World's Top 7 Places to Watch Sunsets

1 January 2013

Beach sunset

Watching the sun go down can be a mesmerising sight, and experiencing it in some of the most beautiful places in the world is a wonder that no-one should miss. Here's our top 7 places for sunsets.

Serengeti, Tanzania, AfricaConjuring up those iconic Lion King images from your childhood, the sunset from Africa’s Serengeti will certainly make your heart weep as well as your eyes. With the environment being covered in sand, the sky often becomes a blood-red and the trees in the foreground can create a wonderful silhouette.

Hawaii, USASit on the tropical islands in the North Pacific Ocean to watch the sun settle. As you will be far west, you will be one of the last people to see the sunset that day, before it begins to rise in East Australia and New Zealand.

Ayers Rock, Northern Territory, AustraliaAyers Rock, or Uluru as it is known traditionally, is located in Northern Territory in the centre of Australia - far from the coastal cities of Melbourne and Sydney. Stand on the west side of the rock during the sunset to see the vibrant orange glow that bursts from the rock, or scoot round to the east side for a monstrous silhouette.

MaldivesThe Indian Ocean’s challenge to Hawaii, Maldives offers similar temperatures and picture perfect environments. However, with less sporting and recreational activities, your time here will be focused on tranquillity and silence as well as the beauty of the sun going down.

Koh Phangan, ThailandWhile you splash around in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, you can watch the sun drop to the iconic Asian images of worker and fishing boats beside the lurch of the palm trees. For future reference, time your trip for New Year’s Eve and you can finish the night with the island’s famous Full Moon party.

Ibiza, SpainOn the Spanish island of Ibiza, the sun setting is more than just another end to another day, but a chance for friends and strangers to celebrate and relax on the beach together. It’s a full on natural stage show, ending with the crowd’s cheers and applause. Through the high seasons, get together is a nightly event.

Cape Town, South AfricaCape Town’s mountainous terrains are perfect for sunset watching, as you can find one of the many spots, high above the waves and watch the end of the day play out over the South Pacific Ocean. Settle down on Table Mountain’s Signal Hill or Lion’s Head for for the perfect view. On a clear day, with a bit of help from some binocular’s you should be able to see Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years.