21 Amazing Destinations To See The Sunset In Europe

There are some amazing destinations to see the sunset in Europe.

I’ve witnessed some stunning sunsets over the past 20 years that have left me breathless and awe-struck.

Some of the destinations on this list won’t surprise you.

But I’m guessing some will.

So let’s talk about beautiful sunsets.

And look at some gorgeous pics.

Greece

Oia • Island of Santorini

This one is one of those “of course this is an amazing destination to see the sunset in Europe”.

A definite no-brainer!

I specifically chose the village of Oia because it sits at the north end of the island and you can actually see the sun sink into the Aegean Sea from parts of the village.

The sun setting into the Aegean Sea?

Breathtaking!

Stoupa • Mani Peninsula

This town definitely came to be a favorite of mine.

Stoupa is a wonderful seaside town with some nice tourist amenities.

And it’s one of the best destinations to see the sunset in Europe — and not spend as much money as you would on the above destination.

There’s an awesome bar called Enigma that makes a fabulous spot to have a drink and watch the sun sink into the Mediterranean Sea.

And if you want to watch the glowing light on the mountains to the East, you can do that too from Stoupa Beach or Kalogria Beach just north of the town.

Just spectacular!

Turkey

Bozburun • near Marmaris

Talk about gorgeous destinations to see the sunset in Europe!

So technically this may be on the Asian continent, but Turkey is also technically a European country.

So I’m adding it.

This little village has a magnificent location, tucked into a cove.

And from the gorgeous hotel of Karia Bel, you’ll witness some of the most dazzling sunsets.

Italy

Montepulciano • Tuscany

Tuscany, in general, is a sensational destination to see the sunset in Europe.

But I’d choose the hill town of Montepulciano with its spot overlooking the hills.

I watched as the sun sank low over the hills, bathing everything in a golden hue.

It’s one of my favorite memories of my visits to Tuscany.

Valpolicella Wine Region • Veneto

There’s nothing like seeing the sunset over the grapevines, is there?

Ok.

Maybe that’s just me.

One of my favorite destinations to see the sunset in Europe is also one of my favorite wine destinations — the Valpolicella vineyards of the Veneto region.

I’ve seen some sunsets over my visits but it was really that first time that is my fondest memory.

I walked up the hill overlooking the village of Fumane and was rewarded with incredible views.

Castelrotto/Siusi • Südtirol

From the town of Castelrotto or the town of Siusi, you’ll find some awesome spots to watch the sun go down.

I’ve seen breathtaking sunsets from Castelrotto.

And I’ve seen astonishing sunsets from the settlement of San Valentino just above the village of Siusi.

This is one of the best destinations to see the sunset in Europe — especially for mountain lovers.

Alpe di Siusi • Südtirol

One of my dreams was to see the sun setting in the gorgeous Alpe di Siusi.

And I made that dream a reality in June 2023 by staying at Paradiso Pure in the Alpe di Siusi.

I remember seeing my first sunset, watching the pink-red light on the Sasso Lungo and Sasso Piatto.

*Sigh*

Then seeing the pink glow in the sky by the Sciliar.

I loved it so much I returned in September 2024 for more gorgeous sunsets.

Alpe di Siusi is a fabulous destination to see the sunset in Europe.

San Vigilio di Marebbe • Südtirol

Yet another spot in Südtirol to capture the sunset.

And another of my favorite sunset locations is San Vigilio di Marebbe.

I definitely observed a few lovely sunsets on my visits to this charming mountain village.

Watching the sunlight saturate the craggy Dolomite peaks and the village never gets old.

Especially from Hotel Olympia, which is my recommendation.

Pure bliss!

Sennes Hut • Fanes-Sennes-Braies Dolomite Park • Südtirol

When I decided to stay in Senes Hut in Fanes-Senes-Braies Dolomite Park in June 2019, one of the things I was looking forward to was witnessing the sunset.

And I was not disappointed.

This hut, rifugio, is surrounded by some of the most impressive Dolomite peaks — some of which are in the park and some which are in neighboring parks.

As the sun set across these jagged peaks I went bonkers with my camera — snapping so many photos.

And yes, I slowed down and drank it all in too.

The quiet of the mountains at this time of day and the beauty of a Dolomite sunset is a memory that sticks with me — always!

This is one of the most amazing destinations to see the sunset in Europe.

Period.

Langhe wine region • Piedmont

Watching the sun go down across rolling hills lined with vineyards is awesome.

So the Langhe region — where they make the king of wines, Barolo — is one of the best destinations to see the sunset in Europe.

You can find a spot in one of the hill towns or make a drive on one of the rural roads and find a pull off.

I found a nice spot along a road above the vines where I could pull off and snap some pics.

Simply stunning!

Croatia

Rovinj • Istria

One of the most perfect destinations to see the sunset in Europe has to be Rovinj Croatia.

Its position along the Adriatic Sea and facing west make it an ideal spot for sunset viewing.

I highly recommend Puntulina for a drink, maybe even a meal and a beautiful sunset.

