Key Takeaways
- With its coastal beauty and rolling hills, a sunset in Greece is among some of the best in the world.
- Famous spots like Santorini’s Oia, Mykonos’ Little Venice, and Naxos’ Portara, give you a bucket list experience.
- Lesser-known spots like Plaka in Milos and Keri in Zakynthos give you a more enjoyable sunset without the crowds.
A romantic honeymoon in Greece will grant you a world of experiences that will stick with you forever.
Watching the sunset in Greece in the arms of your beloved will be one of the most memorable moments of your first couple’s vacation in Greece.
Not to mention, it will offer the perfect backdrop for your declarations of love and holiday pictures. Who doesn’t want to watch the setting sun with their better half?
Sunset watching is the ultimate activity on a romantic getaway to Greece and Italy. With its abundant beauty, Greece offers itself for sunset watching. However, which are the best places to watch this magical daily sunset the world is talking about?
Our luxury travel planners have rounded up the top locations to watch the sunset in Greece. This way, you will have all the information you need before starting your romantic travel adventure.
Watch the sunset in Oia, Santorini
It is impossible not to start this issue with the queen of sunsets, Santorini. The sunset in Oia with the Caldera in the background is unique. It is without a doubt the best sunset in Greece you can come across. One that you must see even once in your lifetime. If you’re looking for a sunset wedding proposal spot in Greece, you won’t find better than this!
It comes as no surprise that Santorini’s sunset has been a source of inspiration for artists worldwide. Moreover, its alleys serve as magnets that invite you to get lost in their well-hidden secrets.
Oia, about 40 minutes drive from Fira, will enchant you because it is truly irresistible. From there, you will have the opportunity to see what the hype is all about the much-photographed natural phenomenon.
Read on: Santorini honeymoon guide.
From the northern end of the island, in the castle of Oia, an explosion of colors takes place on the horizon. Sit down with a glass of Santorini wine and watch the colors change from deep red to yellow, orange, and purple. Then, the sun sinks in the Aegean and turns golden red, reflecting the light in the sea and the surrounding islands. The volcanic landscape in the background is constantly changing colors transforming Santorini into a life-size postcard. To pack more top Greek sunsets into one trip, why not plan a Greek island-hopping vacation?
Sunset in Little Venice, Mykonos
To enjoy the sight of a lifetime in Little Venice of Mykonos, all you need to do is enjoy your drink gazing at the colorful balconies of the captain’s houses that hang over the water and the famous windmills. It’s the ultimate activity on a luxury vacation in Greece.
The island’s west side offers visitors unique moments overlooking the sunset, while access to it is relatively easy. More specifically, the town of Mykonos and the areas of Agios Ioannis, Agios Stefanos, and Ornos are the most suitable to watch the magical sunset.
After you’re finished lazing on Mykonos’ most romantic beaches, there is no better place to enjoy a romantic walk with your significant other than the area of Little Venice. This place is considered one of the most romantic spots on the island.
Thousands of tourists from couples to Greece bachelorette parties gather there every afternoon to enjoy its beauty. It is one of the island’s trademarks, while it is almost always full of people during the summer months. Don’t forget to read our Mykonos honeymoon guide too!
Catch the sunset in Chora, Naxos
In Naxos, you will have the opportunity to catch one of the most beautiful sunsets in Greece. Specifically, in the island’s Chora, and especially in Portara, the sight will leave you in awe.
Those who have been there have witnessed a magical scene. In front of this spectacle, no one can remain unmoved.
Portara offers one of the most beautiful sunsets, and it is no coincidence that hundreds of young couples in Greece flock to enjoy the sight up close. The sunset view is lovely from all the coastal promenades of Chora. However, from the hill of Portara, it is just excellent.
Read on: Island-Hopping Honeymoon in Greece
The romantic sunset of Plaka, Milos
Milos is a mosaic of materials and landscape. It is a palette of colors, a mixture of lava, rocks, turquoise waters, and silver-gold sand.
Plaka is the capital of the island. It features Cycladic colors, cats, geranium mosaics, picturesque alleys, and the imposing, 13th-century Venetian castle. Here, the sunset is breathtaking.
