Here’s our guide to the 25 best sunsets in Europe you’re ever likely to see.
We have covered every corner of the continent, seeking out familiar sunset spots and chancing upon a few hidden gems along the way. Many of you will know the Arc de Triomphe in Paris or the Houses of Parliament in London.
And then there is the breathtaking Santorini caldera, an astounding setting for some of the best sunsets we’ve ever had the privilege to witness.
Some of our other European sunset locations may not be as familiar, but are just as worthy of a journey out of your way. Rhossili beach offers up some of the best sunsets in the world, especially in the short nights of late winter.
We also wholeheartedly recommend seeking out some of our other Europe sunset locations, including the Sky Road on the Irish west coast and the remote mountain sanctuary of La Verna in eastern Tuscany.
We show you each location with our own images, describing what you can expect to see and also recommending the best time of year to see a sunset there. We hope seeing these will inspire you to seek some out for yourselves, or suggest others to us. Enjoy!
Most Beautiful And Best Sunsets In Europe
In no particular order….
Arc de Triomphe and Avenue des Champs Élysées Paris
The first time I saw the Arc de Triomphe at sunset, way back in 1982, the hair on the back of my neck stood on end to attention. I never wanted that traffic jam to end – I was captivated then and still am now.
The Arc de Triomphe Paris is part of a vast processional route and vista, stretching from the Louvre, through the Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées, and nowadays all the way to the office towers of La Defense. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in France, an amazing sight when the sun goes down and its lights come on.
Tip: There are plenty of crossings on the Champs-Élysées, and you can stop at any of these to photograph it, even with a tripod.
Best Time Of Year For An Arc de Triomphe Sunset: April to August
Charles Bridge Prague
The Charles Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe, a 14th century stone bridge with Baroque statues along each parapet, with stunning views of Prague at either end of the Bridge.
It’s the setting for some of the best sunsets in Prague, with views of St Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle, and the Baroque domes and towers of the beautiful Mala Strana (Lesser Quarter) district.
The Charles Bridge is often packed with visitors, so the best way to appreciate it at sunset is to climb the Old Town Bridge Tower for an elevated view. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Prague, and you also get a great view of Old Town Prague from the other side of the Tower.
Best Time Of Year For Sunset: Winter Or Spring
Grand Canal Venice From Rialto Bridge
The view from Rialto at sunset is unforgettable. It’s the busiest, and by far the most iconic, of the four bridges over the Grand Canal, and the Grand Canal is packed with boat traffic. Vaporetti – waterbuses – chug into and out from their stops on the quayside, speedy watertaxis zip through any gap, they can find while gondolas gently edge out from between wooden poles into the busy main channel.
It’s one of the best places to watch sunset in Venice, so bag your spot 15-20 minutes before the sun goes down – I tend to go for somewhere near the top of the bridge, but on the San Marco side. And watch it all unfold.
Best Time Of Year For A Rialto Sunset: Winter
See Also: Grand Canal Venice – the most beautiful street in the world
Three Bells of Fira, Santorini
The Three Bells of Fira is an iconic church overlooking the Santorini caldera, and our tip for possibly the best Santorini sunset spot.
It’s a beautifully simple church with a bellcote holding the famous three bells and blue dome topped with a white cross. From there you have a breathtaking view of the caldera and volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasia, with catamarans passing on sunset cruises.
The church is in the village of Firostefani, at the northern end of Fira, the main town on Santorini.
Best Time Of Year For Three Bells Of Fira Sunset – Any time of year, and our images were shot in July.
Oia, Santorini
For many who have seen it, the castle in Oia looks out onto the best sunset in the world. The sunsets in the Greek islands are frequently staggering, an this one, over the curved cave-like houses and white windmills of Oia, is probably the most famous of the lot.
It’s also the most popular, with hundreds cramming into the limited space in the Byzantine Castle every evening. It’s overtourism, everyone gathering in one spot to see the same thing, when there are plenty of great Santorini sunset views elsewhere in the caldera.
That said, the view is utterly stupendous.
Best Time Of Year For An Oia Sunset – April to September
Cape St Vincent, Portugal
The narrow clifftop road from Sagres snakes towards what the Romans believed was the end of the world. This wild corner of the Costa Vicentina, Cape St Vincent, is the south-westernmost point of mainland Europe, and was considered sacred by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who called it Promontorum Sacrum.
