30 Breathtaking Sunsets in Greece You Can’t Ignore

Sunsets in Greece are non-negotiable.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning for the one-hundredth time, there’s always a new spot to visit and sundown to see. We’ve compiled a catch-all list of sunset viewpoints to ensure your next vacation is full of spectacular sights and unforgettable evenings. 

To secure your seat at the sunset show, keep reading.   

The Top 30 Sunsets in Greece

Here are the best sunset-watching locations across the country.

Sunsets in Athens

Athena’s Temple, Athens

Athens is a must for any Greek vacation, but watching the sunset from Athena’s Temple is something you can’t miss. 

The columns cast long shadows as the sun goes down, and warm red and orange hues appear across the sky. Greeks have been enjoying the sunset here since 426 BC, so make sure you see what the fuss is about. 

Acropolis, Athens

Whether day or night, you can’t miss out on the Acropolis. But if you have to choose, don’t skip sundown.

You can watch the sun go down on Athens and the countryside from a large hill as the ancient Greeks did here. It’s like having a front-row VIP seat to nature’s best show. 

Pro Tip: It can get busy here. Arrive early for a better view.

Arditou Hill or Lycabettus Hill, Athens

Athens has many A+ sunset spots, but Arditou Hill provides views from a whole new height. 

Arditou Hill is in the city’s center, allowing you to enjoy 360 views of the metropolis as the sun goes down. 

Want to take the views to greater heights? Swap Arditou Hill for nearby Lycabettus—the highest viewpoint in the city. 

Temple of Zeus

Located just outside Athens, the Temple of Zeus is another classic Greek sunset spot. From here, you can look down at the capital city and watch the sun kiss the buildings as it sets. 

Beautiful, historical, and a great way to pay homage to the Greek Gods. 

Mainland Greece

Delphi Archaeological Site 

Delphi is a town built on an impressive archaeological site, and it’s high on our list of sunset locations. Every evening the sun sets on this beautiful site, painting the temples orange and leaving the white stone glowing in the dusk. This is a must for history lovers and photographers.

Strofilia National Park 

Ancient Greek ruins offer a pretty sunset backdrop but don’t forget Greece’s natural landscapes. Strofilia is a pine forest national park on a white sand beach. At night, the sun lights up the park before leaving it purple and blue—a colorful show you can’t ignore.

For the best experience, spend a day and evening here to see the park in its glory.

Messinian Bay, Kalamata

Comprised of small Greek villages and stark cliffs, the Messinian Bay is a unique site all visitors should see. 

But this isn’t a daytime-only location. Messinian Bay is a prime sunset location. Here you can watch the sun go down against valleys, mountains, caves, olive groves, and traditional Greek architecture. It’s picture-perfect and quieter than tourist hotspots, ideal for a relaxed evening. 

Mount Olympus 

Have you ever seen a mountain on fire? No? 

Well, schedule a sunset visit to Mount Olympus—Greece’s tallest mountain and the home of the Gods and Goddesses. 

You should arrive earlier in the day to enjoy the Olympus National Park’s twisting paths and expansive views, but don’t leave before the sun goes down. Every evening Mount Olympus eclipses the sunlight and looks as if it’s aflame. 

Messolonghi-Etoliko Lagoons 

Known as the largest lagoons in Greece and one of the largest in the Mediterranean, the Messolonghi-Etoliko Lagoons offer 15,000 hectares of sunset-watching area.

These wetlands sit where the Ionian Sea meets the Pariac Gulf, and visitors can watch the sunset reflect off the water. You’ll want to have your phone handy for this vibrant show. 

Temple of Poseidon, Sounion 

Calling all history buffs, we have another cultural landmark for your sunset list.

The Temple of Poseidon is a 5th-century BCE temple with expansive sea views. 

But this isn’t a day-only sightseeing trip. You should plan your visit to include the sunset, as here you can watch the sun paint the white doric columns red. Plus, you have a sweeping view of Cape Sounion. 

You’ll want to post this on Instagram stories, for sure. 

Thessaloniki, Nea Paralia

Thessaloniki is the place to be for a city and seaside sunset, especially in the Nea Paralia seaside promenade area. 

Here, the sun’s rays dance over the city slopes while reflecting on the calm waters. This sunset is best enjoyed with an ice-cold beverage, so head to the waterfront tavernas at night.

Meteora, Central Greece

Add a pinch of spirituality to your holiday with a visit to Meteora, Greece’s second most prominent monastic center. It also has incredible natural landscapes, including mountainous terrain and rolling hills.

