Are you the kind of person that loves to wake up to the glowing rays of the rising sun? If so, where are the most beautiful sunrises? Heymondo has compiled the ultimate list of locations where you can watch the sunrise around the globe, which you should definitely visit this 2023.
While the list is not conclusive, it puts together diverse experiences and great sights that would fit any preferences. Get your travel bags ready as we explore the best spots to experience stunning sunrises.
Beautiful sunrises around the world
There is some magic that comes with sunrises. As the sun slowly rises from across the horizon, it paints the sky with golden orbs and warm hues of yellow, oranges, and reds, which in turn jumpstarts our natural clocks and stimulates the ‘feel good’ hormones in our bodies.
The tranquil landscapes enhance this magical feeling with calmness, cool breezes, and varied sights. Each of the locations indicated below has that extra touch that makes watching the sunrises much better than your balcony window. So, where are the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises? Let’s get into it.
1. Taveuni Island, Fiji
Fiji is a well-known tropical paradise located in the South Pacific, just like Hawaii USA. Taveuni is an island in the country that is located at the International Date Line. It is one of the places that is first to receive the rays of the rising sun each day. To add to the magic, the island features natural white sands, and tranquil turquoise ocean waters, and experiences a cool breeze that feels heavenly. This is a perfect sunrise location when looking for a tranquil place to calm your mind or bond with your partner.
Apart from watching the sunrise, there are several other activities you can enjoy throughout the day and into the evening. Some of the most popular ones include the following:
- Hiking: This island hosts Bouma National Heritage Park, which has several hiking trails for all skill levels. You have a choice of walking through the lush tropical forests, admiring the amazing, huge waterfalls, or walking along one of the stunning, pristine beaches.
- Snorkeling: Taveuni Island Fiji is also home to lots of marine life and is surrounded by coral reefs. You can take a snorkeling tour of these amazing coral gardens and enjoy a swim with schools of tropical fish.
- Basking in the sun and swimming: Get some tan by lying at the beach as you sip a local cocktail. Later in the day, cool yourself off by swimming at the sea or in one of the many private pools at your hotel. There are also locations for deep-sea diving across the island.
2. Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA
Bryce Canyon is a geological masterpiece located in the southern part of Utah. It is located within a national park and is famous for its unique natural geological formations called the hoodoos. Hoodoos were curved from years of soil erosion that left sand-dune-like formations across the landscape. The rest of the area is covered by red sand due to the high iron content in the soil.
When the rising sun hits these natural covers, it casts uniquely shaped shadows onto the cliffs. Its rays also illuminate the entire landscape with hues of red and orange, which create a surreal atmosphere. You can enjoy amazing sunrises at any part of the Grand Canyon.
After the sun has risen, you can take a walk along the many hiking trails in the canyon or ride a hot air balloon to enjoy stunning views of this unique landscape. There are trails for easy walks and strenuous hiking challenges. When it is finally evening, you can come out and gaze at the stars. Since this location is far away from towns, it does not suffer from light pollution. This enables you to have a good look at the starry sky.
If you visit the location during winter, you can go snowshoeing and play other snow games. During summer, you can experience the thrill of the Wild West by taking a horse ride through the barren landscape. Get your camera and telescope ready to enjoy your next sunrise at Bryce Canyon Utah.
3. Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum is nestled in Southern Jordan in the middle of an expansive desert. The valley has amazing granite and sandstone formations that stretch over a distance of over 250 miles. Its beauty is enhanced by the golden orbs of the rising sun that cast magical shadows on the sand dunes and the rock spires that rise from the valley. You will find the shadows playing as the sun moves up the sky.
Apart from enjoying the rising sun, there is much more that you can do at Wadi Rum. If you love a bit of adventure and history, consider taking a guided jeep tour to explore the ancient rock formations. You will also come across ancient inscriptions near cave formations and marvel at a few Nabataean temples scattered across the landscape. After you are done with the Jeep adventure, put on your hiking boots and climb the expansive landscapes. There are trails for all skill levels where you enjoy all the natural wonders of the desert landscape.
On the other hand, if you wish to enjoy the desert lifestyle, spend a few nights at a camp so that you can interact with Bedouin people. The locals are traditional nomads who have lived here for centuries. You will get a glimpse of the desert life and enjoy some local delicacies, such as Za’atar, a mix of oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds, and Mansaf, Bedouin rice, and lamb dish.
4. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania is the highest peak in Africa, towering at about 5,895 meters above sea level. It is a world-renowned destination due to the unique combination of experiences it offers visitors, including wildlife, the African savannah, and beautiful culture.
One of the best experiences is watching the sunrise from the peak of the mountain. While it is a tough job to hike to the very top, the reward of enjoying a tropical sunrise and the chance to view low-lying areas as it illuminates the sky with reds and pinks is worth it. The peak also affords you some amazing views of the surrounding landscapes. No wonder it is called the roof of Africa.
When you climb down, take time to visit the wild. Unlike Sequoia National Park in California, national parks such as the Serengeti are home to all the big five, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos, among many other species of animals and birds in their natural habitats.
You also get to experience the beautiful culture of the local communities, taste their dishes and interact with the welcoming locals. Do not leave without buying a souvenir such as a leso (a Masaai cloth), African hats, hand paintings, carvings of animals and birds, as well as local jewelry, for a lasting memory of your vacation.
5. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is a remote archipelago administered by Norway and located in the Arctic Ocean. While the destination seems extreme, this beautiful destination offers several cultural experiences and natural wonders. One of the reasons you should travel to this location is its stunning sunrise and sunset.
Due to its location, the sun remains above the horizon for several months during summer, creating an awe-inspiring display of colors that light up the Arctic skies. The greenery around them enhances the welcoming feel of the area. When you are not enjoying the summer sunrise, take part in outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, dog sledding, and moving around on snowmobiles. You can also explore the breathtaking glaciers, fjords, and mountains that make up the archipelago.
At the same time, you can witness some incredible landscapes and unique wildlife that live in this place. It is home to diverse animal species that include polar bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, and several bird species. If you have some extra time, visit several historic sites and museums and learn about the rich history of the land, which dates as far back as the 16th century.
6. Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka boasts of serene, natural landscapes, greenery, flora, and fauna. Adam’s Peak is a mountain located in the country’s Central Highlands region. This mountain is regarded as a holy site by many in and out of the country. Therefore, thousands make a pilgrimage to the peak each year and pay homage to its footprint-shaped impression.
Staunch believers believe this is the footprint of Buddha, Adam, or Shiva, depending on each person’s religion. Apart from its religious significance, Adam’s Peak lets you experience magical sunrises. The sun creates a golden cover that encases the entire area. Its rays also bounce off the morning dew, creating amazing hues of green below you.
Adam’s Peak is located within the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, a tropical rainforest that is home to diverse flora and fauna. Here, you get to watch over 20 bird species, mountain leopards, deer, and several small animals. The park also has several hiking trails, where you get to experience the lush forests as you move to the summit.
Sri Lankans are also known for their delicious dishes, especially rice recipes. Sample a few of the dishes as you explore local shops for handicrafts, traditional dresses, and gifts. Adam’s Peak is definitely the destination for adventure lovers and those taking a spiritual awakening trip.
7. Easter Island Rapa Nui National Park, Chile
The famous Easter Island in Rapa Nui National Park is also a beautiful destination to watch the golden sunrises. This island was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the famous Moai statues, but it has much more.
Its location near the equator means that it experiences about 12 hours of daylight all year. The golden rays of the morning sun transform the surrounding landscape into an orange savannah while the cool breeze brings unmatched calmness. There are several vantage points across the park where you can watch the rising sun.
The towering statues of Easter Island weigh over 50 tonnes. They are thought to have been placed there as early as the 13th century. Explore several of them and head to a nearby museum to learn a little bit about the history of the land.
8. Patagonia, Argentina
Patagonia is another breathtaking wilderness located in the southern part of Argentina. This vast and rugged wilderness has everything from grasslands to mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, and stunning glaciers. The region’s location between the Atlantic Ocean and Andes Mountains gives it a unique weather pattern. This, in turn, gives it some of the best sunrises in the world, especially during summer when flowers flourish.
Just after watching the sunrise, head to the Perito Moreno, an awe-inspiring glacier that has been growing rapidly. Come with your hiking boots on and explore the rugged landscape in the area via the famous trails of the Torres del Paine National Park. Here, you also get to watch birds and other small animal species.
Patagonia also boasts a rich cultural history. Most of its native communities have lived in the area for thousands of years. Interact with them, visit local museums, attend cultural festivals, and sample traditional cuisine.
9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in Brazil. It is a picturesque, vibrant city that is located between a group of mountains on one side and the sea on the other. These features give it its natural beauty and offer varying experiences for the visitors that come to town.
What makes a beautiful sunrise here? The sun’s rays first hit the wall of mountains on one side and cast a beautiful glow on the city below. Then, the sea reflects the golden orbs, giving visitors an out-of-this-world experience.
There is so much to explore in the city of Samba, starting with the iconic landmark, the Christ the Redeemer statue, which sits at one of the peaks. There are also world-famous carnival celebrations and the rhythm of samba at many live performances across the city. You also get to interact with the locals at the eateries and restaurants dotting the town. Brazilian cuisine is delectable and you can also sample dishes from all over the Americas in the city.
Finally, relax on some of the beautiful beaches, such as Ipanema and Copacabana, and get an awesome tan. There are also several cultural and historical landmarks to be explored if you have the time.
10. Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings around the globe and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The iconic mausoleum was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his deceased wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, in the city of Agra.
Sunrises at the Taj Mahal are especially magical as the building seems to change color as the sun moves across the sky. During sunrise, the marble finish gives off a rosy hue, which is reflected in the adjacent pools. As the day goes on, it gets lighter and becomes golden by sunset. You can experience this magic by arriving at the location early morning to witness the sunrise.
In addition to admiring this architectural masterpiece, you can explore other historical landmarks of the Mughal era, including Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. You can also consider buying the finest Indian textiles in the adjacent local market or go home with a handicraft from the curio shops. Do not leave without tasting the spicy treats, such as samosas, chaat, and biryani rice, among other tasty Indian dishes.
Buy Travel Insurance when traveling to these destinations. Travel Insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection should unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations or lost baggage occurs during the trip. Purchase Heymondo Travel Insurance before embarking on your trip to fully enjoy the beauty of these breathtaking destinations without worrying about unexpected mishaps.
Featured stories