There is a sizeable stretch of clifftop land just across from the peninsula on which the lighthouse stands, which opens up the possibility of capturing a sunset throughout the year. And there’s also a van selling the Last Bratwurst Before America.
Best Time Of Year For A Cape St Vincent Sunset – Any time – our image was shot in April
Rhossili and Worm’s Head, Gower Peninsula, Wales
Some years ago I remember reading that Rhossili Bay was voted the seventh best place to watch a sunset in the world. After photographing the sunset image above I walked back up the hill to the pub thinking, ’’If that’s the seventh best, show me the six above!’’
Rhossili is the most famous of the twenty or so Gower beaches along the peninsula to the west of Swansea, the second largest city in Wales. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, magnificent in the cold depths of winter (when this was shot) and in summer (when the best sunset view is the terrace of the Worms Head Hotel on the clifftop).
Just in case you’re wondering what is in the foreground of this photograph, it’s the remains of the Helvetia shipwreck, a Norwegian barque which ran aground on the beach in 1887.
Best Time Of Year For Rhossili Sunset: February-March or late October-early November for the Helvetia.
Houses of Parliament, London
The Houses of Parliament, after several years cloaked in scaffolding, are now restored to their former glory, and it’s wonderful to see Big Ben lit up at night once again.
I remember thinking, when I shot the silhouette image above, that it is one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. The extravagant Victorian Gothic details make it so impressive even in outline, and as it lights up for the magical blue hour, it’s even more wondrous. This silhouette was shot from the South Bank, close to the London Eye.
The first image in this section is shot through the London Eye from the east side of Waterloo Bridge, on a long telephoto lens. It’s not quite the Waterloo Sunset the Kinks sang about in the 1960s – Ray Davies was thinking of a sunset from St Thomas’ Hospital, a few hundred metres up the river – but seeing this image always makes me think of that wonderful song.
Best Time Of Year For These London Sunsets: February or November
Budapest from Cittadella
I’ve always loved photographing Budapest, especially at sunset and dusk. The Danube riverfront is a grand stage where the main elements – the Chain Bridge, Royal Castle (Var), the Hungarian Parliament (Orszaghaz) all look stately and stunning as the sky turns pink and the blue hour begins.
You can see all of this from the Cittadella on Gellert Hill (Gellert hegy), an astonishing panorama with rich dusky colours and twinkly lights. Try to head up there at least once when you visit Budapest to take in the view – and I also recommend taking a Budapest Danube sunset cruise one evening too.
Best Time Of Year For This Budapest Sunset: Spring and summer.
Chania Lighthouse, Crete
The Egyptian lighthouse at the entrance to this gorgeous city’s Venetian harbour is its main symbol. It’s especially beautiful at sunset and dusk, when you can sit at one of many bars on the quayside and watch the sun fade away behind the hills of the Rodopos peninsula. It’s one of the most beautiful sunsets in Greece.
For a very different view of Chania, take a walk along the Harbour Wall towards the lighthouse. Before you reach the lighthouse look back to the old city for a stunning view of it nestling beneath the towering White Mountains (Lefka Ora) that dominate the landscape of western Crete.
Best Time Of Year For A Chania Sunset – Spring or summer
See Also: The 22 Best Things To Do In Chania
Tower Bridge, London
Tower Bridge, one of the most famous London landmarks, this unique bascule and suspension bridge is recognizable the world over. It’s also the setting for one of the best sunsets in London, particularly during the shorter months of the year, with another of the most famous buildings in London, The Shard, in the background.
The best location for a Tower Bridge sunset is a jetty close to St Katharine’s Dock, reachable via the Thames Path.
Best Time Of Year For A Tower Bridge Sunset – October/November or February/March
Falassarna Beach, Crete
Falassarna beach is one of the best beaches in Crete, and one of my personal favourite three beaches in Europe. Hidden away on the remote mountainous north-west coast of Crete, It’s really five beaches in one, from the glorious main sweep of sand to secluded coves hidden by rocks to a family-friendly section with two natural pools each guarded by rocks which makes them a safe place for kids to paddle.
