15 Stunning Spots in Europe for Unforgettable Sunset Views

16.09.2024.

The sunsets will allure your travels in unimaginable ways, though you might not even searching for such destinations. Bringing gorgeous pictures, it’s better to be ready for your epic sunset in Europe.

From the breathtaking seaside reflections to the golden magic of the cities and mountain wonders- I got you covered. Though Santorini dominates in the European sunset panorama, there are plenty of magical places to discover thanks to the sunsets. Sunsets create everlasting memories, whether it’s a romantic getaway or your solo adventure.

Inspire yourself with new destinations that I bring to you along with the collaborations of amazing bloggers.

Zadar, Croatia- contributed by myself

Zadar is a lovely town stretching centrally on the Croatian coast, beautifully framing the entrance to the Velebit mountain. Easily reachable by plane, Zadar is a pleasant surprise in your Croatian itinerary. Taking only 5h bus ride from Zagreb or 3h from Split, spoil yourself by discovering more.

The magic of Zadar’s sunset belongs not only to its colours, but also to the sounds of the sea. Absorbing the beauty of the sunset becomes even more enchanting thanks to the Sea organ installation. While watching the nearby islands, you can enjoy the music of the waves.

At the popular promenade close to the Sea Organ you can be enticed with the Greetings to the Sun monument. After watching the sunset, delight yourself with the town’s atmosphere and the light show at this monument.

For your convenient stay, I would suggest Downtown Boutique Hostel with its delightful rooms.

Firenze, Italy- contributed by Trisha Agrawal from Try Wandering More

Piazzale Michelangelo is the best place to watch the sunset in Florence. Located on a hill, this famous square provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Arno River and the distant Tuscan hills. As the sun sets, the sky takes on gorgeous deep orange and yellow hues. Seeing Florence’s iconic landmarks bathed in this golden light is breathtaking.

But it’s not only about the views; the square comes alive in the evening because people flock here for sunset. While it does get crowded, seeing the sunset from here is like a celebration with people from around the world. During your visit, don’t forget to walk around the square itself, which has a large bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David along with copies of some of his other works.

While you can take a bus or taxi to reach Piazzale Michelangelo, the best way to get there is to simply walk it, taking in the views along the way!

Barcelona, Spain- contributed by Stephanie from the Bey of Travel

When you’re in Barcelona and the day begins to wind down, head to the Bunkers del Carmel for an unforgettable sunset experience. Perched atop the Turó de la Rovira hill, this spot offers a panoramic view of the city, perfect for sunset lovers seeking both beauty and tranquility.

Note that this spot is completely free to enter and visit. And you will love the sunset here as it offers a warm glow over Barcelona’s iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Família and the glittering Mediterranean Sea. 

The vibe here is laid-back and friendly, with locals and tourists alike gathering to enjoy the spectacle. Bring a picnic, a blanket, and your camera to capture these memorable moments. 

The ascent is a bit of a challenge, but the view is well worth every step. Make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot and soak in the breathtaking sights as day turns to night.

Porto, Portugal- contributed by Mayuri from To Some Place New

The Dom Luis I Bridge in Porto, Portugal, offers an unparalleled sunset viewpoint that should not be missed. This iconic double-decked metal arch bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Douro River below.

During sunset, the bridge transforms into a magical vantage point. The sky paints in orange, pink, and purple hues, reflecting beautifully on the river’s surface. 

Standing on the upper deck, you can watch the sun slowly dip behind Porto’s historic skyline, casting a golden glow over the Ribeira District’s charming medieval buildings.

To make the most of this experience, arrive early to secure a spot and bring along your camera for stunning photographs. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with friends, the Dom Luis I Bridge promises a memorable sunset that encapsulates the enchanting spirit of Porto.

Cascais, Portugal- contributed by Penny Fernandez from the Globe Trove

If you are looking for amazing sunsets then you really can’t go wrong with Portugal. The long coast gives you plenty of opportunities to catch a view but my all time favorite is Cascais. Located very close to Lisbon, this quaint coastal city is ideal for anyone who wants a nice relaxing day in paradise. 

