Make a plan for sunset

Whether you’re on holiday or on a day out, plan to be in the perfect place come sunset The best light in summer is undoubtedly at the beginning or the end of the day. Dawn during the height of summer can be far too early for most of us – particularly when you’re on holiday. So plan where you will be during the golden hours of sunset – where the lower angle of the light creates better modelling of buildings and the landscape, and the colours get warmer.

There is a popular myth that the sun sets in the west. But it’s not just the time of sunset that varies throughout the year: the exact point that the sun falls below the horizon also changes by as much as 90 degrees. There are some great apps nowadays that can help you accurately pinpoint where the sun will be for any place in the world (such as the excellent LightTrac, www.lighttracapp.com). But if you don’t want to be a slave to your smartphone on vacation, just make a note where and when sunset is on your first day, then plan to be in the right place ready.

Choose a spot with a view that maximises the potential of a great sunset – and if there is a taverna nearby, so much the better!