The sunset from Falassarna beach looks incredible from wherever you may be along the 5 km (3 mile) beach. We stayed in the Falasarna Bay Hotel at the northern end, close to the child-friendly rock pools, and this was a wonderful area to watch one of the best sunsets in the Mediterranean Sea every evening.
Best Time Of Year For A Falassarna Sunset – Any time, but bear in mind that the village shuts up shop from the end of October until the beginning of May.
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
The most famous of all Berlin landmarks, the Brandenburger Tor is also one of the best places to see a Berlin sunset. It looks at its best once it’s lit up – usually around sunset – with a hint of red afterglow in the sun behind.
The square on which it stands, Pariser Platz, is pedestrianized, so you have freedom to wander around and choose your angles. I was drawn to the Ampelmännchen, the quirky traffic light men from the days of East Germany, nearby with the silhouette of the Quadriga statue on top of the Gate in the distance.
Best Time Of Year For A Brandenburg Gate Sunset – September through to March
Santa Maria della Salute, Venice
One of several reasons for visiting Venice in winter is that, if the weather’s good it’s one of the best times of year to capture a Venetian sunset. One of the best locations for a Venice sunset is the domed Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, at the San Marco end of the Grand Canal.
This fine Baroque church is one of the most recognizable Venice landmarks, and towards sunset its domes are silhouetted against the evening sky, then the lights are turned on for the final warm glow of the day. It looks great from anywhere between Harry’s Bar on the Vallaresso waterfront to the Riva degli Schiavoni, beyond the Doge’s Palace.
The church also looks stunning if you’re up early enough for a sunrise in Venice.
Best Time Of Year For A Santa Maria Della Salute Sunset – Winter
Duomo, Siena, Tuscany
The Duomo of Siena – the Tuscan city’s stunning Cathedral – looks amazing at sunset, especially in the summer months when the late light shines on the north side of the black and white striped church and medieval houses below. But for a few weeks each year it’s possible to capture a very different Siena sunset.
The Siena Cathedral Museum includes entry to the rooftop of a wall of the unfinished Cathedral – had it not been for the Black Death and lack of funds afterwards, the Duomo would have been far larger than it is now. This part of the Museum is called the Panorama della Facciatone.
From this superb vantage point, you get the stunning silhouette view of the façade of the Duomo and, in the opposite direction, the Piazza del Campo, the main square in Siena. Around the beginning of April, and again in late September and early October, the Museum (and Panorama) closes at 7.30pm, with the sun setting round half a hour before.
Best Time Of Year For This Sunset: Early April or late September and early October.
Newgale, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Newgale is a small seaside village on the St Bride’s Bay coast in Pembrokeshire, in the far west of Wales. It has a stupendous long beach with views west along the cliffs and coves of the coast to St David’s, the smallest city in the UK, and is the setting for one of the best sunsets in Wales.
What makes a Newgale sunset so special is the backdrop, the craggy coastline with its rocky peninsulas and islets, culminating in Ramsey Island, a haven for wildlife a mile off the St David’s Peninsula coast.
Best Time Of Year For This Sunset: March and September are optimum, but it would look pretty spectacular in the summer months too.
See Also: Pembrokeshire Road Trip – 5 Days In Gorgeous West Wales
Alhambra, Granada, Spain
The splendid Alhambra palace complex in Granada, one of the most famous Spanish landmarks, is breathtaking at sunset, with the sun setting on the buildings, turning them a rich orange colour.
The best spot from which you can view it is the Mirador San Nicolas, a viewpoint across the valley in the Albaicin district of the city. It’s a wonderful sight at any time of year, but looks that extra bit magical when there is a dusting of snow on the Sierra Nevada mountains which you can usually see behind the Alhambra.
Best Time Of Year For This Alhambra Sunset – March-April or September-October
St Paul’s Cathedral London
One of the two greatest churches in London, Sir Christopher Wren’s St Paul’s Cathedral still dominates part of the City of London 300 years after its completion. It looks magnificent from across the Thames, especially from around the Millennium Bridge, but the best sunset view of St Paul’s is from a rooftop just across the street from its east end.
The One New Change shopping centre has a rooftop bar and large viewing terrace from which you have a close-up view of the famous dome of the Cathedral. It’s also free to visit.