Cascais has a number of gorgeous beaches where you can chill and watch the view. It’s one of the reasons why everyone loves Cascais. The best part is that once the big crowds of tourists have headed out after their day trips, the city is so much quieter. It’s perfect and rather quiet when you want to just enjoy the setting sun. You could even book a room in one of the cool hotels with a view of the bay. If you don’t want to stay here, you can easily just take a day trip from Lisbon. It’s very close by and easy to access.

Bled Lake, Slovenia- contributed by Melissa Kruse from the Mountains & Mahals

Located in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, less than an hour from the capital city of Ljubljana, Lake Bled offers amazing sunsets. It’s where rugged mountains intersect with a turquoise lake to create stunning natural scenery. As the day draws to the end, the sun sinks behind the mountains, casting a glow across the emerald waters and the picturesque island in the middle of the lake. It’s a scene straight out of a fairy tale, making Lake Bled a must visit destination for sunset seekers.

For the best views, head to Bled Castle, up on a cliff overlooking the lake. The castle offers a panoramic view that captures the whole lake, the island, and the surrounding mountains in one frame. As the sun sets, the illuminated castle adds even more romance to the scene. It’s a perfect spot for photography or tranquil reflection as you simply soak in the beauty of nature.Another great viewpoint is the Mala Osojnica hike. This short but steep trail leads to a lookout of the lake, with the island and the mountains centered in the view. It’s a bit of a climb, but the reward is a postcard-perfect sunset.

Athens, Greece- contributed by Nofar Ronen from Travelling Outside the Box

Athens has several hotels and rooftop bars with excellent views of the Acropolis. The sunset with the Acropolis is among the most beautiful sights I’ve seen in Europe.

We stayed at the Athens Center Square Hotel, which has a great view of the Acropolis from its rooftop. We went up to the terrace at sunset to take pictures, and other photographers were there as well.

You can also watch the Acropolis at sunset from the A for Athens Cocktail Bar, located on the hotel’s roof. There’s an indoor cocktail bar and an open terrace bar above it.

Other hotels with Acropolis views include Brown Acropol, Plaka Hotel, and Downtown Athens Lofts – The Acropolis Observatory.

Visiting the Acropolis itself is highly recommended. Arrive early in the morning to avoid queues and large crowds.

Oia, Santorini- contributed by Shweta from Zest In A Tote

The sky spectacle that nature unfolds in the pretty village of Oia is mesmerising. Watching the sunset in Oia is a must for any Santorini Itinerary. Oia is the northernmost village in Santorini. If you are staying in Fira, the capital town, or Imerovigli, another picturesque village, you can take a private taxi or the bus to reach Oia. 

The whole village of Oia looks like a work of art as the houses are carved into the lava rock. The main street made of marble has fancy hotels and restaurants and cute shops lined at both ends. The main street can get very busy in the early evenings. You can visit in the afternoon and have a nice meal at any of the restaurants. Jaw dropping views of the caldera are promised. The sunset in Oia village is world famous so expect crowds. Aim to reach here around 745 PM to enjoy the spectacle for about half an hour or so.

Aphrodite Rock, Cyprus- contributed by Lavina D’Souza from Continent Hop

Cyprus is blessed with a winding coastline, serene beaches, and seaside cliffs, making it a perfect destination for sunset chasers. Here are some popular sunset points that will make for spectacular destinations in your Cyprus itinerary.

Head to the famous Aphrodite’s Rock, where the sun slowly hides behind the rocks while painting the sky in different shades. According to the legend, this is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and fertility. This beach is easy to reach from Lemesos and is on the way to Paphos. Regular buses from Limassol and Paphos take around half an hour to reach Aphrodite’s Rock.

The ruins of Ancient Kourion are another popular sunset viewpoint in Cyprus. Easy to reach from Limasson, these ruins provide a perfect setting for soaking in the sunset. 

The warm Mediterranean climate combined with the leisurely vibes of this island country ensures postcard-perfect evenings every time.

Malaga, Spain- contributed by Noel Morata from Visit Spain And Mediterranean

Most people visiting the Costa del Sol in Spain assume that the best sunset views are over the ocean and coastal areas of Malaga, but in fact the best sunsets you’ll find are at the Old Town section of Malaga city from above. Up in the Alcazaba or fortress overlooking the city, you’ll get spectacular views of the city from above and down to the ocean areas. From this vantage point you’ll see a better sunset compared to the lower elevations where the crowded buildings in the downtown area don’t showcase the end of day in the city and Mediterranean coastline.

