Whatever you’re looking for in a holiday, from bustling, metropolitan cities to magnificent sandy beaches, there’s one relaxing thing that we can all make time for – enjoying a beautiful sunset.
There’s no better time to do this than on holiday, with more of us prioritising wellness travel than ever before and sunsets offering a myriad of physical and mental health benefits.
Watching sunsets has been shown to reduce stress and boost mood, as well as improve sleep quality by helping regulate the body’s circadian rhythm. Enjoying a sunset is also a great opportunity for reflection, offering a peaceful escape from the tension of everyday life.
With this in mind, we decided to put together a ranking of the top 10 best countries to visit for sunsets. While sunsets are universal, we found some of the ultimate locations to enjoy this beautiful natural phenomenon.
To put together our list, we used a number of different factors to rank countries around the world, which were:
- Light pollution levels – the lower the better, to enjoy a perfect sunset
- Average temperature – we calculated the distance from the ideal temperature of 18°C, the World Health Organisation’s ‘ideal’ temperature for comfort
- Romance – sunsets are undeniably romantic, so we used an index of the most loved-up countries around the world
- Number of UNESCO cultural sites – to frame the sunset with a stunning temple or monument
- Number of UNESCO natural sites – to enhance the sunset with another natural wonder
For each of these criteria, we ranked each country from position 1 to 226 and took an average score across the five categories to find the winners. We also delved into our destination knowledge to recommend a particularly great sunset location for each.
So, without further ado, here are the winners!
Rank | Location | Average rank | Light pollution | Temperature | Romance | UNESCO – cultural | UNESCO – natural |
1 | Australia | 36 | 41 | 29 | 39 | 68.5 | 2.5 |
2 | Argentina | 36.5 | 104 | 8 | 20.5 | 38 | 12 |
3 | Mexico | 36.8 | 129.5 | 23 | 14 | 8 | 9.5 |
4 | Tanzania | 37.3 | 30 | 38 | 14 | 82 | 22.5 |
5 | South Africa | 41.9 | 113 | 4 | 39 | 38 | 15.5 |
6 | Peru | 43.6 | 72 | 14 | 61.5 | 28 | 42.5 |
7 | Brazil | 44.4 | 95 | 90 | 14 | 17 | 6 |
8 | Spain | 49.3 | 179 | 39 | 9.5 | 3.5 | 15.5 |
9 | Madagascar | 49.4 | 8.5 | 33 | 32.5 | 130.5 | 42.5 |
10 | Zimbabwe | 49.6 | 34 | 28 | 61.5 | 82 | 42.5 |
1. Australia
And the number one country is… Australia!
Consistently strong across the five categories that we used to rank the countries, Australia is well known for its stunning beaches and laidback way of life – making it a perfect sunset-spotting destination and a worthy winner. Famed for its natural beauty, it was joint second in the number of UNESCO natural sites ranking.
eShores recommends: Uluru – also known as Ayers Rock, this iconic sandstone monolith near the centre of Australia is a national treasure, and it’s not hard to see why. A magnificent edifice of orange rock, a sunset over Uluru is a photographer’s dream of wonderful colour.
2. Argentina
Argentina took second spot, which is unsurprising for a country famed for its incredible Andean mountain ranges. It performed strongly across all five categories in the eShores index, including appearing in the top 10 for ideal temperature for sunset viewing.
eShores recommends: Patagonia – this remote region is awash with incredible scenery to frame sunsets, from towering glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks to mirror lakes and dense forest.
3. Mexico
A country famed for its incredible beaches, Mexico also scored very well across the board, with particularly high scores for cultural and natural UNESCO sites, as well as romance and temperature. So whether you’re looking for culture, natural beauty or a romantic getaway, Mexico really does have it all!
eShores recommends: Punta Cometa – this scenic outcrop provides a sensational vista where walkers gather each night to watch the sunset.
4. Tanzania
Home of the breathtaking Serengeti National Park, Tanzania had some of the lowest light pollution levels of all the countries we looked at, as well as high scores for romance and natural sites. A safari across the UNESCO-listed Serengeti promises some unforgettable experiences.
eShores recommends: Serengeti National Park – what better landscape to watch the sun set or rise than one of the most iconic national parks in the world?
5. South Africa
A country of stunning natural beauty and culture, reflected in its impressive standings for both types of UNESCO sites, South Africa also ranked highly for ideal sunset temperature.
eShores recommends: Table Mountain, Cape Town – looking out over the expansive vista of Cape Town below from Table Mountain at sunset is a truly breathtaking experience.
6. Peru
Another country that fared well in both UNESCO categories and for temperature, Peru’s natural beauty makes it an obvious candidate for best sunset. Sharing the Andean mountain range with its neighbour, Argentina, the myriad of natural wonders in Peru perfectly complement a wonderful sunset.
eShores recommends: Rainbow Mountains – looking like a sunset skyscape themselves, the beguiling Rainbow Mountains are a fascinating and beautiful natural phenomenon that provide the perfect accompaniment to a sunset.
