Sunset spotting and timing

As the saying goes, "Being in the right place at the right time." But what if you're in the right place, just not at the right time?

This might have been our experience when a friend and I visited the Dingli Cliffs, Malta's highest point, on a sunny August day around 1 PM. Despite the beautiful sea and the scenic views, we couldn’t understand why hundreds of tourists were there. It didn’t resonate with us.

A week later, by chance, we passed by the same area at sunset, only this time by bus. It became clear why the several-kilometer stretch of Dingli Cliffs is so popular.

It's probably due to the orientation, elevation, and proximity to the sea. It's a bit like the high shore in Balatonakarattya, just in a Maltese version.

The initial feeling of "wrong place at the wrong time" began to shift, and yesterday it became evident why this spot is such a tourist attraction.

So, if you're looking for a beautiful sunset in Malta, this is the place to be.

But where else should you go?

• The hilltop between Golden Bay and Riviera Beach is a favorite of mine, though I’ve mentioned it so often that I’m a bit embarrassed.
• In St. Paul’s Bay, there are several ideal spots. I particularly like this bench, and this car rest area is also perfect. If you prefer to enjoy the sunset from a pool at a nightclub, Café del Mar is a great choice.
• I haven’t seen it from above Blue Grotto yet, but it seems 'designed' for this purpose.
• And, of course, the Dingli Cliffs are recommended almost along their entire length, but this viewpoint might be the most ideal.

The western side of the island surely has many more perfect spots, but these are the ones I can confidently recommend.

Now, a few thoughts on sunsets, because it came up that not everyone understands the fascination that people like me have with them.

If we think a little about the function, and meaning of sunsets, we might conclude the following:

• They are intrinsically linked to the concepts of finitude and transience, so those who are particularly good or bad at processing these ideas may feel a special attraction to sunsets.
• Sunsets provide a once-daily opportunity, motivating even those who struggle to get moving.
• They frame the day well, offering a rhythm that might be pleasant for people who like structure.
• Sunsets always offer hope that the next day will be even more beautiful, pointing towards the future beyond the sense of transience.
• And if that’s not enough, sunsets are simply beautiful in and of themselves, beyond any over-explained meanings.

So, it’s a pity for those who don’t appreciate them, as they truly miss out on something wonderful.

We can only hope that the sunsets in Malta remain as predictably beautiful as they have been since May, even as they come earlier each day.