Cornwall Named Among World’s Top 15 Sunrise & Sunset Hotspots

Discover the Best Places for Breathtaking Sunrises and Sunsets in 2024

In a world where social media captures the magic of every moment, Cornwall has emerged as one of the top destinations for experiencing the beauty of sunrises and sunsets. According to a new study by Sunsail, a leader in sailing holidays, Cornwall, along with the Isle of Skye, has been ranked among the top 15 destinations globally for witnessing breathtaking twilights in 2024.

Sicily Tops the List

Sicily in Italy takes the top spot as the ultimate destination for sunrise and sunset enthusiasts. With nearly 11,000 posts on Instagram using the hashtag #SicilySunset and optimal average evening cloud coverage of 66%, Sicily offers magical sunset views, particularly around Taormina with the backdrop of Mount Etna and the sea.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

Sunsail’s comprehensive ‘sunrise and sunset index’ analysed a combination of social media data (Instagram and TikTok), online search data, Trip Advisor reviews, and geological data. Destinations were ranked based on popularity, light pollution, cloud coverage, and air pollution, resulting in a score out of 24. The higher the score, the better the location is for experiencing stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Highlights from the List

1. Sicily, Italy – Score: 20/24Taking the top spot on our list of the best destinations in the world for sunsets and sunrises is Sicily, with an incredible score of 20 out of 24. You’ll find the best sunsets when cloud coverage is between 30-70% as the clouds can reflect the warm light of the sun and enhance the orange hues. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the average evening cloud coverage for Sicily is 66%! Despite only 11,000 posts on Instagram using the hashtag #SicilySunset, Italy is the second most popular region on TikTok for the hashtag #SunsetLover, over four times higher than the average popularity worldwide. With amazing sunrises and sunsets, breathtaking coastal views, charming towns and idyllic beaches, Sicily’s beauty is unparalleled.
   
2. Santorini, Greece – Score: 19/24In second place, with an amazing 19 out of 24 is Santorini in Greece. Santorini is the second most popular destination on Instagram for sunsets, with #SantoriniSunset reaching 177k posts, and the most popular region on TikTok for the hashtag #SunsetLover, over six times higher than the average popularity worldwide. Travellers recommend capturing the sunrise and sunsets from Oia in Santorini: “Just perfect. You never tire of the different views over the crater and sunsets are the very best. Because of the direction, the sun always sets in a perfect direction for viewing from the crater rim.”

   

3. Bali – Score: 16/24With fairly low air and light pollution, a perfect mixture of secluded beaches and magnificent mountains to get the best views of twilight, and average annual temperatures of 28°C, it’s no wonder that Bali has made it into the top 3, scoring 16 out of 24. Out of all the destinations we analysed, Bali is the most popular spot for sunrises and sunsets on Instagram, with #BaliSunset being used on over 205k posts and #BaliSunrise being used on over 30k posts.
   
