Who hasn't wanted to stop everything for an evening and let nature take its course? That's what the sun offers when, at the end of the day, it slowly sinks to make way for the moon. Far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to witness a sunset is to stop, contemplate the star and watch nature sublimate itself. While the process is always the same, some sunsets are full of surprises, transporting us into a world of their own. Whether in an urban setting or in the heart of nature's breathtaking beauty, here's a roundup of the most beautiful spots to watch the sun kiss the earth.
The Taj Mahal, India
It's impossible to stay in India without visiting the sumptuous Taj Mahal. This splendid white marble mausoleum is one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Every day, it attracts thousands of visitors who come to admire its architecture, which blends elements of Islamic, Indian, Ottoman and Iranian influences. The best time to visit is undoubtedly at dusk. As soon as the sun begins to set, its rays play with the monument's architecture. The patterns of the semi-precious stones inlaid in the white marble intertwine with the reflections of the light. The colors are set free to create an unforgettable, inimitable sunset.
Oia, Greece
Nestled high on the hillside of Santorini, this small Greek village is one of the most spectacular and, above all, romantic places to watch the sunset.Oia is even said to be the most beautiful commune on the island of Santorini. As well as strolling through its maze of alleyways, you can also enjoy a trip to the port to sample fresh fish in a taverna. As evening falls, the island's characteristic white and blue houses take on their most beautiful hues. The sun reflects on the village, before gently dipping into the Aegean Sea. Another great way to enjoy this magical moment is to climb aboard a boat and watch the sun come down and illuminate the village from out at sea.
Tanah Lot temple, Bali
Part of Bali 's charm lies in its many temples, each more sumptuous than the last. On its rocky outcrop, far from the center of the island, Tanah Lot is the guardian of the sea and its spirits. It was built in the 16th century by a Hindu sage by the name of Nirartha. Legend has it that sacred snakes live in the caves dug under the islet by erosion. A late afternoon visit is the best way to enjoy all its riches. Draped in an intriguing aura, the site offers a palette of vivid colors as soon as a ray of sunlight falls on it. The temple is even more enchanting when the waves, cradled by the rays of the setting sun, crash against its walls.
Denver, Colorado
If concrete and sunset don't necessarily go hand in hand, they sometimes manage to complement each other. Full marks to Denver. Commonly known as the Mile High City because of its altitude (1,609 meters), this city offers a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains. When the sun hides behind this range, its rays come to nestle in the skyscrapers of downtown. So once you've wandered through the city center, strolled through the museums, admired the street art in the RiNo district or enjoyed a coffee in one of the city's many cafés, you'll want to find the best spot to witness nature's most wonderful spectacle.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Kenya' sbest-known and most-visitedpark is full of colorful surprises. Famous for its many safaris, this beautiful territory reveals a savannah of stunning scenery, home to a host of wild animals, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras and hippos.the Maasai Mara has a humid climate, giving the sky a variety of colors. Staying until dusk means discovering nature from another angle. The sun, half-hidden behind the clouds, offers travelers an unreal light that invades the entire reserve.
The Maldives
In the middle of the Indian Ocean, this small archipelago can be described as utopian. Its wealth offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and therefore a majestic sunset. Indeed, how can you resist settling down on a magnificent beach of fine white sand at the end of the day after a last swim, as the warm colors of the sun come to rest and intermingle with the clarity of the turquoise water. Watching a sunset in the Maldives is a guarantee of being transported to a parallel, timeless world. In this haven of peace, all is beauty and tranquility, between the gradation of colors in the sky and the gentle sound of waves lapping against the sand.
North Cape, Norway
Sunset is not necessarily synonymous with the tropics and warm temperatures. In the very north of Norway, close to the Arctic Circle, lies this mystical, timeless place where the sun offers travelers a unique spectacle. Admittedly, the sun leaves much to be desired, appearing only occasionally throughout the year, and almost never in winter. But when it does appear, it's to offer a unique spectacle: the midnight sun. This meteorological phenomenon offers the sensation of a prolonged sunset, a unique experience. This extraordinary moment has inspired many Norwegian artists and writers.
Amsterdam
You don't necessarily have to fly several hours to faraway lands to admire a beautiful sunset. Just take the train to Amsterdam. Nicknamed the "Venice of the North" with its many canals, brown-brick buildings and trendy neighborhoods, it's one of Europe's most romantic cities in which to watch the sun set. To make the most of it, stop your bike in the middle of a bridge to see the colors reflected in the canal, or take your sweetheart on a gondola ride to admire the star hiding behind the typical Amsterdam houses.
Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Yes, we know, the sunsets in Sin City (Las Vegas) are a show in themselves. However, moving away from the casino paradise and its mythical hotels offers a much more grandiose spot. Head for Red Rock Canyon, some 20 km west of Vegas. This canyon, adorned with red sandstone walls, is brimming with unsuspected treasures. There's no need to dig too deep to find the first one. Just look up in the evening and admire the intertwining shades of red. Although this park is less well-known than other American national parks such as Monument Valley or Bryce Canyon, the sun also has the power to change the colors of the rocks and enhance the overall panorama.
Stonehenge, United Kingdom
Stonehenge, the finest megalithic monument inEngland and Europe, has been standing on Salisbury Plain for 5,000 years. This enigmatic prehistoric site intrigues archaeologists, astronomers and visitors alike. Astronomical observatory, funerary monument or temple, theories abound about this marvellous complex, and while legend still hovers over its origins, one thing is certain: Stonehenge offers an immense plain of greenery, sublimated at sunset. Its rays gently caress the suspended stones. For the moment to be truly magical, you need to be positioned where you can see the sun appear through one of the arches. breathtaking.
