Heart-stirring Moments – Best Places to Watch the Sunset Around the World

 

Text & Photography / Li Xinyi, MOOK Travel Life Network | Provided by Moleskine Editorial Office

 

A cup of coffee, a gentle breeze, holding your breath as you wait for the beautiful sunset — we’ve all experienced that feeling of happiness. Maybe you’re in Greece, waiting for the romance of the Aegean Sea, or in Australia, feeling the mysterious power of Uluru. Or on the Empire State Building in New York, overlooking the never-ending vibrancy of the world’s metropolis at sunset... This article by the MOOK Travel Life editorial team selects some of the best places to watch the sunset. Let’s revisit those happy travel moments together.

 

1. Oia, Greece

Located at the northern tip of Santorini, Oia is the second most famous town on the island after Fira. Oia is best known for its seaside sunsets, claimed to be the most beautiful in the world. At sunset time, large crowds of tourists flock to the small town just to witness the stunning “sunset over the Aegean.” Outside of the sunset hours, Oia is a laid-back town, and its cave houses carved into the cliffs are stacked along the mountainside. Strolling along the winding staircases offers the best way to experience the unique charm of Oia.

 

2. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia

When you get up close to Uluru, it’s not just the awe-inspiring sight of its 9.4-kilometer circumference and 348-meter height that captivates you — the orange-red curves visible from every angle also enchant you. Whether at dawn or dusk, Uluru seems to radiate an incredible energy at all times. Perhaps, as believed by the Anangu people, the spirits of their ancestors have lived here for tens of thousands of years, guarding this sacred stone of life day and night.

 

There are sunset tours to Uluru available, which are the most basic and relaxing option. You can sit on a small chair, sip a drink, and leisurely await the sunset. Within the short span of 30 minutes during the sunset, Uluru changes every second — shifting from its original red to various shades of bright orange, until the sun fades and the dimmed Uluru retreats into darkness in deep purple.

 

3. Empire State Building, New York, USA

Most people have seen the Empire State Building in movies long before they actually step onto its marble lobby. Depending on your age, you might have seen it in *King Kong* or *Sleepless in Seattle*. More than 100 films have been shot at this building, and its fame attracts nearly 4 million visitors every year who come to relive the thrilling scenes from the movies.

 

The Empire State Building was completed during the skyscraper boom of the 1920s and 1930s in New York. Its observation decks are located on the 86th and 102nd floors. The 86th floor is more thrilling as it’s an open-air platform, while the 102nd floor has glass enclosures. The best viewing times are in the morning and at dusk, when the sun is just on the horizon, offering spectacular views of the sky.

 

4. Nathon Pier, Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui, a renowned resort island in Thailand, has long been a favorite holiday destination for Westerners. The island’s unique scenery has attracted many celebrity footballers to build villas here, such as soccer star David Beckham. The best place to watch the sunset on Koh Samui is along the shore near Nathon Pier. As the sun slowly sets, photographers often stake out their spots early. The golden-orange light reflecting off the sea and the wetlands where seabirds forage creates a captivating tropical island scene.