Riomaggiore is also an option.
A Swiss-inspired sunset in Landour, India
Nestled in the Himalayas, Landour is a quaint hill station from the British era that offers a glimpse of Switzerland right in India. Home to famous author Ruskin Bond, this beautiful town is just four kilometres from its twin town, Mussoorie. Divya Jain, the Regional Managing Editor for Digital Growth, experienced a breathtaking sunset while visiting Landour Bakery, an iconic local landmark. Lal Tibba is a particularly popular spot for enjoying the sunset in winter.
T+L travel tip: During the winter months (October to January), Landour and Mussoorie witness a unique sunset phenomenon known as the “winterline”. The horizon is draped in shades of yellow, orange, and purple, creating a stunning sunset that can only be seen in these regions and the Swiss Alps.
How to reach: The nearest railway station and airport are in Dehradun, approximately 37 kilometres from Landour. The most convenient way to reach Landour is to drive down or hire a taxi.
Doha, a Qatari city of glamour and sunsets
Esha Dasgupta, Senior Digital Writer at T+L Southeast Asia, describes Doha as a city of glamorous sunsets. A wondrous blend of skyscrapers, beaches and Qatari culture is what awaits you in the capital city! During the golden hours, the city is bathed in a warm glow, as the sun’s warm rays paint the buildings in hues of gold and orange, making it a truly magical experience.
T+L travel tips: While this particular photo was taken at the Old Doha Port, you can capture equally spectacular sunsets from other locations in Doha, such as the Corniche.
How to reach: Hamad International Airport is the main airport in Doha.
A backwaters sunset in Alappuzha, Kerala
The heart of Kerala’s famous backwaters is Alappuzha, where you can catch this beautiful sunset. Pyusha Chatterjee, Writer at T+L Southeast Asia, is an avid sunset chaser who has witnessed many stunning sunsets around the world. However, it is the spectacular colours and atmosphere of Alappuzha’s sunsets that she enjoyed the most!
T+L travel tips: To fully appreciate the beauty of Kerala’s backwaters, consider staying on a traditional houseboat. Alappuzha is known for offering overnight houseboat stays where you get to navigate the backwaters while absorbing the natural environs. The sunset from the houseboat is truly magical.
How to reach: Alappuzha Station is in the heart of the city and provides convenient access to the backwaters. Cochin International Airport is approximately 83 kilometres away.
Book your stay at Spice Coast Cruises via Booking.com
Book your stay at Spice Coast Cruises via Agoda
Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic
Sneha Chakraborty, Digital Writer at T+L Southeast Asia, was mesmerised by the stunning sunset she saw in the film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. While the film’s magic was largely created using Computer-generated imagery (CGI), Sneha discovered a real-world location that closely resembles the scene: Bohemian Switzerland National Park! During late summer evenings and early autumn, the sky above this national park in the Czech Republic is painted with breathtaking hues of amber and orchid-yellow at sunset.
T+L Travel tips: For the best view, head to Bastei Bridge, which connects the impressive Bastei rock formation in Germany’s Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
How to reach: Take a direct train from Prague to Děčín, a small town approximately 15 kilometres from the national park. You can also choose from the many buses plying to Bohemian Switzerland or hire a private taxi.
Mahanadi River, India
The largest river in Odisha is also a great sunset spot! An Odisha resident, Arnab Hota, Content Trainee at T+L Southeast Asia, has witnessed some of the most beautiful sunsets along the river’s banks. This picturesque sunset was snapped in Sambalpur, the fourth-largest city in the state, but you can enjoy similar sunsets from any point along the Mahanadi River.
T+L travel tips: Sambalpur is known for its handicraft saris, so make sure to buy them when you visit the town to see the beautiful sunset from the Mahanadi River.
How to reach: The Swami Vivekananda International Airport in Raipur is approximately 262 kilometres away. Sambalpur Junction station is in the heart of the city.
A Florentine sunset in Italy
What’s more picture-perfect than the romantic setting of Florence? It is a sunset in Florence! Home to many artistic treasures like Michelangelo’s David, the capital of Tuscany also boasts stunning views of the setting sun. Spend your trip strolling the piazzas, enjoying gelatos and embracing the Italian sunset, as Nishtha did. Refer to this Florence travel guide to know where to eat, stay and visit.
T+L travel tips: Nishtha caught this spectacular sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, one of Florence’s biggest tourist attractions. This hilltop square offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks, lit up with the warm glow of the setting sun.
How to reach: Florence Airport is the gateway to the city.
Panna National Park, India
Known for its tiger population, the Panna National Park also offers the perfect setting for a spectacular sunset. The serene Ken River, which flows through the park, provides a peaceful habitat for the park’s wildlife. Rubi, our Senior Editor for Quality, was enamoured by the soft golden glow the setting sun cast upon the jungle. This warm and fuzzy atmosphere simply enhanced the beauty of the national park.
T+L travel tips: To catch this sunset, start your safari in the afternoon to be able to stay in the park till sunset. Panna National Park closes by 5:30 pm, so make sure to visit during the winter months when the sun sets earlier.
How to reach: Khajuraho is the nearest city, its airport is 97 kilometres, and the city’s railway station is approximately 45 kilometres from the national park.
Cat Ba Island’s sunset in Vietnam
Himanshu Dutta, Content Trainee at T+L Southeast Asia, considers the sunset on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam, to be one of the most breathtaking he’s ever seen. Located 124 km east of Hanoi, Cat Ba is a relatively unspoiled destination, promising beautiful beaches, a stunning national park, and an equally impressive cave system. It also offers easy access to Lan Ha Bay, an ideal alternative to the (very) popular Ha Long Bay.
T+L travel tip: Take a stroll along the cliff-side walkway stretching between Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 3 during the earlier half of the evening when the sun is a little higher up in the sky. The height gives you a bird’s eye view over the Bay, and as it gets closer to sundown, head to the main promenade and enjoy the sunset from there.
How to reach: Find regular ferries to Cat Ba Island from Got Pier in Hai Phong or Tuan Chau Pier in Ha Long. The island has the Gia Luan Pier and Cai Vieng Pier, and a ferry ride to these ports takes approximately two hours.
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(Feature image credit: Priyaja Bakshi)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Abu Dhabi, Fagu Valley, Cannes, Mumbai, Cat Ba Island, South Goa, Riomaggiore, Landour, Doha, Alappuzha, Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Mahanadi River, Florence and Panna National Park are the best places for stunning sunsets, according to T+L editors.
A sunset enhances the beauty of a destination, making it a beautiful experience to witness.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