Best Time Of Year For This St Paul’s Cathedral Sunset – March or September are optimum, but it will look pretty spectacular any time there is a clear sunset.
Pont des Arts Paris
The Pont des Arts is one of the most famous Paris bridges, a graceful metal construction linking the Louvreon the right bank with the domed Institut de France on the left. Its setting and elegance make it one of the most romantic bridges in Paris, and it looks at its best around sunset.
There are several places to view it from, including a Seine sunset river cruise and, on terra firma, the Square du Vert Galant, a sublime small park at the end of the Ile de la Cite. I also recommend seeing it from the right bank, from which you also get one of the best Eiffel Tower views in the city. It’s also worth seeing it a short while before sunset, with the late low light on the bridge and the twin towers of Notre Dame in the distance.
Best Time Of Year For The Pont des Arts Sunset – Spring and summer
Frauenkirche and Dresden Skyline, Germany
My son and I visited Dresden on a day trip from Prague in unusual circumstances, with lights on many famous landmarks in Germany turned off at night to save energy over the winter of 2022-23.
This didn’t affect the stunning Frauenkirche, Dresden’s iconic Baroque church, which glows in the late evening light. However, when we crossed the Elbe to see the famous Dresden skyline, we knew the buildings would be left in a slightly disconcerting darkness. Hopefully the lights will be back on again soon.
Best Time Of Year For Dresden Sunset – Winter
Brno From The Old Town Hall Tower
The capital of Moravia and second city of the Czech Republic, Brno is a gorgeous city, one of the hidden gems and most underrated cities in Europe. While staying nearby, we visited the Brno Christmas Market and found out about this superb vantage point over the historic old town.
The view from the gallery is breathtaking, with the dramatic Gothic spires on one side, and the Baroque towers of St Michael’s Church and the Spilberk, Brno’s Castle on the other. A wonderful surprise.
Best Time Of Year For This Brno Sunset: Winter
Ortigia, Syracuse, Sicily
Ortigia is the ancient island core of the Sicilian city of Syracuse (Siracusa), and this far south in the Tyrrhenian Sea you’re normally going to get a good share of sunsets. There are some great views from along the lungomare, the road around the coast of the island, with the views of the boats in the Marina among the best.
After watching the sun go most of the way down, head to Piazza del Duomo, the main square on the island and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It’s a magical place to spend an evening, watching the light change on the Baroque façade of the Cathedral before it’s lit magnificently.
Best Time Of Year For This Ortigia Sunset – Any time between April and October
Sky Road, Clifden, Ireland
Driving the Sky Road, a 10-mile scenic road near the village of Clifden, is one of the best things to do in Connemara, on the windswept west coast of Ireland.
The coast is a mixture of fingers of land with isolated farmhouses and islands and islets stretching away as far as you can see to the west. It’s beautiful in any weather, but if you happen to be there in sunny weather, drive to the highest point of the Sky Road and take it all in.
Best Time Of Year for A Sky Road Sunset – Spring or summer
Ponte Vecchio, Florence
One of the most famous bridges in Italy, the Ponte Vecchio spans the Arno, with jewellery and craft shops either side. From wherever you look at it, it is a street above the water, and a distinct oultline when you view it from a distance.
If you plan on photographing Florence you’ll almost certainly head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset and dusk. The sun slowly sinks over the horizon to the west, leaving the Ponte Vecchio in silhouette, then lit up against the glowing evening sky. The silhouettes of the other bridges over the Arno add to the drama of the scene.
See Also: 50 Famous Landmarks In Italy For Your Bucket List
La Verna, Tuscany
We found out about the Sanctuary of La Verna thanks to a chance conversation while visiting a vineyard one morning, setting us off on a winding two-hour trip through the hills and forests of eastern Tuscany to this monastery where St Francis of Assisi is said to have received the stigmata (the crucifixion wounds of Christ) while staying there in 1224.
The hilltop site, near the town of Chiusi La Verna, is extraordinary, and one of the best Tuscany hidden gems. A tall wooden cross close to the church stands in silhouette against the backdrop of the hills of the Casentino Forest, a magnificent sight you’d seldom share with many.
Best Time Of Year For This Sunset: Spring or Autumn
David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times. David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.