Key Takeaways
- The village of Oia in Santorini is particularly renowned for its vantage points, where you can admire a sunset in Greece and see the sun descending into the Aegean Sea amidst a stunning backdrop.
- The windmills of Mykonos, located in the neighborhood of Chora, are an iconic landmark and a popular spot to enjoy the sunset.
- Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its ancient monasteries and rugged landscapes, where a glorious sunset creates an ethereal and spiritual experience.
- The beauty of a sunset can vary depending on weather conditions and the time of year, so check the local weather forecast and plan your visit accordingly.
Greece is perhaps one of the best places for sunset lovers, offering a plethora of idyllic locations to choose from and enjoy this magical time of the day.
It's time to get over your jetlag and get accustomed to the local time to enjoy amazing sunsets to the fullest! Come with us on this "trip" to show you what we think to be the best places to catch the sunset in Greece.
Without a doubt, gazing at the sunset moves everyone. The explosion of colors vividly painting the skies with all sorts of hues and tones is an experience people repeatedly seek to live at every chance.
Now, to that picture, add deep blue seas, unique natural monuments, and tempting beaches, and you have a sunset in Greece, a sight that every sunset hunter must experience. Here is a short list of the must-visit sunset spots in Greece, carefully selected for you.
Balos – Western Crete
If you find yourselves on the island of Crete this summer, do not miss the chance to visit Balos Lagoon, one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete.
After your full-day trip to get to Balos, have a bite at a nearby traditional taverna and wait for the sunset. What you are going to see will definitely compensate you for any inconvenience.
The sun sets behind the small peninsula of Tigani and paints the sky with all sorts of colors as it dives into the Cretan sea. This background is ideal for you to have a last swim in the cooling waters of the lagoon and lay on the long pinkish beaches of Balos.
Especially if you’re visiting Crete on your honeymoon, sunset watching in Balos should be at the top of your Greek itinerary.
Lindos – Rhodes
For those who chose Rhodes as their summer destination in Greece, the impressive Acropolis of Lindos is perhaps the best spot to catch the perfect sunset.
Visit the site of the Acropolis earlier and wander around the impressive ruins of the Greek castle, coming from different periods, reflecting the vast history of the island.
Visit the temple of Lindian Athena, see from up close the huge relief of a trireme (warship) dated in the 2nd century BC, and admire the Hellenistic walls of the sanctuary and the Castle of the Knights of St. John.
Do not miss the chance to enjoy the perfect sunset through the standing columns of the Hellenistic Stoa.
Sounio - Attica
Ruins οf the temple of Poseidon in Sounio, Athens, Greece - credits: sborisov/Depositphotos.com
At the southernmost point of the Attica region, Sounio stands as an emblematic Greek ruin that every visitor to Athens must attend.
Just an hour away from the city center, Sounio hosts the majestic classical Temple of Poseidon, climbed on top of the hill and brutally beaten by the waves of the Aegean Sea, which is a sight of beauty.
The place where according to ancient Greek Mythology, Aegeus fell mistakenly, mourning the death of his son Theseus is one of the must-go destinations for every sunset-lover. It is always included in every Athens travel guide.
Relax on the grounds of Poseidon’s temple or have a swim at the beautiful beach nearby during our Sounion day trip from Athens and enjoy the most beautiful sunset in the Attica of Greece!
Santorini - Cyclades
Perhaps one of Greece's most photographed and idyllic sunset spots, Santorini is well known worldwide for its natural beauty and the iconic caldera, while a Santorini honeymoon is daydreaming material for most if not all, travelers of the world.
Find your favorite spot, either at Fira, Imerovigli, or the well-known Oia village, and relax by watching the sunset in one of the most beautiful places on the whole Mediterranean Sea.
For those who want to find themselves in a less touristy place, choose Therasia, the small island next to Santorini, and watch the perfect sunset with the Therian caldera as background. No matter which spots you choose, sunset-watching is one of the best things to do in Santorini!
For an extra special Greek sunset-watching experience, opt for our wineries visit and sunset-watching tour in Santorini that will leave you in awe.
Our professionals will take you to the best particular spot to watch the sunset in the Santorini caldera, one thing that everyone agrees is the most romantic thing to do on the island, especially if you visit Santorini on a honeymoon.
