To watch a beautiful sunset is to have a borderline spiritual experience. We’re all sun worshippers at heart—minus the dancing and animal sacrifices, of course—whether we’re viewing it from our kitchen window, a neighborhood bench, or the beach.
Just as an ornate basilica can feel like it elevates the experience of your average chapel, solemn sunset worship finds its element when reflecting off the most majestic seas and kingly canyons. But where can you find prime seating for this grand theatre in the sky? We’ve polled our Twitter community for their favorite sunsets from around the world, some situated in volcanic vistas of Europe and spots truly Biblical in their proportions. Unofficial sun worship is in! Feel free to share your most memorable sunset scenery moments in the comments.
1. Santorini, Greece
Photo courtesy of Lethicote (cc)
Volcanoes don’t seem to erupt with geographical design in mind, but without their handiwork in Greece, we’d lose the gorgeous views provided by Santorini, the small group of islands that provide a sunset roundly understood to stand as one of the most picturesque you’ll ever see. The charming white architecture of the archipelago and the breathtaking cliffs give way to spectacular promontory viewings during a sunset (as traveler katemay3 was fortunate to experience).
2. The Dead Sea
Photo courtesy of Jane Gribbon (cc)
Just because the sea’s lifeless doesn’t mean the sunset is. In fact, the tranquility of the water’s surface lends a portrait quality to most shots taken of the Dead Sea. The sunlight here deserves some respect, too; its power is shielded due to the site’s position so far below sea level. In other words, you can sit in front of the sun for hours without a wicked sunburn, which has led some to believe the Dead Sea sun has healing properties since way back in its Biblical days. Twitter traveler @jhaywardbenzal enjoyed her view from Jordan looking out over the West Bank. The Dead Sea can be reached easily in Jordan by taking a bus from Amman, and you’re also afforded nice views from the Israel side by taking a one-hour bus from Jerusalem. (Hat tip to reader Tessa for the recommendation.)
