The 10 Best Sunset and Sunrise Destinations in the World

Sunset lover? Who isn’t? There’s something about a beautiful sunset or sunrise that can make all your problems go away. So, whether you’re dreaming of fiery skies over the Serengeti, the sun coming up over the Taj Mahal, or prefer an idyllic Greek island like Santorini, the skies are waiting for you. Keep reading for the most beautiful sunset and sunrise destinations:

1. Santorini, Greece

Oia is Europe’s world-famous sunset spot! Situated on the northwest side of the island of Santorini, this picturesque destination is renowned for its gorgeous sunsets. So, if Santorini’s bright blue domes and quaint windmills aren’t already enough for you to fall in love with, the perfectly painted sunset sky will be! It’s for sure one of the best sunsets in Europe and the world! Enjoy the view with like-minded travellers on a Greece group tour. ⛵

While you’re here:

Hit up some local beaches or head to Perrissa’s black sand beach. Go wine tasting with the locals, hike the volcano crater or indulge in a €3 gyros. End the night partying in the enchanting town of Fira. 💃

2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat. Blissful sunrise. What’s not to love? This beautiful sunrise is totally worth the early morning start! On Cambodia Intro, stay in Siem Reap and tick this iconic sight (and site!) off your Southeast Asia bucket list. Believe us, you won’t regret it.

But don’t just hear it from us, this is what our Cambodia Intro group leader, Elliott, has to say:

What better way to see a Wonder of the World? When you watch that sun come up behind Angkor Wat, it is absolutely spectacular!

While you’re here:

Spend the day wandering around the stone temples of Angkor Wat. There are 72 to choose from! In the evening, head to the bustling Pub Street for all the restaurants, pubs and karaoke bars you could ask for. Go sing your heart out! 🎤

3. Uluru, Australia

Adventure into the outback on an Australia group tour for one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world! Seriously, this picture says it all. Uluru sunset is one of those views that will leave your jaw-dropped. Whether you’re camping out in a tent, campervan or you’re mid-hike, watch in awe as the sun sinks behind this incredible rock formation. It’s even better in person! 😍

While you’re here:

There’s tonnes to do in the outback! See the incredible Aboriginal rock art that tells the stories of Tjukurpa. Grab your hiking boots and trek around the base of Uluru. See the incredible Aboriginal rock art that tells the stories of the Tjukurpa ancestors. Plus, there’s even more hiking to do around Walpa Gorge, Valley of the Winds and King's Creek Canyon.

4. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Africa really has some of the best sunsets in the world! Picture camping in the African bush, surrounded by the fiery hues of orange and red from the sun setting over the savannahs of the Serengeti. Look out for the silhouettes of giraffes, elephants, or buffalos in the distance as they prepare for their nighttime hunt. On our Wild Africa Adventure, spend 21 nights pitching up your tent, sitting around the campfire, and admiring beautiful sunsets with new mates. 🏕️

While you’re here:

A trip to the Serengeti wouldn’t be complete without a safari! Drive through the wild and keep an eye out for the big 5 - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalos. Or experience the beautiful views from the sky on a breathtaking hot air balloon ride.

5. The Taj Mahal, India

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal turns this iconic marble masterpiece into something even more spectacular. Who knew that was possible? As the skies gradually turn from midnight blue to a soft, golden pink, it’s the perfect time to admire all its beauty, from the intricate calligraphy to the impressive architecture. Plus, at this time of morning, you’ll beat the rush of the tourists - so snap that perfect Insta shot! 📷

While you’re here:

You won’t be able to get enough of this gorgeous landmark. Spend some time here to wander the tranquil gardens, known as Charbagh, understand its story on a guided tour or spot it from a distance on a Yamuna River cruise. Experience it with new mates on an India group tour.

6. Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

Catch the incredible sunset mirroring off the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia. They’re the largest salt flats in the world. Covering 10,582 square kilometres (4,086 square miles) they make a jaw-dropping sunset destination. If you’re travelling during the wet season (November to March) the reflections will be even more astonishing. Tick it off your bucket on The South American Journey. 🌞

While you’re here:

As you discover this unique landscape, spot amazing mountains, active volcanoes, and bubbling geysers. Stop by Laguna Colorada, a large lagoon with a distinctive red colour, and look out for the six different species of flamingo you can find here. After all that searching, you can soak in the natural hot springs at the incredible Laguna Verde (aka Green Lake).

7. Marrakesh, Morocco

Dreaming of bustling markets, desert camel rides and beautiful sunsets? Then you need a trip to Morocco! Start and finish a Morocco group tour in the heart of Marrakesh: a city filled with rich culture and arguably the best sunsets in the world. Watch the sun cast a silhouette of the city’s old town domes, towers and extraordinary architecture across the sky. Trust us, you’ll be in awe. 🤩

While you’re here:

Wander colourful markets at Jemaa El Fna Square and see every snake charmer and fruit stall you can imagine. Plus, some must-visits are the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and Ben Youssef Madrasa. 🐪

8. Mount Batur, Bali

The best view you’ll see in Bali - even Nusa Penida can’t beat this one! When the sun comes up over Bali’s two largest volcanoes, your eyes will seriously be amazed. After dawn, cook your breakfast on the natural heat from this active volcano (boiled eggs and steamed banana sandwiches are on the menu!) Enjoy spending this unforgettable moment with your new mates on Bali Intro.

While you’re here:

After sunrise, wander around Ubud, check out the artsy markets, visit Tegenungan waterfall or even get a massage to ease your muscles. 😌

9. Santa Monica, USA

Nothing beats a dazzling Californian sunset. On our Canyon, Coast and Casinos group tour, head to the one-and-only Santa Monica Pier with your new friends to spot the sunset over dreamy ocean views. It’s one of the best beach sunsets in the world. Once the shows over, end the night in one of Santa Monica’s iconic beach bars and live your American dream! 🍹

While you’re here:

Santa Monica is packed with big bucket-list hitters. Wander around Venice Broadwalk and its stunning canals, relax on the gorgeous sandy beaches or enjoy the amusements and arcades on Santa Monica Pier. Plus if that’s not enough, visit LA’s dazzling theme parks or take a trip into the city for some iconic sightseeing. 🤩

10. Atacama Desert, Chile

Imagine a place that feels like you’ve teleported to another planet - that’s Moon Valley for you. Discover this lunar-like landscape in the middle of the Atacama desert. The atmosphere here is unmatched. As you tread over the rocky hills, watch one of the world's best sunsets paint the sky. Tick this surreal experience off your sunset bucket list on a Central & South America group tour. 🥾

While you’re here:

The desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama is a fantastic place to stay! Here, you can experience many adventurous activities - from bike riding, sand boarding, and horseback riding to guided tours of breathtaking landscapes, valleys, and mysterious archaeological ruins. 👀

How to take photos of sunsets and sunrises

Of course, you’ll want to capture these beautiful sunsets and sunrises so you can share them all over Instagram, TikTok and the rest! You can easily capture the scene on a phone with a quality camera. Here’s how to take photos of sunsets and sunrises on a DSLR camera:

• Carefully clean your camera lens with a microfibre cloth

• Set up your camera on a tripod to avoid camera shake

• Use manual focus and white balance

• Shoot with a low ISO, quick shutter speed and wide aperture

• Ta-da, you’ve taken the perfect photo! 📷

Summary

So, now you know the best sunset and sunrise destinations in the world, it’s time to get travelling! Join a 18-30s group tour and admire our beautiful fiery sun with new mates and maybe a couple of chilled drinks in hand. After all, it’s sunset hour somewhere - so go chase it! 🧡