One of the most moving things you can do is watch the sun rise over a beautiful horizon or set behind it in a burst of color. People from all over the world want to see these golden hours because it’s hard to get good pictures of sunrises and sunsets. These times, whether you’re on a sandy beach, climbing a mountain peak or floating on a desert dune, remind us of how beautiful nature is.
This guide will help you find the best places in the world to watch the sun rise and set. Not only are these beautiful, but they are also known for their golden views. People who travel and people who post on Instagram love these places because of the beautiful skies in Santorini and the rough cliffs in Big Sur. This is the best thing you can use to plan your next trip.
Santorini, Greece
People say that the sunsets in Santorini are the best. Buildings with whitewashed walls and blue-domed churches line the cliffs of Oia. This is a great place to watch the sun set over the Aegean Sea. As people gather on terraces and cobblestone streets, the sky changes color from orange to pink to lavender.
Grand Canyon in the US
The Grand Canyon is beautiful on its own, but seeing the sunrise here is something you’ll never forget. The first rays of light hit the layered rocks in the canyon, making it look like gold and red.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
People who love history and spirituality know that Angkor Wat looks beautiful at sunrise. As the sun rises slowly behind the spires, the temple complex’s shadow in the lotus-filled ponds makes the area feel magical.
Uluru, Australia
After dark, the middle of the Australian Outback looks very different. The sandstone monolith changes from a deep orange to a purple color as the sky in the desert gets brighter.
Mount Haleakalā, Hawaii
People on Maui know Haleakalā National Park as the “house of the sun.” At heights of more than 10,000 feet, people get up before dawn to watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds.
Masai Mara
Imagine how great it would be to see the sun rise over the African savanna while elephants and lions walked by. That’s what makes a safari in the Masai Mara so special. The golden light spreads over acacia trees and endless fields, making it one of the most beautiful sunrises ever.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur’s rough coastline has cliffs that drop into the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most romantic places in the US to watch the sun set. People who travel love the Bixby Creek Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach.
Taj Mahal, India
At dusk, the Taj Mahal shines because the marble surface reflects soft pink and orange colors. It almost feels like a dream near the Yamuna River as the day comes to an end.
Bali, Indonesia
People know Bali for its beach sunsets, when the sky turns red over the waves. People from all over the world go to Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple and Seminyak Beach.
Norway’s Arctic Circle
If you go north of the Arctic Circle in the summer, you’ll see something very strange. The sun never really sets here. At midnight, it stays close to the horizon and bathes fjords and mountains in golden light.
The cliffs of Santorini and the savannas of Kenya are two of the best places in the world to see the sunrise and sunset. They do more than just show you the view, they make you feel things, tell stories and remember things. These golden hours are when nature tells us to slow down and remember how beautiful life is.
Whether you’re going on a fancy honeymoon, an exciting road trip or a solo trip to find yourself, make sure to put at least one of these places on your bucket list. No matter where you are in the world, the sun rising or setting reminds you how happy you are to be alive.