Here you can observe the sun setting over the Pillars of Meteora and the secret monastic cells. It’s not as well-known as other destinations, but you must visit before everyone else finds it!

Greek Island Sunsets

Milos Island

Island hopping is essential to any journey through Greece. But if you’re sunset spotting, Milos should be at the top of your list. 

What makes this island so special? You can watch the sun paint the ancient architecture of Phylakopi. Or you can enjoy the sunset in the remarkable city of Plaka. Or you can study the sunset over the island’s volcanic landscape. 

The options are endless. Book for more than one evening! 

Samothrace Island

Located in the northern Aegean Sea, Samothrace is known as the Sanctuary of Great Gods. So, it’s no surprise that the sunsets are extra beautiful here. 

The Village of Prophet Elias for the best mountainous views. Remember, the higher you are, the more you can see! 

Prefer to stay closer to the ground? The Harbor of Kamariotissa is just as beautiful and offers unbeaten seascape views.

Kaiser’s Throne, Corfu

Corfu is another beautiful island off the coast of the mainland, offering endless activities and all-important sunset-watching locations. 

When you are here, watch a sunset from the Kaiser’s Throne. This is where Kaiser Wilhelm wanted to build his Anchillon palace, and you’ll see why when you watch the sun go down from the high vantage point. It’s simply gorgeous! 

Mykonos

Mykonos is home to iconic architecture that nearly everyone recognizes. These sea-facing buildings were initially built for fishermen, allowing them to easily access the water. Today they’re cafes and restaurants, allowing you to experience sundown with a cocktail or coffee. 

You’ll find these buildings in Mykonos town, but you should watch the sunset from the hills. Want to make the experience even more special? Opt for a horseback tour and watch the sun go down while riding. 

Kathisma Beach, Lefkada

If you love watching the sun’s reflections, this is the place for you. Lefkada is a stunning island, and the frequent golden sunsets confirm this. 

See the island in its most beautiful form from Kathisma Beach. It’s surrounded by stark white cliffs, which reflect the golden orange tones of the sunset. Here the sunset is an immersive experience like no other. 

The Port of Naxos

Naxos is the largest Cyclades island and home to Apollo’s temple. Despite Apollo’s association with sunrises, you can find some of the most spectacular Greek sunsets here. 

The Port of Naxos is a particularly great spot, thanks to the undisrupted views and authentic restaurants to watch from. Greek food and a sunset? Yes, please. 

Fourka

Fourka is known for its sunsets, so much so that some hotel resorts here are named after the beautiful experience—like the luxury Olympion Sunset 5-star resort!

This area is perfect for sun watching because of the sea view, west-facing location, and all the bars and restaurants are positioned to ensure guests don’t miss a thing. Cheers to that. 

Kampi Hill, Zakynthos

Add an Ionian Sea sunset to your list with a visit to Zakynthos, another world-famous Greek Island. 

But where should you watch the sun go down? The top of the Kampi hill, of course. From this natural viewpoint, you can watch the sunset in the west while its rays paint the sea and the island red. 

Balos, Crete

Balos Lagoon is one of the top beaches in Crete, and for good reason. 

This coastal spot is ideal for a beach day, has endless traditional tavernas, and it’s a prime spot for sunset views. So, spend a day here and enjoy every part of this relaxed bay. From sunbathing to a sunset finale, you won’t forget these memories.

Lindos, Rhodes

Rhodes is a favorite summer destination, and while you’re here, the Acropolis of Lindos should be on your itinerary—as should all these beaches in Rhodes.

At the site of Lindos, the sun’s rays gracefully fall through the ruins and paint the nearby hills red. There’s something extra special about seeing the sun kiss Hellenistic standing columns. So, don’t forget your camera or sketchpad!

Anywhere by the Aegean Sea

The Aegean Sea surrounds most of Greece and its islands, and all visitors should spend an evening watching the sunset by the waterfront. The water reflects the sunset, making the sea look like it’s burning. 

The best seaside spots include:

• The Santorini Caldera
• Plaka
• Any island beaches
• Sunset cruises 

Santorini

Let’s face it—Santorini is one of the most famous islands for sunsets and its black sand beaches.

This isle is smack-bang in the middle of the ocean, 120 miles from the mainland. Now think of all those impressive sunset reflections!

But where is the most beautiful sunset Santorini, Greece, has to offer? 

Well, you have a few options…

Pro tip: From July to August, Santorini’s sunset time is approximately 8:30 pm. Ideal for a post-dinner activity.

Oia

A Santorini Oia sunset will change your life, and it’s a key reason tourists flock to this gorgeous island. 

