As the bright and vivid yellow light begins to fade over the horizon, slowly dimming and becoming a sombre orange glow, darkness descends across the land, signalling the end of the day.

The flora close and the fauna sleep, the stars dimly twinkle in the sky and the moon casts a pale light over the world. The eve of twilight, the sunset, can be a beautiful thing to watch, but where in the world do you find the best places to watch them?

Best places to watch the sunset: Finland

Finland. Photo by Annie Griffiths
Finland. Photo by Annie Griffiths

Finland is the land of the midnight sun, and during summer nature provides 24 hours of sunlight, giving you one of the longest sunsets to watch in the world. But the drawback here is the lack of sun during winter, when the cold harsh days and nights bring no warmth, nor light. For the extended time you are allowed to view a magnificent sunset and bask in its warmth, the longer nights also invite the cold and darkness.

Flint Hills, Kansas State, US

Flint Hills, Kansas State, US. Photo by Lana Lind via Pinterest
Flint Hills, Kansas State, US. Photo by Lana Lind via Pinterest

Historically known as Bluestem Pastures or Blue Stem Hills, the region in southeast Kansas lends its name from the abundant flint eroded from the underground bedrock that lies near the surface. The vibrant colourful grasslands and fields full of wheat and sunflowers add emphasis to the fading sunlight as it touches the flora and slowly draws back as a curtain of pale moonlight overtakes the Flint Hills.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia. Photo by Aaron Huey
French Polynesia. Photo by Aaron Huey

From the balcony of your villa, along one of the many jetties or on the warm sandy beaches, in seclusion and peace you can watch the sun fade over the horizon, as the colour of the ocean shifts from a deep blue to various shades of orange, yellow or even pink, before setting for the day. The coral and wildlife are not as easily seen skimming underneath the water at night as during the day. The tiki torches begin to light and burn to try and retain the warmth of the island as the night cools down and unwinds.

Kingdom of Cambodia

Kingdom of Cambodia. Photo by Annie Griffiths
Kingdom of Cambodia. Photo by Annie Griffiths

One of the greatest views you could experience is a sunset over the fabled Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia, a symbol of pride for the nation. Watch the sun slowly descend over the temples peaks and watching its parchment coloured reflection on the waters of the nearby lake, it doesn’t get much better than this.

 Phoenix Islands

Phoenix Islands, the Republic of Kiribati
Phoenix Islands, the Republic of Kiribati

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean lie the Phoenix Islands, eight atolls and two submerged coral reefs east of the Gilbert Islands. The group of islands is uninhabited except for a few families on Kanton, so you’re sure to enjoy peace and quiet with a lack of tourism here. For miles across the horizon you’ll find only water, giving you the greatest view from sun-up to sun-down.

San Esteban

San Esteben, the Gulf of California, Mexico
San Esteban, the Gulf of California, Mexico

A small island in the Gulf of California, Mexico, from the shores where the weather is warm and the heat is dry, you’ll find an orange sunset that slowly descends into the ocean and the cold-blooded wildlife that came out to soak up the heat disappear. A primarily arid desert and grassland island, San Esteban is a very heated area and rain falls only seasonally, making the sunset views a lot clearer and undisturbed, perfect for any professional or amateur photographer.

Santorini Island

Santorini island, Greece. Photo by Hy Lạp
Santorini island, Greece. Photo by Hy Lạp

Holiday destination resort or beachside view, Santorini has some of the most amazing sunset views you can find anywhere. The whitewashed walls and Cliffside views offer a unique and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the sunset view from the poolside its one you’re sure not to miss. As the sun sets the nightlife begins and there’s plenty to do and see even after the sun goes down, so never think for a minute that the adventure ends once the light leaves.