Malaga is a spectacular city day to night, but it does come alive later in the day when people are out enjoying the end of day, walking the various promenades and hanging out in the squares of the city.

You’ll be happy that you actually came up later to the Alcazaba later in the day when it is cooler and not as crowded earlier in the day and typically on clear days (which is often), you’ll get magnificent sunset views. The Sunset actually doesn’t set by the coastline ocean areas but to the east of the country, so the views coming down the regional capital is where you want to experience the views from above.

Balcon de Europa, Nerja, Spain- contributed by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling 

If you plan to travel to Costa del Sol and love sunsets, Nerja must be on your list.

This small coastal town is home to the most beautiful viewpoint in the area, called Balcon de Europa. 

From this viewpoint, you will have a fantastic view of the sea and mountains. 

On both sides of the viewpoint, you find two small beaches: Playa Calahonda and Playa El Salón. 

Besides spending time on the beach, you can explore the historic centre.

It has independent shops, restaurants and beautiful narrow streets decorated with flower pots. 

Not far from this viewpoint, you can visit Nerja Caves, famous for their spectacular stalactites.

In addition, Nerja is next to the charming village of Frigiliana, considered one of the prettiest towns in Malaga. 

To get from Malaga to Nerja, you can drive or take a bus from Malaga bus station.

Both options take approximately 1 hour. 

Miraduro de Santa Luzia,Lisbon- contributed by Madison from Madison’s Footsteps

Lisbon has no shortage of stunning viewpoints, but one of the city’s most coveted is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia in the historic Alfama neighborhood. 

A short walk up the Largo São Martinho brings you to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and its sister viewpoint, the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. After arrival, view seekers will be rewarded with panoramic views of Alfama, with its iconic orange-roofed buildings, and the Tagus River. 

The viewing platform itself is covered in Portugal’s iconic blue azulejo tiles and is shaded by a row of trees growing out of the wall/seating area. The Igreja de Santa Luzia Church is found nearby, which happens to be one of the oldest churches in Lisbon dating back to the 12th century. 

For a nearby bite to eat, check out Farol de Santa Luzia for delicious and traditional Portuguese cuisine! 

Praia das Maçãs, Ericeia, Portugal- contributed by Caitlin from The Country Jumper

The coast running from Azóia to Ericeira Portugal is spectacular. It is full of rugged cliffs and windswept beaches. It is unexpected for Portugal. And, facing directly to the west it has some of the most spectacular sunsets. 

I did a two day hike from Azóia to Alvarinhos and spent the night in the middle on Praia das Maçãs. The sun set along the beach was spectacular — even through a somewhat cloudy sky there were deep orange and vibrant yellows. The orange of the sky hits the beach coloring it a deep hue as well. The waves crashing on the shore complete the scene. 

I really do recommend hiking in, or at least going for a bit of a walk along the coast during your stay. But of course just lazing along the beach is a great option as well. 

If you’re in town for dinner I can’t recommend Sal&Xixa SteakHouse strongly enough — you’re in for a treat!

Charles Bridge, Prague- contributed by Parampara from Awara Diaries

A visit to Prague is incomplete without a stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge. Did you know it’s also one of the most breathtaking sunset spots in all of Europe?

The walk across Charles Bridge is a rich sensory experience. Street musicians fill the air with soulful melodies, while local artists set up easels to create live sketches, often drawing tourists in with their skill and charm. Scattered along the bridge are quaint stalls selling a variety of handcrafted souvenirs, perfect for those looking to take a piece of Prague home.

Spanning the Vltava River, this 14^th century historic bridge, connects Prague’s enchanting Old Town to the picturesque Lesser Town. The real magic, however, lies in the view: the Gothic and Baroque architecture of the city, framed against the backdrop of a sky painted in hues of gold and pink as the sun sets.

Having visited Prague four times, I’ve learned that there’s nothing quite like timing your evening walk across Charles Bridge to coincide with sunset. It’s a moment that captures the essence of Prague’s beauty, offering a peaceful yet unforgettable experience.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Iceland- contributed by Jess from Uprooted Traveler

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, found along the southern coastline of Iceland near the teeny fishing of Vik, is known for its dramatic jet black sand, towering cliffs of columnar basalt, and sea stacks jutting out of the Atlantic. With such jaw-dropping scenery, it’s no surprise that its shores offer some of the most dramatic sunsets in all of Iceland! 

