Sunrises and sunsets hold a unique allure for humans due to their ephemeral beauty and symbolic significance. These daily transitions between light and darkness evoke wonder and contemplation.
Sunrises signify new beginnings, offering hope and optimism for the day ahead, while sunsets mark endings and reflection, prompting a sense of gratitude and introspection. Their consistent yet ever-changing nature ties into our innate connection with the natural world, reminding us of nature’s artistry.
But where in the world can you find the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises? That was the challenge set by researchers from HawaiianIslands.com. And they found the answer on TripAdvisor.
They trawled through thousands of TripAdvisor reviews, then compiled a list of beaches based on the number of times each mentioned “sunrise” or “sunset.”
Here’s a look at the final results.
The best beach in the world to watch the sunrise
Kanyakumari Beach in India is the best beach in the world to see the sunrise. Nearly 1 out of 4 sunrise-related TripAdvisor reviewers mentioned this idyllic spot.
Kanyakumari Beach is a popular tourist destination located at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. It sits where the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and Arabian Sea converge, offering spectacular views of the sun rising over the waters.
The best beach in the world for sunsets
When it comes to the world’s greatest sunset, Mindil Beach in Australia is the spot. That’s the verdict according to TripAdvisor mentions.
And there’s much more to this beach than just sunsets. Mindil Beach is also famous for its vibrant atmosphere, multicultural vibe, and the famous Beach Sunset Market.
The best beach in the USA for sunsets:
Florida has lived up to its name as the Sunshine State. All three of the best beaches for sunsets in the USA are located in Florida. They are Fort Island Gulf Beach, Bean Point, and South Marco Beach.
Florida’s Captiva Beach also made it into the top 10 list of best US beaches for sunrises. Captiva Beach is a picturesque and popular destination on Captiva Island, one of the barrier islands along the southwest coast of Florida, USA. It’s known for its stunning white sand beaches, clear blue waters, relaxed atmosphere, and, of course, stunning sunset views.
Europe’s number 1 sunrise spot
Fellsfjara in Iceland had the most sunrise mentions from travellers exploring the European continent. Anyone lucky enough to see the light across this stunning beach will know why.
Set against black volcanic sands, the sunrise in Fellsfjara casts vibrant hues across the sea and sky, while unpredictable weather creates dynamic lighting, attracting photographers and nature enthusiasts. Witnessing the sunrise over Fellsfjara is a truly mesmerising experience.
The best of the rest
Arpoador Beach in Rio de Janeiro is one of Brazil’s four entries into South America’s top sunset and sunrise beaches. The sunsets here are so amazing that crowds will often applaud them.
Nungwi Beach in Tanzania is the TripAdvisor hotspot if you want to see the best sunsets in Africa. One happy traveller describes the sunset vista here as “truly glorious, akin to a life-changing spiritual experience.”
Sunsets and sunrises hold a special place in the human heart. Let’s leave the final words to author and philosopher Umair Siddiqui: “May every sunrise hold more promise and every sunset hold more peace…”