The best spots to fully enjoy the experience of a sunset in Greece are the bar ‘Utopia’ and the church of Panagia Korfiatissa.
Additionally, the sworn fans of Milos will tell you that from the Castle above Plaka, you will get to enjoy a unique view of an unmatched Cycladic sunset.
Sunset in Venetian Port, Chania
Chania has always been one of the most romantic cities in Greece. Idyllic landscapes, cobbled streets, and deep blue beaches make up a setting etched in its visitors’ memory.
The magical sunsets can be seen from different corners of the prefecture. For example, the Venetian port of Chania with its lighthouse is stunning at any time of the day. However, at sunset, it shows the world its full potential. Here, you can spend the perfect afternoon after the beach with your better half and make memories that will last a lifetime.
The moment the sun goes down and the sky turns gradually orange is when the sand and the sun do not burn. However, the sea is still warm and usually calm, and everything looks harmoniously made in the most beautiful time of the day. Everything is equally harmoniously in the Venetian port of Chania, the perfect place to experience your most romantic summer moments.
Mandraki, Rhodes
The attraction of the island of Rhodes is the capital of the ancient port of Mandraki. The colossus of statues of Rhodes, cast in copper, was erected in this port. It was one of the seven wonders of the world.
An afternoon walk in Mandraki, with its trademark deer statues, is an experience you need to enjoy. Don’t miss out on it if you find yourself in love and on the island of the Knights.
The sunset in Mandraki paints everything in the delightful warm colors of the sun. The landscape becomes eerie. It is an experience you should look forward to experiencing with your partner. That is because it will probably be one of the most romantic adventures of your life.
Unique sunset in Keri, Zakynthos
After a day of snorkeling the magical Greek waters of Zakynthos, make sure you stop and enjoy the sunset at Keri, at the southwestern tip of the island. The view from the amphitheater slope in the Ionian waters is one of those images that you’ll return to when thinking about your ‘happy place.’
For decades, thousands of locals and foreign visitors have enjoyed the magical sunset, with the sun fading in the Ionian waters. Rare photos have made the rounds of the planet, while a google search will convince you of the uniqueness of the natural environment in this area.
One of the most popular places in Keri is only 1 km from the village. The Lighthouse of Keri offers a wonderful view of the eternal blue of the Ionian Sea over a high cliff of 300 m. From here, you can enjoy one of the most magnificent and picturesque sunsets in the Ionian!
The sunset in Myrtos, Kefalonia
The beach of Myrtos is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Greece. If you add the image of an orange sun diving in the water, we are talking about a dreamy setting. Those who visit Myrtos beach stay for many hours, as there are so many beauties, it offers apart from its crystal-clear waters.
There, you can also enjoy the fantastic landscape that surrounds it during its incredible sunsets. Crowds gather at every dusk in Myrtos by photography lovers that want to capture the sunset from the most beautiful part of the island.
Dozens of amateurs, professionals, or just romantic spirits capture the sunset in Myrtos and spread it throughout the world through social media in no time.
Palamidi, Nafplio
Nafplio has a prime coastal location in the beautiful Peloponnese region. It’s a top Greek winter honeymoon destination and a popular place to spend Valentine’s Day in Greece.
The sunset in the most romantic city of Greece is a sight to behold. It is worth going up to the fortress in Palamidi to enjoy the view of the city, the sea, and Bourtzi at the most magical time of the day. You will have to climb the eight hundred and fifty-seven steps to the Gate of St. Mark with the characteristic stone-carved lion, a symbol of Venetian rule.
Alternatively, there is an asphalt road that runs from the back of the hill that will comfortably bring you to the castle entrance. There lies the small church of Ag. Andrea and the famous prison of the greek war hero, Kolokotronis.
The sight that will unfold before your eyes will steal your breath. Enjoy the magical sunset and marvel at the stunning beauty of the Greek countryside as you take in the relaxing ambiance of luscious nature. When it comes to romance, you cannot beat Nafplio.
Catch the sunset in the Temple of Poseidon, Sounio
The temple of Poseidon in Sounio is perched on the steep cliffs of the cape overlooking the Aegean Sea. It exerts a charm that captivates every visitor. The sunset there is beautiful.
