Paphos has been ranked among the best places in the world to watch the sunset by British tour operator Kuoni. In the updated Golden Hour Index, the city placed 16th among 165 destinations, scoring 86.23 points out of 100.
The “golden hour” is the short period before sunset when sunlight becomes softer and the surrounding landscape takes on warm golden and reddish tones. This time of day is especially valued by photographers and people who enjoy scenic natural views. Paphos was the only destination in Cyprus to make the top 20. The result strengthens the city’s position as a tourist destination known for its coastal scenery and sunset views.
Which destinations ranked above Paphos?
Wadi Rum in Jordan took first place in the Golden Hour Index with a score of 95.92 points. Namibia’s Sossusvlei ranked second with 94.93 points. Desert and natural landscapes dominate the top 10. Other highly rated destinations include two more locations in Namibia, the Atacama Desert in Chile, the Wahiba Sands in Oman, and the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Among European destinations, only the Acropolis of Lindos on the Greek island of Rhodes ranked above Paphos. It placed 10th with a score of 87.97 points. Other Greek landmarks ranked below the Cypriot city:
- Rhodes Town ranked 17th.
- Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon ranked 19th.
- Navagio Beach on Zakynthos rounded out the top 20.
This placed Paphos among the highest-rated European destinations for watching sunsets.
How Kuoni ranked the best sunset destinations
The Golden Hour Index is based on six factors that influence sunset viewing conditions. The methodology was developed by Kuoni specialists together with meteorologist Jim Dale, founder of British Weather Services. The final score took the following factors into account:
- Cloud cover — 35% of the final score
- Light pollution — 20%
- Rainfall — 15%
- Artificial sky brightness — 15%
- Wind speed — 8%
- Average sunset duration — 7%
The analysis used average weather data covering a five-year period. This means the ranking reflects the likelihood of favorable sunset-viewing conditions rather than guaranteeing clear skies on any particular evening. It is also not a tourist popularity ranking: destinations were assessed according to weather and natural conditions rather than voting results.
Another international recognition for Paphos as a tourist destination
For residents and visitors to Cyprus, the strong result means that one of the world’s best places to watch the sunset is right on the island. There is no need to travel to the distant deserts of Jordan or Namibia to enjoy impressive evening scenery. At the same time, the ranking specifically refers to central Paphos. The sunset experience can vary depending on the exact coastal location, cloud cover, and time of year.
This is not the first international recognition for Paphos in 2026. In July, the city ranked first in a list of the world’s best destinations for watching sunrises and sunsets compiled by European photo company CEWE together with photographer Bella Falk. The ranking considered visual appeal, landscape variety, accessibility, and photography opportunities.
Cyprus’s western coast and its open sea views make Paphos an attractive destination for evening walks and photography. Its new place in the global ranking adds to the city’s list of international achievements and increases its visibility among travelers interested in nature and scenic landscapes.