7. Brazil
Brazil’s place in the top ten was secured by high rankings in both UNESCO categories, as well as its reputation as a romantic hotspot. Home to the biggest carnival in the world, this result shows that Brazil is not just a great place for partying – it’s also a perfect destination for relaxing and unwinding.
eShores recommends: Camboinhas Beach – often named one of Brazil’s top beaches and sunset sites, the pristine beaches and impressive cliffs of Camboinhas Beach make this an ideal destination for sunset seekers.
8. Spain
Joint third for UNESCO cultural sites (sunset over Park Güell or Sagrada Família, anyone?) and in the top ten for romance, this vibrant and diverse country was the highest European entry in our best sunsets index.
eShores recommends: Café Mambo, Ibiza – the White Island is home to Café Mambo, one of the most iconic sunset locations in all of Spain. Visitors reserve their spots early to hear some of the world’s best resident DJs in a more serene setting than the rest of the island, as well as the gorgeous sunsets.
9. Madagascar
Madagascar was top for lack of light pollution, providing this enormous island off the east coast of Africa with some unforgettable sunsets.
eShores recommends: Avenue of the Baobabs – located in the Menabe region of western Madagascar, these legendary trees are sometimes known as ‘upside-down trees’ due to their unique branches, and provide a perfect foreground for sunset.
10. Zimbabwe
Rounding off the top ten, Zimbabwe performed consistently strongly across all five categories, cementing its place as one of our best countries for sunsets. Its staggering natural beauty means that Zimbabwe has a plethora of options for enjoying a gorgeous sunset.
eShores recommends: Victoria Falls – located on the Zambezi River, the world-famous Victoria Falls are 1.7km wide and twice as tall as Niagara Falls. The cascading water provides an exquisite setting to enjoy the sunset.
So, there you have it – our list of the top ten countries for sunsets! Whether you want to sit around a campfire with friends watching the sun go down, enjoy a romantic sunset on the beach for a special occasion, or watch the sun disappear behind some of the world’s most amazing natural and manmade wonders, this list has something for everyone.
Did we miss anywhere out? Where are the best places you’ve watched the sun set? Let us know or book your next multi-centre holiday today.
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
-
Terence
I found eShores very helpful Indeed organising everything and explained our holiday very clearly, we can relax now as it’s all done
Posted 12 hours ago -
JenniferElizabeth
Very professional service. Michelle a friendly member of the team answered my query within a few hours and also gave me alternatives for the accommodation. She also held the flights for a few days so I could discuss the quote with my family, I didn't feel pressurised to commit straight away.
Posted 2 days ago -
Anonymous
We have recently returned from the advertised eShores multi-centre city break to Prague, Vienna and Budapest. We had a fabulous time and are very grateful to Dave Felton who organised everything for us. We didn't have to worry about booking any of it ourselves, as Dave arranged the flights, transfers, hotels and train tickets for us. He responded quickly to our queries and he also gave us tips about places we might like to see on our trip. We received all the information we needed in good time, and appreciated the additional details that eShores include, for example, telephone numbers for transfers and details of exactly where to find the driver at the airport, contact details for the hotels, and advice on travel.
Posted 2 days ago -
Mark
This is the third time of booking with eshores. They are absolutely brilliant at what they do. Tell them where you want to go and when and they will do the rest. Both previous holidays went as smooyh as could be. Every time I have booked I have dealt with Michelle. She is totally fantastic. Very knowledgable very friendly and always ensures the best deal. Will definitely be using again and again.
Posted 3 days ago -
Tricia
I have just returned from Japan having enjoyed a great adventure with my son. Eshores was recommended to me and has lived up to my expectations in every way. Michelle couldn't have been more helpful with the planning. Don't hesitate to use their service.
Posted 4 days ago -
TracyLouise
Rachel has been absolutely amazing, she has gone above and beyond helping me find a suitable itinerary for our Thailand trip with endless emails back and fourth as I work full time. At last it booked and we are so looking forward to it. Will use eshores again in the future.
Posted 4 days ago -
Deborah
great Holiday to Athens and the Saronic Islands booked by Nick for us. Everyting went very smoothly and and queries were dealt with quickly. Prices seem tio be very competitive compared to booking the trip yourself. Would definitely recommend
Posted 4 days ago -
Cheryl
Laura was very good at suggesting our itinerary. Also very patient with changing it! I found them very competitive also.
Posted 4 days ago -
Julia
Matt dealt with my request for a bespoke trip to Kerala incredibly promptly with good options even though he’d literally just returned from holiday himself. Good prices, changes on my part dealt with quickly and I am so pleased my friend recommended eShores else I’d never have found them
Posted 4 days ago -
Fay
Myself and my partner have just booked through eShores for a holiday/honeymoon of a lifetime. Our travel consultant Hannah has been so helpful and resourceful throughout the whole process and has designed us a custom getaway to suit every detail. All of the stress was taken out of the booking process which means we can prepare for our holiday peacefully. To say we’re excited is an understatement! Thank you Hannah! 🩷
Posted 5 days ago