From this authentic clifftop town, you can watch the sun go down on the whitewashed buildings and blue churches, leaving you with a gold and rose view. This is bucket-list material.

Popular Oia points include Oia Castle ruins, Blue Dome Oia churches, or from the deck of a sunset cruise. 

Pro Tip: To avoid the crowds, walk east of Oia. Here you’ll find more blue-domed churches and fewer people.

Fira 

Ready to watch a Fira sunset? Though this town isn’t known for sunsets, you can catch some spectacular views if you know the right locations. 

Rather than the expensive bars, try the Fira Wall—a promenade walk that takes you to Oia. Here you can enjoy sundown without spending your travel budget on an eye-watering cocktail.

Alternatively, explore Firostefani. As the highest area in Fira, you have views of picturesque landscapes, terraces, and the sea. All of this without the crowds. Perfect for a romantic moment!

Imerovigli

Located next to the ocean and the caldera ridge, Imerovigli town has dramatic views, making great sunset pictures. Plus, you won’t find big crowds here—unlike Oia and Fira.

Skaros Rock is a particularly wonderful place to settle in for the sunset. It’s approximately 20 to 30 minutes on foot from Imerovigli village. Take sneakers, water, and your camera!

Pyrgos

Pyrgos is Santorini’s highest village, so you can always expect legendary sunset views. And this town isn’t touristy. You can watch beautiful painted skies while enjoying authentic Greek charm—something that’s hard to find in Santorini’s other tourist areas.

Akrotiri Lighthouse

If you’re staying on the island’s southwest and want to make the most of your sunset time in Santorini, spend an evening at the Akrotiri Lighthouse. 

Created in the 1890s to guide ships, this lighthouse is now a mesmerizing sunset landmark. Here you can watch the sunset over the west of Santorini, including the caldera. 

Profitis Ilias Mountain

At 567 meters (1860 ft) above sea level, Profitis Ilias Mountain is a must-explore location for all visitors thanks to the mountain’s views and 18th-century monastery. But the sights really come alive in the evening when the sunset paints the views pink and orange.  

Sunset Cruises

Why not change it up and take to the high seas for some spectacular sunset watching?

Sunset cruises are readily available across Santorini and are a staple for any visit. Your captain will take you to the best spots, and you won’t have to Google “What Time is Sunset in Santorini?” 

Book with a beach-side vendor or through your hotel desk to claim your spot on the waves. 

What’s the Weather like for Greek Sunsets?

The weather in Greece fluctuates depending on the time of your visit and where you’re staying. 

However, the country has a Mediterranean climate, and you can estimate the temperature for your destination based on past averages. 

If you’re staying in the island regions or the southern lowlands, you can expect mild and wet winters (10°C/50°F) or hot and dry summers (29°C/85°F). 

Alternatively, if you’re visiting the northern or central regions, you’ll experience cold winters and snowfall in mountain areas—so bring your warm clothes. The summer months still see highs of 30°C/86°F, though!

Map of the Sunset Hotspots in Greece

We couldn’t list the best places to go for sunset without adding a map to help you plan your trip.

How to Get to the Best Sunsets in Greece

You can’t enjoy a beautiful sunset without arriving in one piece. Here are the routes you need to know for the top three sunset locations. 

Athens

If you visit Greece from a different country, you’ll likely fly straight into Athens Airport (ATH). This is the country’s largest international airport. From Athens, you can travel to endless other Greek destinations.

Santorini

You can travel from Athens to Santorini to catch these golden rays. Flights are the most popular choice as they take approximately 1 hour. But you can catch a 7-hour and 25-minute ferry if you want to take the scenic route. 

Thessaloniki 

If you want to stay on the mainland, Athens to Thessaloniki is the journey to embrace. 

This journey takes 5 hours and 20 minutes by car or minivan, including airport pickups and transfers to your hotel. 

Packing List for Greek Sunsets

Greece’s sunsets are amazing but don’t get caught short. Remember these travel must-haves before you hop on your flight.

• UVA and UVB protective sunglasses
• Comfortable shoes 
• Beach clothes
• Sun-protective hat
• Sunscreen
• Lightweight, comfortable clothing
• Waterproof camera to catch the scenes!

The Takeaway About Sunsets in Greece

Sunsets in Greece are like peanut butter and jelly. They just go together perfectly. 

Whether you explore Santorini, Athens, or all the locations in between, we hope we’ve inspired you to journey to this beautiful country. 

Ready to hop on a plane? Make sure you have accurate travel information. Jump to Bookaway’s Greek routes now.

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