Take a romantic Greek road trip along the Athens Riviera, one of the most beautiful driving routes in Attica, you will reach Sounio. The distance from the center of Athens is about an hour and a half. However, the landscape will compensate you for your effort.
The Temple of Poseidon is at the highest point of the site. So leave your car a little lower and walk for about 5 minutes to go up to the archeological site. The best time to visit the place is around half an hour before sunset, while you should keep in mind that the last entrance is based on the sunset time.
Sit on a rock and wait at the end to enjoy the fantastic sunset. So many people will be there with you, and at the end, when the sun sets, loud applause will spread around you. This is one of the most romantic things you can do in Greece and a top choice for wedding vows renewal in Greece. The magical setting, the dynamic of the location, and the spectacular sight will fill you with an unmatched romantic energy that will enhance the quality of your dreamy trip.
Popular Spots For A Sunset in Greece
Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Santorini?
If none of the striking beauties of Santorini excite you, the island will show you its secret weapon at dusk. It will take you by the hand and lead you to Oia, moments before the sun sets. And there, it will let you gaze at the vast horizon that stretches in front of you with a fiery crimson sun “sinking” somewhere in the depths of the Aegean, transforming Santorini into one of the best places to visit in Greece for your honeymoon.
The sunset at the Castle of Oia is not the only one famous. Incredible are also the sunsets from Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli, from the lighthouse in Akrotiri, from Profitis Ilias, or the beach of Vlychada, with its volcanic landscape changing colors as the sun sets.
Where can I watch the Oia sunset?
Oia offers countless spots to enjoy the colors of the sunset. Even if you’re not a hopeless romantic, it is impossible not to be seduced by this mysterious force. It almost hypnotizes the crowds in the alleys of Oia when the clock is approaching sunset.
The most famous spot to catch the sunset is the remnants of the Castle of Agios Georgios. Due to its popularity, however, you must consider that to find the perfect spot, you might need to be there around 2 hours (!) before sunset.
Alternatively, if you prefer your sunset experience to be much more relaxing and isolated, you can opt for the church of Ai Giannis Thalassinos, nearby the lighthouse.
Where can I watch the sunset in Athens?
A magical sunset with your other half is a great reason to visit Italy and Greece. But the Greek islands are not the only optimum spots for sunset-watching. On the contrary, on a honeymoon in Athens, the historic Greek capital, you’ll find impressive sunset views in several different areas.
If you love romantic cities, you could also consider a honeymoon in Rome or a honeymoon in Florence.
From seaside destinations such as the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center, Cape Sounio, Flisvos Marina, and Kavouri to more central sunset spots such as the hills of Penteli, Lycabettus, Strefi, Ardittos, and Philopappos, dusk in Athens is an experience that every couple should live.
It’s a top activity for Valentine’s Day lovers in Greece. As the sun dives into the sea and the surrounding landscapes bathe in the warm colors of red and orange, no one can resist its romantic pull.
Read more: Our Athens honeymoon guide.
And there it is. The top locations to watch the sunset in Greece and let your head dreams to the never-neverland of romance. Make sure you add them to your Greece honeymoon itinerary. The day’s golden hour is unique wherever you spend it in Greece. You only need two ingredients: our beautiful country and the love of your life.
After the sunset, why not recharge at some of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece for Couples?
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is golden hour in Greece?
The golden hour in Greece will depend on the area and time of year. Golden hour is the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset when the light is perfect for taking dreamy photos.
For a rough idea, during July in Athens the sun rises just after 6 am and sets just before 9 pm.
What time do people eat dinner in Greece?
If you’re worried about your dinner plans clashing with the sunset, don’t be.
Greeks eat dinner late so you won’t need to worry about rushing to a taverna before the kitchen closes.
If you prefer to eat earlier, many restaurants will be open for tourists.
Is Greece busy in late August?
How busy you find Greece in August will depend on what region you’re in.
For popular islands for cruises in Greece like Santorini, it is the tail end of the peak tourist season so you can expect it to be busy.
For a more detailed guide, check out this post on the best time to visit Greece on a Honeymoon.