The Val d'Orcia in Tuscany Photo: stock.adobe.com/Ji
From our editorial team
When the sun sinks into the sea, the hour of dolce vita in gold begins in Italy: it's not just lovers and daydreamers who appreciate this moment - millions of smartphone cameras are also focussed on the sky.
The golden hour has become a social media currency - and no other country in Europe is immortalised in this light as often as Bella Italia. Which places are the most popular sunset spots between the Alps and Mount Etna on Instagram: we have researched, analysed and marvelled - here is the ranking of our hashtag and user post evaluation.
10th Terrazza del Pincio in Rome
Photo by Ömer Gülen on Pexels.com
Rome has many faces - but few are as calm and gentle as that of the Pincio hill at sunset. The view over the Piazza del Popolo, the orange light behind it - Rome knows how to stage finales. The viewpoint is one of the oldest public gardens in the city.
9.Belvedere dei Cappuccini in Sorrento in Campania
Poetry in pixels can be found at the Belvedere dei Cappuccini viewpoint in Sorrento in Campania. From the monastery hill, you can see over the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius in the distance - and the sky as it slowly turns a liquid orange colour.
8th Vernazza in Cinque Terre
Vernazza is the secret star among the Cinque Terre villages. The view from the hiking trail above the harbour is one of the most sought-after perspectives in the region - especially at golden hour. The path there is part of the famous Sentiero Azzurro, which connects the villages.
Ad
🇮🇹☕ What would a real espresso be without the right cup?
These original Italian espresso cups turn every sip into a little celebration. Bring the bar feeling straight to your home! ➔ [Discover here at Amazon]
7th Capri in Campania
The island of the rich, the beautiful - and the sun-seekers. Whether from the Belvedere, by boat or over a sprizz in the Piazzetta: Capri knows how to put itself in the limelight. A particular favourite: the view of the Faraglioni rocks at dusk.
6th Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi) in the Dolomites
Anyone who says sunsets only work by the sea doesn't know the Dolomites. When the light falls over the alpine pasture and the mountain peaks glow, you understand why people take so many photos here. The Seiser Alm is the largest high alpine pasture in Europe.
5. Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre in Liguria
A dramatic rock, a wild sky, a few boats in the foreground - Riomaggiore has the makings of a cinema format. It is the roughest of the five villages - and the hotspot for atmospheric evening shots with contrast.
Ad
🏖️💶 Travelling safely on the beach:
Looks like sun cream, but is a clever hiding place for keys, cash or small valuables! Ideal for relaxed days at the beach in Italy. ➔ [Discover the money stash at Amazon here]
4. the Val d'Orcia in Tuscany
Anyone who raves about dreamlike sunsets in Tuscany is usually talking about the Val d'Orcia around the town of Pienza. It feels like endless rows of cypress trees, green hills and a light that looks like you've overdone it with the Instagram filters. The golden hour in its purest form.
3. Manarola in Cinque Terre in Liguria
Manarola is the crown jewel in Cinque Terre when it comes to the perfect sundowner moment. This is where Italian postcard idyll meets a colourful cliff face. The view from the jetty is particularly spectacular.
2. Positano on the Amalfi Coast
Colourful houses that look like candy stuck to the hillside, the sparkle of the sea and that certain southern Italian "do-nothing-is-also-something" feeling: Positano is the archetype of an Instagram paradise. The town was already a retreat for international artists in the 1950s.
Ad
🧢🇮🇹 Italy in your heart - and on your head!
This red and green cap with boot embroidery is the ultimate must-have for fans of pasta, sun and football! ➔ [Discover now at Amazon]
1st Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence
Florence at sunset is like a work of art that stages itself. From Piazzale Michelangelo, the city lies at your feet as if painted - the cathedral, the Arno bridges, the sea of red roofs. The viewing terrace was created in the 19th century especially for this view.
And you - what's your favourite sunset spot in Italy?