Just find a seat, order a nice glass of Croatian wine and relax as the sun sinks into the Adriatic Sea.

Just perfect!

Austria

Maria Alm area • Hochkönig • Salzburg Region

A superb destination to see the sunset in Europe in Austria is the Hochkönig area.

I just love this mountainous part of the Salzburg region.

And the sunsets here?

Ah-may-zing!

There are a few small towns and villages in the area.

But it’s really all about the mountains, hills, valleys and forests.

And it’s about watching golden light hit the Austrian Alps after a day playing in the beautiful nature.

Germany

Krün • Bavaria

There are some amazing destinations to see the sunset in Europe that involve mountains — as you can see from this post.

And we’d be missing out if we didn’t include the Bavarian Alps.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t have the best of weather on a recent trip to this area.

But I did get a few nice days.

And on those beautiful evenings, I was treated to some stunning sunsets.

The awesome part was that I was with friends so I got to share the magnificent light hitting the peaks with them.

Specifically, we stayed in the village of Krün which I highly recommend.

Because it sits in a valley, we were able to see the mountains in the distance and watch as the sun covered them in those pink, red, golden hues.

Just stunning!

Switzerland

Lake Geneva

Lake + mountains = gorgeous sunset

This is what you get in so many different spots along Lake Geneva.

I’ve seen a couple of sunsets over this lake and the Alps beyond.

The first time was near Lausanne and it was just stunning.

Most recently, I was staying with a friend who lives in St Cergue and we caught the beautiful light as we drove down toward Nyon.

Lake Geneva is an awesome destination to see the sunset in Europe.

England

Ambleside • Lake District

The Lake District of England, a national park, is a beautiful destination.

Period.

Add in a sunset and I’d call it a spectacular!

I had an ideal location in a holiday apartment just above the town of Ambleside, facing west.

So I was able to see some colorful sunsets.

Don’t discount sunsets in small towns and nature parks!

Wales

Rhosneigr • Anglesey

More than likely you probably don’t think about destinations in the United Kingdom or Ireland when I say amazing destinations to see the sunset in Europe.

But…

Maybe you should.

Yes, the weather is not always as good.

However this means when you do get a good sunset, it’s really good.

One of my favorite spots is Rhosneigr in the Anglesey region of northern Wales.

It’s a little resort town that is known among the English and Welsh.

There’s a wonderful rocky beach that faces west.

So on a lovely day, you can enjoy a stunning sunset over the sea.

Scotland

Fort William • Highlands

Back in 2021, I spent 2 months in Fort William — early November to early January.

Yup.

I was there during short days and crazy weather.

The great thing about the short days and crazy weather is that it made for some interesting light — all day long really.

But boy, did I witness some magnificent sunsets across Loch Linnhe.

Seriously.

Check out the photos.

Fort William is a superb destination to see the sunset in Europe — mountains and loch!

Strontian • Highlands

Let’s go to Strontian for more mountains and loch sunsets.

As the crow flies, Strontian is not far from Fort William.

But it’s a world away as it’s all single track roads and sparsely populated.

Situated along Loch Sunart, this is one of those hidden destinations to see the sunset in Europe.

It’s also an excellent place to soak in the  amazing nature of Scotland.

Big Sand at Gairloch • North Highlands

Just outside the wee village of Gairloch you’ll find the settlement of Big Sand.

It’s just a smattering of houses and the Sands Camping and Caravan park.

And a delightful beach.

Now, the beach disappears at high tide.

But as the tide rolls out, then the beach — Big Sand — appears.

It’s a fabulous area to drink in the sunset.

And another of those hidden destinations to see the sunset in Europe.

Luskentyre Beach • Isle of Lewis & Harris

OMG!

I love Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris — the southern piece of the Isle of Lewis & Harris.

This is one of the most exquisite beaches in all of Scotland.

So when you add in a colorful sunset, well, it’s just wow!

I can’t recommend Luskentyre enough.

It’s not off the tourist track.

But it is still special!

And it’s definitely one of the most gorgeous destinations to see the sunset in Europe.

Ireland

Kilkee • County Clare

Our final stop is in Ireland.

To me one of the best places to see the sunset in Europe is along the west coast of Ireland — if you get good weather.

And my favorite spot is one that’s a bit under the radar for North Americans — Kilkee.

Located in the southern part of County Clare (where the Cliffs of Moher are), this resort town boasts a lovely beach.

And I caught a stunning sunset here in 2010 as I traveled through Ireland with my parents.

The clouds created some magnificent light and patterns.

Just gorgeous!

So there is my long list of amazing destinations to see the sunset in Europe.

There are so many fantastic places all over the world to watch the sunset.

Or a sunrise, for that matter.

But sunsets are special.

Especially as you travel.

You’ve probably been out exploring for the day, taking in new sights, sounds, tastes.

And then you cap it off with a beautiful sunset.

It makes your travels that much more special and memorable, doesn’t it?

What is one of your favorite destinations to see the sunset?

Drop ‘em in the comments below!

 

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