5 must-visit destinations to admire an exceptional sunset

I could have easily described the sunsets over Taormina, the Grand Canyon, or Santorini, yet I changed my mind. Indeed, let me introduce you to my favorites: the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, the Jatiluwih rice terraces in Indonesia, the Atacama Desert in Chile, Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, and then the resurrected Dubrovnik. I associate them with fleeting moments; each time I was captivated by the beauty of these places. Moreover, I have often wondered what draws me to this natural phenomenon. Perhaps the cosmos reminds us of itself when the sun sets and we then feel as if we are an integral part of it... 
 

Some climb to the 16th floor of the DTLA skyscraper and enjoy an impeccable panorama of the city at the Perch restaurant on Hill Street. As for me, I will take you to the Hollywood hills to witness an extraordinary sunset. At Griffith Park, which overlooks the city of angels, you will recall the scenes from Rebel Without a Cause. Just above you stands a building topped with a dome; it's an observatory dating back to 1935. The industrialist who commissioned its construction wanted it to be the “Californian gateway to the cosmos.” At the foot of the telescope, you will inevitably be drawn to the panorama unfolding before you: Downtown Los Angeles. The sprawling city twinkles with a thousand lights as in Wim Wenders' film Paris Texas. But you can also see the Pacific Ocean and, of course, the white capital letters of the Hollywood studios.

What if you embarked on a scooter ride from Ubud to a wonderful photo spot? You might say that these are plentiful across the archipelago, just like Kanawa Island. 

You wouldn't be entirely wrong, but the one I've selected spans over 600 hectares! In fact, the translation of the place's name would be "true beauty." I'm talking about traditional terraced rice paddies offering three rice harvests thanks to perfectly managed and equitable water management. How can one convey the enchanting beauty of the site at dusk? It's as if the rice fields mimic waves with their rounded shape and seem to pour down from the peaks onto the mountain sides. The colors vary from the dawn yellow of the sky, to the pink of the mountains, and to the tender green of the terraces. The site has another attraction; you can dine there while the sun sets. Warung J. 259 indeed offers local cuisine and especially an excellent panorama, a very popular spot in Indonesia.

The Valley of the Moon in Chile is enchanting by day and by night. Come admire the Cordillera about 13 km from San Pedro. The salt covering its contours, its cracked soil, its colors ranging from ocher to purplish pink… Equipped with a map, you drive to Duna Mayor to take a sensational snapshot. The landscape is sometimes lunar, sometimes worthy of the planet Mars. At the end of a short walk, you reach the Achaches viewpoint, recognizable by its white-striped flanks. The poses from these mounds will make you feel on top of the world! You stop at the amphitheater, however, leave the 3 Marias behind you, a spot that is too popular. Finally, head towards the coyote viewpoint, you will see that the sunset will take your breath away. Like Mt. Fuji, the peaks are incandescent; the garnet-red cliffs, the fiery sky…

Both a monolith and an inselberg, the granite mount standing at 396m offers a stunning viewpoint over Guanabara Bay, the city of Rio de Janeiro, and the Christ the Redeemer. 

In clear weather, one can even see Niteroi and the Atlantic. It goes without saying that this is a prime spot for watching a sunset. However, if you are not keen on crowds, there is an alternative in Niteroi itself. From the Cidade park, you have a plunging view over Rio. At dusk, the sky is saturated with light, the colors shift from golden yellow to orange. You can then head to the paradisiacal beach of Itacoatiara. More secluded than that of Ipanema, it is no less magical.

Visitors often feel an immediate love at first sight for this essential destination in Croatia..
If the city was heavily shelled during the Yugoslav war, it has been restored to its former glory and even seems to have regained its old patina. On this note, some iconic scenes of Game of Thrones were filmed here, and aficionados will easily recognize the filming locations. You wander through its alleys and dine in outdoor taverns. Dubrovnik boasts a port, a fort, and city walls. In Dubrovnik, you cannot miss the tour of the city walls. You can start your walk from the Franciscan Monastery, the Onofrio's Fountain, Luza Square… Be aware that the sun sets early here. Now, which spot to choose to enjoy a magnificent sunset? I would personally recommend Buza bar located on the city walls. Come here in the afternoon and from the rocks it backs onto, you can take a plunge!  Then, sipping a cocktail, you will experience precious moments as the sun sets.  

I am certain that if you have lived on the coast, you are familiar with this term. However, have you ever observed it? I am sharing some tips to increase your chances... To catch a glimpse of the green ray, certain conditions must be met. Firstly, the sky must be clear and unobstructed like in summer. High-pressure systems facilitate its presence since they increase the density of the air. Furthermore, you have a better chance of catching one when the horizon line is far away. At that moment, the rays travel a long distance through the atmosphere before reaching you. Finally, choose a location at low altitude. Therefore, the ocean seems the most conducive place to see a green ray. Some start their observation sitting on the sand and then slowly rise as it appears in order not to be dazzled...

Author: Gretel Tamalet

Photo Credits: Adobe Stock - Angel