The world is waking up to the art of dusking, a wellness-inspired travel trend that encourages people to embrace the beauty of the evening sky. It's about stepping away from the hustle and bustle, putting down the devices, and simply witnessing the world slow down as daylight fades. This trend, rooted in the Netherlands and parts of Africa, is now gaining traction globally, and a new study has ranked the best destinations for this unique experience.
The 'Global Dusking Index' was compiled by Holafly, a tourist internet connectivity company, which mapped the physical science of atmospheric beauty. The research considered four distinct 'layers' - clear skies and light scattering, natural elements, and the places travellers are drawn to. Each destination was ranked based on 'atmospheric quality' and 'digital desire signal', with the latter using Google Trends to track UK travellers' search patterns.
Social media amplification, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, also played a role in the rankings. The study examined real travel behaviour, focusing on where people are actually going, rather than where they aspire to go.
Here are the top five destinations for dusking, each offering a unique and captivating experience:
Santorini, Greece: Santorini is a Cycladic island that has long been a traveller's dream. Its strong skies and popularity on Google and social media make it a top choice. The iconic caldera offers a daily ritual of watching the whitewashed buildings turn moody hues, creating an undeniable, magnetic energy.
Bali, Indonesia: Bali is renowned for its stunning sunsets, and the data supports this. The 'Bali golden hour' is a popular search term, but the reality is even more captivating. To truly experience the best of Balinese dusk, one should leave the beach clubs behind and find a peaceful spot overlooking the jungle or a stretch of volcanic black sand, where the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean in a stunning display.
Tenerife, Spain: Tenerife, a Canary Island, comes alive as the sun sets. Its exceptionally clear skies and unobstructed solar geometry, combined with its popularity among tourists, make it an ideal dusking destination. The best experience is found far from the coastal resorts, up in Mount Teide, where one can witness one of the most peaceful sunsets.
Amalfi Coast, Italy: The Amalfi Coast is a popular holiday spot, and for good reason. It scored highly across all layers of the index. The sun setting over the Tyrrhenian Sea is a romantic experience, with long shadows across lemon groves and cliffs turning shades of deep apricot. The charm of the Amalfi Coast is very present, especially at dusk.
Maldives: The Maldives is often associated with honeymoons, but its magical sunsets are a significant draw. Despite having the least atmospheric quality ranking among the top ten, its social dominance is undeniable. With nearly 400 million TikTok views and three-quarters of a million Instagram posts, the Maldives showcases its cultural presence, making it a top choice for dusking enthusiasts.
These destinations offer more than just a sunset; they provide an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the world in a new and captivating way. As dusking continues to gain popularity, these places are sure to become even more sought-after, offering travellers a unique and memorable experience.
