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Sunset is understood as the moment in which our wonderful Sun begins to set on the horizon, westward, until it disappears. However, it does not disappear, but rather passes from the visible zone to another that is not visible, leaving one of the 2 hemispheres practically with its back to the Sun; without receiving the light that it projects.
In this way the sunset is produced, then the sunset and then the sunset. Of course these 3 processes do not occur all at once; they happen in a few minutes progressively, due to the movement of our planet on its own axis; called rotation. This allows us to enjoy a kind of work of art of varied colors.
A curious fact is that there are people who feel a great passion for this activity, which is known as Opacarophilia; they are always looking for the best sunset in any place where they are located. But there are other people to whom it inspires a moment of reflection, perhaps about the day or some aspect of their life.
Both sunset and sunrise times, at sunrise, are determined in the Italian country in relation to the northern hemisphere, but not as extreme as the case of Scandinavian or Nordic countries. The 21st day of June is the longest day of the year, and in Italy the day will last 15 hours, thus offering more daylight hours and, therefore, a later sunset.
Sunsets towards the northern region of the Italian country:
The Castel San Pietro viewpoint in Verona:
Towards the northeast of the Italian country is located the city of Verona, in the Veneto region. In this city we find the highest point of Verona: the Piazzale Castel San Pietro, which is located on the hill of the same name. A privileged position both in the past, because from this point the city was controlled, and at present, from which you can enjoy its beautiful sunsets.
On this land there was a castle that was almost destroyed by Napoleon, but then a barracks of Austrian origin was erected; although it was abandoned for a while it is still quite well preserved. The external part has been converted into a belvedere, for the enjoyment of the beautiful views; while the internal part of the castle has been fitted out for a public park.
The village of Sirmione and Monte Baldo on Lago di Garda:
Lago di Garda, considered the largest freshwater lake in the country, is located between the Alps and the Po Valley, very close to Verona and Brescia. Its location makes it a favorite tourist destination in summer, both for Italians and for Germans, Austrians and Swiss, between July and August.
To enjoy the best sunsets we go to its most famous village: Sirmione; with unique views from Jamaica Beach and Monte Baldo, mountain formation of the Pre Alps of Garda and Brescia higher, where paragliding is practiced, just imagine the sunset at that height!
Punta della Dogana, in Venice:
In order to appreciate a nice sunset in this beautiful city of canals it is important to locate the most strategic point of the city. In this case we got the Punta della Dogana, also called Punta da Mar or Punta della Salute. We are talking about a thin triangular-shaped point, a little away from the tourist area.
This point divides the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal. An area that has 3 architectural complexes of great importance, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, the Complex of the Dogana da Mar and the Patriarchal Seminary. To watch the sunset, it can be seen from the north side or from the south side.
The latter is the most recommended; a quieter place where you can sit on the pier and admire not only the Venice lagoon, but also the island of Giudecca in the background.
Sunsets towards the central region of Italy:
The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte in Florence:
This Basilica is located on the highest place in the city of Florence and has been given the title of Minor Basilica; moreover, it is an example of the Romanesque style of Italian Tuscany. The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte was erected in commemoration of its 1st martyr; who, it is said, was of Armenian or Greek origin.
This man when he arrived in Florence lived the life of a hermit, but was later executed by Emperor Decius. Today this place is one of the most visited by tourists; also, being the highest area of the city has beautiful views; where you can watch the sunsets from the stairs near the Basilica.
The Garden of Oranges in Rome:
At the level of the Aventine Hill is located the Savello Park, and it is from 1932 that it is opened to the public with its current form; known today as the Garden of Oranges. This park continuously gives off its orange blossom scent throughout the area, and from where you can admire the beautiful city of Rome.
This place once belonged to the garden of the Savelli Fortress, then passed to the church of the Dominicans and, with the restructuring of the Aventine, the Garden of Oranges arises to what we know today.
It is a small park, with a fountain at the entrance and a path that leads you to the panoramic area. It also has benches on both sides so you can sit quietly, breathe the fresh air of the area and, of course, watch the sunset. But it is also said that very close to the Garden is the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of Malta; and if you look through its keyhole, you can see the Dome of St. Peter.
The Porta Sole Viewpoint in Perugia:
Perugia, capital city of Umbria, one of the 20 regions that make up the Italian country. It is located between Florence and Rome, and still has a touristic heritage of castles, burgs, alleys, palaces, walls and fortresses from medieval times. It has 2 important viewpoints; one is in Piazza Italia, which is the best known and most popular.
But it is also located in the highest part of the city the viewpoint of Porta Sole, about 500 meters above sea level; less known but that gives you beautiful views so you can watch the sunsets with more tranquility; it is also known as the Arch of the Lilies.
It is an ancient gate of the Etruscan walls of this city; and, although the name Porta Sole is the best known, it was also the previous name of 2 other gates that were destroyed over time. By the way, in the historic center of Perugia there is also a neighborhood with the same name Porta Sole.
Sunsets towards the southern region of Italy:
The Town of Praiano, on the Amalfi Coast:
Praiano is a small village on the Amalfi Coast, located between Positano and what is left of the town of Furore. Among the rocks hides a cliff, Praiano, with its Marina di Praia. To get to know the town it is best to walk through its historic center and let yourself be carried away by its charming streets.
Among its main beaches we recommend Cala della Gavitella and Marina di Praia. In addition, Praiano is very famous for its sunsets, which offer the most incredible views of the Tyrrhenian Sea; the most romantic of the Amalfi Coast when the evening falls and you are delighted with its wonderful colors.
The Trapani Salt Flats and the Valle dei Templi, in Sicily:
On the beautiful island of Sicily, the largest in Italy, 2 places are recommended to be able to observe the best sunsets. The first one towards the northeast, where the famous Trapani Salt Pans are located; a natural reserve of almost 1000 hectares of extension, which was established in 1995 at the level of the area of Paceco and Trapani.
It is an area where humans, fauna and flora coexist in harmony among the salt cultivations. This protected reserve offers you at sunset a view over the water and the salt fields, with many shades of pink so spectacular that one stands still contemplating such a spectacle.
But also towards Agrigento is located the Valle dei Templi, an archaeological site dating back to 580 BC; and when the sun begins to set it offers a wonderful and stunning view on the horizon.
The towns of Bari, Polignano a Mare and Otranto, in Puglia:
We are already towards the part, so to speak, of the heel of the boot of Italy; which has many cities, beautiful villages and paradisiacal beaches. On the Adriatic Sea Coast we chose these 3 towns that are located in the region of Puglia.
Bari, which is the capital of Puglia and offers you sunsets from the San Nicola pier; where you can sit for this observation, very close to the Bari Vecchia and the Margherita Theater.
We continue to Polignano a Mare, a town known for the poetry written on the streets, stairs and houses of the historic center. From the viewpoint of Santo Stefano beautiful sunsets await us over the cliffs and the most representative cove, called Spiaggia Lama Monachile, under the Bourbon Bridge.
We end in Otranto, with its ancient Byzantine square, from which remains the Romanesque Cathedral built by the Normans. It also preserves the Aragonese Castle, with its cylindrical towers. In its promenade overlooking the sea you can enjoy in one of its terraces its beautiful sunsets.
