Chasing Sunsets Around the World: Best Sunset Spots

We all know how special it feels to watch the day come to an end with a beautiful sunset. No matter where you are in the world, there’s something calming about that final stretch of light before night sets in.

I’ve made it a habit while traveling to find a good spot in the evening to just sit, slow down, and watch the sun go down.

It’s one of those rare moments where everyone, locals, tourists, and strangers, pausing for the same reason: to quietly watch the sky change.

There’s something comforting about that, knowing that no matter the country or culture, people stop and look up to witness the same thing, every single day.

Some evenings, it’s a clear sky and you can actually watch the sun dip below the horizon. Other times, the clouds roll in just right and the whole sky turns pink, orange, and gold.

I’ve seen sunsets light up beaches in Thailand, reflect off the ocean in Hawaii, cast shadows over ancient stone in Greece, glow over the water in Colombia, and stretch across the skyline of a buzzing city in Japan.

Every sunset feels a little different, and yet they all remind you to slow down, breathe, and take it in.

Some places are known for their sunsets; people literally go just for that. And after seeing so many across the world, I get why.

So, if you’re someone who loves chasing those golden hours, or you’re just looking for a quiet moment at the end of a long travel day, keep reading to find some of the best places to catch a sunset around the world.

Mauna Kea Big Island, Hawaii

Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii and the highest point in the state. When measured from base to summit, starting at the ocean floor, it’s actually one of the tallest mountains in the world.

At nearly 14,000 feet in elevation, watching the sunset from the top means you’re completely above the clouds. It is truly one of the most surreal ways to experience the end of the day.

As the sun begins to set, you’re surrounded by a blanket of clouds below, with only distant mountain peaks breaking through. The sky transforms into vibrant, saturated colors, deep oranges, reds, purples, and pinks.

You’re standing high above the tropical island below, but up there it feels like another planet. The temperature drops quickly, and it gets extremely cold as the sun goes down, so bring layers.

It’s one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. Just make sure you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the summit and be prepared to pay an entrance fee for the national park. The views are absolutely worth it.

Detwah Lagoon, Socotra Island, Yemen

Detwah Lagoon is located on the otherworldly island of Socotra in Yemen. Known for its untouched beauty and surreal landscapes, this lagoon is one of the most peaceful and visually striking places you can visit.

The water here is an unbelievably bright turquoise, surrounded by soft white sand and unusual sandbars that form interesting natural patterns throughout the lagoon.

It sits along the northwest coast of the island and feels completely remote and serene. To catch the sunset, you can climb one of the surrounding sand dunes or make your way to the main lookout point just above the lagoon.

From there, you get a wide view of the entire area as the sun sinks toward the horizon. The bright colors of the lagoon, the shadows moving across the sandbars, and the soft pink and orange sky all come together to make this a really peaceful place to watch the sunset.

It doesn’t feel real until you’re standing there seeing it with your own eyes.

Windmills of Mykonos, Greece

The windmills of Mykonos are one of the most iconic spots on the island. They represent the history and heritage of both Mykonos and Greece, but they also happen to be one of the best places to watch the sunset.

From the hill where the windmills sit, you get wide views of the sea and the town below. You can walk around and find a good spot to sit and watch the sun go down.

The sunsets over the Mediterranean don’t disappoint. The sea glows with golden and pink tones as the sun reaches the horizon, and the white buildings across the island reflect that same warm light.

It’s a calm, beautiful place to end the day and one of the best sunset spots in Mykonos.

North Shore Oahu, Hawaii

The North Shore is a long stretch of coastline on the island of Oahu, known for its massive waves in the winter and calm, lake-like waters in the summer.

It’s home to some of the biggest surf contests in the world, but also some of the quietest and most peaceful beaches on the island. The whole area has a laid-back, local vibe, with food trucks, open sand, and space to relax.

It’s one of the best places to watch the sunset on the Hawaiian Islands. You can pick just about any spot along the coast, whether its Pupukea, Waimea Bay, Haleiwa Beach Park, or one of the smaller beaches in between, you’re bound to see something beautiful.

Whether the sky is clear or full of clouds, summer or winter, the sunsets here always deliver.