There's a moment every evening when the sky turns gold and everything feels still. If you've ever watched a sunset over the sea, you know exactly what I mean. It's the kind of feeling that stays with you, the kind of feeling that makes you book your next trip before you've even left.
This summer, I'm chasing that feeling.
A different approach to holiday planning
Most of us overthink our holidays. We compare dozens of hotels, read hundreds of reviews, and build spreadsheets of possible itineraries. By the time we actually book, we're already exhausted.
This year, I'm trying something different. One destination. One week. Zero pressure.
The plan is simple: find a beach destination with reliable evening sun, book a comfortable place to stay, and spend every evening watching the sky change colour. Everything else is optional.
Where to find the best sunsets
Not all sunsets are created equal. West-facing coastlines tend to deliver the most dramatic shows, especially when there's a bit of cloud to catch the light. Here are some spots known for their evening skies:
- Santorini, Greece - The classic. White buildings glowing orange as the sun drops into the caldera.
- Ibiza, Spain - Head to the west coast. Café del Mar exists for a reason.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia - Watch from the city walls as the Adriatic turns pink.
- Fuerteventura, Canary Islands - Wide open skies and endless horizons. Perfect for uninterrupted views.
What I'm packing (and not packing)
The beauty of a simple trip is a simple packing list. Here's what's coming with me:
- Swimwear and a cover-up
- A good book (or three)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A lightweight camera for those golden hour shots
- Comfortable sandals
What's not coming: a laptop, a rigid schedule, or any expectations beyond relaxation.
Making it happen
The gap between dreaming about a holiday and actually going on one is smaller than you think. A quick search, a few comparisons, and you could be watching a sunset from a new coastline within weeks.
Summer doesn't wait. The sunsets are already happening. The only question is where you'll be watching from.