There are days on holiday when you’re ready for dinner by five. Then there are places that make you change your plans and stay out just a little longer. Maybe the mountains catch the last of the light, the tide retreats across a beach or the whole landscape seems to quieten down. These places are worth visiting for far more than their sunsets. But if you happen to be there at the right time of day, don’t head back to the hotel just yet.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Summer evenings work a little differently in the Lofoten Islands. Between late May and mid-July, the sun barely sets at all, hovering above the horizon and stretching golden evening light well past bedtime. It gives you extra hours to explore fishing villages such as Reine and Henningsvær, walk along white-sand beaches or hike above the fjords. Head to Uttakleiv or Haukland Beach late in the evening and you might find yourself watching the sun at a time you’d usually be asleep.
Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Far from the crowds of Cairo and the Nile, Siwa sits near Egypt’s border with Libya, surrounded by the Western Desert. Life here feels distinctly different from the rest of the country, with mud-brick villages, date palms, salt lakes and natural springs. Climb up to the ruins of Shali Fortress, cycle between the oasis villages or float in one of Siwa’s remarkably blue salt pools. Before sunset, head towards Fatnas Island, where palm trees frame the sun as it drops over the salt lake.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
On the Isle of Skye, you quickly learn not to wait for perfect weather. Sunshine, mist and rain can all arrive within an hour – and that unpredictability is part of its appeal. Days here are made for driving narrow roads between fishing villages, waterfalls, sea cliffs and rugged mountain scenery. Walk to the Old Man of Storr, visit Dunvegan Castle or stop for seafood in Portree before heading west. Neist Point is particularly impressive towards sunset, with its lighthouse perched above the Atlantic. May and June bring long daylight hours, although a waterproof jacket belongs in the car whatever the season.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum is a place that rewards slowing down. Spend the afternoon crossing the desert by 4WD, stopping at sandstone arches, narrow canyons and ancient rock inscriptions. As the heat eases, find a spot among the rocks and watch the desert turn from orange to deep red. Then stay overnight in a Bedouin camp rather than heading straight back to town. March to May and September to November offer pleasant conditions, particularly if you want to explore on foot.
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama doesn’t do things by halves. Salt flats, volcanoes, steaming geysers and strange rock formations sit within one of the driest regions on Earth. Base yourself in San Pedro de Atacama and spend a few days exploring rather than trying to squeeze everything into one. Valle de la Luna is particularly good late in the day, when the low sun brings out the ridges and colours of the surrounding mountains. But sunset isn’t your cue to go inside. The Atacama’s dry air and high altitude also make it one of the world’s great places for stargazing.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is squeezed between mountain and ocean, which means there’s rarely just one direction worth looking. Take the cableway up Table Mountain, explore the Cape Peninsula or spend an afternoon around the city before heading to Signal Hill. From here, you can watch the sun sink towards the Atlantic while Cape Town begins lighting up behind you. Camps Bay offers another perspective, particularly when the Twelve Apostles catch the final light.
Leave a little room in the itinerary, find somewhere with a good view and see what happens when the day starts winding down. Contact your local Travellers Choice agent to start planning your next holiday.