One of the best times to visit Reynisfjara is in the summertime, especially around June. Iceland enjoys the famous Midnight Sun during this time period—so while the sky never truly goes dark, golden hour and the sunsets will last for hours and hours. Additionally, this is the best time to see puffins, affectionately referred to as the “clowns of the sea”, which nest along the beach’s dramatic cliffs. 

Reynisfjara is conveniently located along Iceland’s iconic Ring Road, approximately two hours and twenty minutes southeast of Reykjavik. Although Reynisfjara is worth the drive in and of itself, be sure to check out the other cool attractions in Vik, like the Katla Ice Caves or Skool Beans, the cutest coffee shop and micro-roaster that’s housed in a school bus (which also happens to have the cutest resident cat!)

Mount Etna, Italy- contributed by Anita from Anita Beyond The Sea

There are many amazing sunsets you can admire all around Italy, but there are only a few as special as the sunset from Mount Etna’s summit.

Getting on Mount Etna is one of the most incredible experiences (although definitely not for the faint of heart!). The icing on the cake? Taking a guided tour to admire the sunset from the summit.

As the area is dangerous due to the activity of the volcano, you can only enjoy this experience by taking a guided tour. The licensed guide will let you visit Etna’s Northern summit and the surrounding area onboard a powerful 4WD.

On the volcano’s top the view is unmatched at any time of the day, but when the sun goes down the atmosphere gets really magical. The extraterrestrial dark and bare landscape turns red and gold, giving Martian vibes. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that’s a must when visiting Sicily.

Zermatt/Matterhorn, Switzerland- contributed by Michaela from Michaela Carrot

For the best sunset views in Zermatt, head up to Gornergrat. This iconic viewpoint is reachable by a scenic train ride from Zermatt. As the sun sets, the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks glow in hues of orange and pink. The panoramic view is simply breathtaking. You can also enjoy it from Riffelsee.

Alternatively, head to Sunnegga. Easily accessible by funicular, it offers a peaceful spot to watch the sunset. The lake at Sunnegga reflects the Matterhorn perfectly, creating a serene and unforgettable scene.

Lastly, stay in Zermatt village for a more grounded sunset experience. The rooftops and charming streets provide an excellent backdrop as the sun sinks behind the mountains. You can enjoy the view while sipping a drink at one of the many hotel terraces.

Each viewpoint offers its own unique perspective, making Zermatt a true gem for sunset lovers in Europe. Find more information for your perfect Zermatt trip here.

Lugano, Switzerland- contributed by Zoe from Together In Switzerland

For an amazing sunset destination in Switzerland, consider visiting Lugano in the Ticino canton of Switzerland. Located just a 1 hour 15 minute train journey from Milan or a 2 hour train journey from Zurich, Lugano is an easy destination for visiting in the south of the Alps. 

At least a weekend is recommended for visiting Lugano. All year round there are lots to see and do, such as explore the local parks and gardens (like Parco San Michele and Parco Ciani), visit local cafes or a grotto for Ticinese cuisine and even take a dip in the lake for a swim if it’s not too cold.

Where to hike in Lugano

A suggested day hike is to walk the Olive trail from Lugano to Gandria, a quaint but pretty car-free village along the lake side. It’s very photogenic, peaceful and plenty of stops along the way for a drink or rest. Upon return to Lugano, take the public boat back to finish the enjoyable day out. If you time it right, you can enjoy the sunset while sailing back into Lugano. 

Where to watch the sunset in Lugano

There are many more places to watch the sunset in Lugano, such as from Parco Ciani near the city beach area, at the top of Monte Brè, from the benches of Parco San Michele (where you sit with a picnic too) and Monte San Salvatore. These are all reachable by either walking and a local bus from Lugano directly or even a funicular to the two mountain peaks! 

When planning, make sure to check the correct time for the sunset and to counter in that the sun will set behind the mountains. So being in a location before this is ideal. With a few apps, you can also see exactly where the sun will set for the most optimal viewing. 

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