Spain has one of the longest coastlines in the Mediterranean, so offers plenty of places to enjoy the sunset and sea views simultaneously, but few are as cool, cosmopolitan and culinarily creative as the Catalan capital. Barcelona has so many great bars, restaurants, rooftops and public parks you will be spoiled for choice when the evening sets in and the sky begins to glow golden. One of the greatest places in the world to watch the sky turn orange is the city’s famous Eixample district, whose facades are predominantly earthy shades. So grab your friends, some tapas and an Aperol Spritz and watch the evening drift away like the cotton-candy coloured Catalonian clouds.
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Parc Güell
Catalan native Antoni Gaudí is famous for his architectural masterpieces and Parc Güell is no exception. Get there before sunset and marvel at the gingerbread house-like porter’s lodges and quirky and colourful ceramic tiles that span this Unesco world heritage site. When the sky begins to fade from blue to orange, head to the monumental area at the top of the park and perch on one of the famous undulating benches to watch the day ebb away, Gaudí style.
Castell de Montjuic
Jump on the cable car and head upwards to Montjuic for views of this special city at sunset. The birthplace of Barcelona, Montjuic boasts museums, Olympic stadiums and botanical gardens, to name but a few highlights. But those in the know come here for the sunsets. Head to the castle and watch the sky light up as the sun goes down over the mountains. And the fun doesn’t stop when the light fades – don’t miss the Magic Fountains which host kitsch sound and light shows with gushing water set to a soundtrack of everything from 80s hits to Spanish classical music.
La Sagrada Família
The intricate details of architect Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, La Sagrada Família, are only accentuated by the soft light of the setting sun, which creates a captivating interplay of shadows and highlights on the building. Visitors to the magnificent basilica who come at dusk are treated to breathtaking views both inside and out, as the stained glass windows come alive at twilight, radiating a rainbow of colours around the unfinished space. And after you are done admiring the cathedral's towering spires, head for La Guinda, a gorgeous nearby bar/restaurant that serves up delicious fusion cuisine. A great place to share a meal and an Aperol Spritz with friends and family and to reflect on the transcendent experience of an evening visit to Gaudí’s most audacious work.
Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach offers the perfect bookend to a day in Barcelona. Plus, it is located just a short stroll from many of the city's highlights, including the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla and the trendy neighbourhood of El Born. No wonder so many locals can be found wandering here after finishing work, as the sun begins to descend casting its warm golden light over the sandy beach. Sure, the sunset will be behind you over the city rather than the Mediterranean, but watching the sun go down over the city’s skyline creates a unique juxtaposition of nature and urbanity – a perfect summary of Barcelona itself! And if that doesn’t get you in the right mood for an evening aperitivo and some of the city’s world famous tapas, nothing will. With some of your favourite friends, an Aperol Spritz and that sunset, the world could hardly feel more joyful.