4. Ibiza, Spain – Score: 16/24Next on our list of the best sunrise and sunset hotspots in the world is Ibiza in Spain, scoring a brilliant 16 out of 24. Ibiza is the third most popular location for sunsets and fourth most popular location for sunrises on Instagram, with #IbizaSunset amassing over 130k posts! With fairly low air pollution levels and nine blue flag beaches to experience twilight on, we know you’ll fall in love with Ibiza.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia – Score: 16/24Rounding up the top 5 is Dubrovnik in Croatia, with a score of 16 out of 24. Dubrovnik is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rugged coastline and unique beaches, all of which make for a brilliant backdrop for admiring sunrises and sunsets. Croatia as a whole is ideal as it has fairly low air pollution and is one of the top 5 most popular regions in the world for the hashtag #SunsetLovers on TikTok, over 2.5 times higher than the average popularity worldwide.
6. The Maldives – Score: 15/24Whether you’re looking for the ultimate honeymoon destination, a Winter escape or simply a place to switch off from the world, the Maldives offers it all…including some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the world! Scoring a fantastic 15 out of 24 and boasting average annual temperatures of 29°C, this destination is a dream come true.
7. Bora Bora – Score: 15/24Bora Bora offers a slice of paradise for anyone who visits, from idyllic beaches to crystal clear waters and sensational scenery. With an overall score of 15 out of 24, Bora Bora received maximum points for air pollution, cloud coverage and light pollution, creating the perfect conditions for some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the world.
8. Cornwall, UK – Score: 15/24The first of two destinations in the UK that have made the list, with a score of 15 out of 24 is Cornwall. Known for its tranquil, isolated beaches that are only accessible to the most adventurous among us, are you up for the challenge of chasing one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world? With an average evening cloud coverage of 44% and relatively low air pollution levels, sunsets in Cornwall are supreme.
9. Zanzibar – Score: 14/24Similarly to Cornwall, Zanzibar has one of the lowest air pollution scores out of all the destinations on the list, and an average evening cloud coverage of 37% which is considered brilliant for capturing the best sunsets. With an overall score of 14 out of 24, can you picture yourself waking up at 5 am to find a quiet spot on the beach where you can admire the orange and pink hues of the sunrise?
10. Key West, Florida – Score: 14/24With over 65,000 posts under the hashtag #KeyWestSunset on Instagram and some of the best beaches in the world to soak up the views from, no list of the best sunset and sunrise destinations is complete without mentioning Key West. Scoring 14 out of 24, Key West experiences relatively low air pollution and enjoys average yearly temperatures of 26°C.
11. Cape Town, South Africa – Score: 14/24Also scoring an amazing 14 out of 24 is Cape Town in South Africa. The average evening cloud coverage in Cape Town is 63% which falls within the ideal conditions for watching sunrises and sunsets. According to Tripadvisor, “if you’re looking for a spot to watch the sunset, I would recommend Big Bay Beach [as it has the] best view of Cape Town”.
12. Paris, France – Score: 12/24Next on our list of the best sunrise and sunset destinations in the world is Paris, France, with a score of 12 out of 24. You might be surprised to find a major city like Paris on this list as they’re typically renowned for having more air and light pollution, however, it’s one of the most popular social media destinations on this list, with over 40,000 people sharing photos of the sun rising and setting over the Eiffel Tower.
13. Isle of Skye, UK – Score: 12/24The magnificent Isle of Skye, scoring 12 out of 24, is connected by a bridge to Scotland’s northwest coast and offers the most sensational backdrop to watch sunrises and sunsets. With a rugged coastline, stunning natural landscape and plenty of beautiful beaches, experience the very best of UK sunsets when you visit the Isle of Skye.
14. St Lucia – Score: 11/24Often considered one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world, there’s nothing more romantic than escaping to a secluded cove and watching the sunset on the horizon together. Scoring an impressive 11 out of 24, St Lucia has an average evening cloud coverage of 65% which is within the perfect range for a beautiful sunset!

The Grand Canyon, Arizona – Score: 11/24

Taking the final spot on our list of the best sunrise and sunset destinations in the Grand Canyon in Arizona, scoring a fantastic 11 out of 24. Offering one of the most unique viewpoints in the world, watching the sun come up or go down against the backdrop of this striking natural formation is an unforgettable experience. With the lowest level of light pollution out of all the destinations on our list, you’re in for a real treat.

Rising Interest in Twilight Views

Recent online search trends indicate a growing fascination with twilights. Searches for ‘where to watch the sunset’ have surged by 200% in the last three months, while ‘most beautiful sunset in the world’ and ‘best sunrises in the world’ have also seen significant increases.

Katrina Lawson, Head of Brand and Acquisition at Sunsail, highlighted the appeal of these natural spectacles: “There’s something truly magical about experiencing a beautiful sunrise or settling down to watch a vibrant sunset. We hope our list helps travellers find the perfect destination to create lifelong memories.”

Conclusion

Whether you’re an avid nature photographer, a romantic at heart, or simply in search of awe-inspiring views, these top destinations offer the best sunrises and sunsets for 2024. Cornwall and the Isle of Skye stand out as the UK’s contributions to this global list, inviting travellers to witness the serene beauty of twilight in some of the world’s most picturesque locations.

About Sunsail
Founded in 1974, Sunsail offers a wide choice of sailing holidays with a fleet of stunning yachts in over 20 worldwide locations. Alongside yacht charter and flotilla sailing holidays, Sunsail also provides sailing schools, skippered holidays, team building and events, regattas, and yacht ownership.