Meteora - Central Greece
Meteora is the second most important monastic center of Greece (after the Athos region), located at an awe-inspiring natural landmark unique to the Mediterranean region.
Perhaps the best place for you to experience the religiosity and humbling atmosphere of the Greek-Orthodox tradition, Meteora also offers you one of the most impressive sunset spots you should not miss.
After a full day of discovering ancient monasteries, secret monastic cells in small caves, and exploring the massive iconic pillars of Meteora, choose one of the designated sunset spots and witness how a sunset could be as magical as on an island on the mainland of Greece.
The colors that paint the sky will forever be engraved in your mind.
Naxos - Cyclades
Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades with a vast history and a tranquil atmosphere, suitable for anyone who wants an authentic Cycladic experience off the beaten path.
Just by visiting the Chora of Naxos, you will find yourselves surrounded by monuments dating from antiquity until today.
Wander around the alleys of the medieval castle of Naxos but do not miss the opportunity to catch the sunset at the small islet of Palatia at the port of Naxos.
There, you'll have the chance to sit on the grounds of the ancient temple of Apollo and watch the sun setting behind Portara, the monumental gate of the temple, the symbol of Naxos!
Navagio, Zakynthos - Ionian Sea
Zakynthos belongs to the Heptanese island complex of the Ionian Sea, located in the western part of Greece.
Completely different from the Cycladic islands, Zakynthos hosts lush pine forests reaching down the beach, resulting in a mesmerizing scenery with emerald sparkling water and long-stretched sandy beaches.
Perhaps the most iconic landmark of the island is the shipwreck (Navagio) at the northwesternmost tip of the island, attracting tourists from all around the world.
The shipwreck beach is accessible only by boat, but one can enjoy spectacular sunsets and the civil twilight from the cliffs overlooking the picturesque beach. Do not forget to grab your camera and enjoy a view of the sky taken out of a fairytale.
Lycabettus Hill - Athens
If you have chosen the urban scene of the city of Athens as your vacation spot, then worry not, for we have the best location for you to watch the sunset in the whole city.
Lycabettus Hill is the tallest hill in Athens, offering a magnificent view of the city that stretches for miles, perfect for admiring an Athens sunrise or an urban Greek sunset.
Whether you choose to hike up the hill or use the cable car, which is available at the end of Plutarch Street, the panoramic view of the city that awaits you will take your breath away. Get cozy next to the small church and enjoy the mesmerizing sight of the sunset.
FAQs
Where is the best sunset in Greece?
The village of Oia in Santorini is famously the top location for sunsets in Greece. The island is situated about 125 miles southwest of the Greek mainland and sits right on the edge of the gorgeous ocean in which the setting sun casts the magic reddish-orange light on the sparkling waters in the late afternoon.
How many hours of sunlight does Greece have?
Greece is known for being glorious due to its bright sunshine that rarely gets disturbed by clouds. It has about 250 days of sunshine per year and is one of the sunniest and most sunny places on the planet! Greece is a country where the sun never tires of shining, allowing you to revel in the sight of the horizon at a distance full of joy and hope!
What time does the sun set in Greece in summer?
The time the sun sets in Greece depends on the season. Summer days last longer, while winter days are much shorter. During the months of July and August, which are considered the peak of the tourist season, the sun sets at around 8.30 pm.
In any case, if you plan on catching the magical sunsets of Greece, you can google beforehand the current time in which the sun sets just to be on the safe side, and enjoy the civil twilight at the best moment.
Final Thoughts
From Meteora to Crete and from Zakynthos to Rhodes, Greece is a country that offers the visitor some of the most spectacular sunsets a man can experience in the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea. Probably even in the whole world.
Plan your own trip to one of the destinations listed above, or check out one of our Greece tours.
Planning your trip to Greece? Check out our Greece vacation packages and our Greece itineraries, get in touch with our travel specialists and design your tailor-made vacation plan!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to catch a sunset in Santorini, Greece?
Are there any other islands with stunning sunset views in Greece?
What time does the sunset occur in Greece?
What is the best time of year to witness a stunning sunset in Greece?
Are there any specific recommendations for capturing a perfect sunset photo in Greece?
