The sunset on the Mediterranean is nothing special - or so you might think. But in some places between Antalya and Kaş, there are moments when the rocks turn pink, the sea reflects liquid gold and time stands still for 15 minutes. Here are eight spots where this happens.

Tünektepe cable car (Antalya)

The cable car up Mount Tünektepe is one of Antalya's best-kept secrets. It takes 8 minutes to get up to 605 metres, from the top you have a panoramic view of the entire bay of Antalya, the Taurus Mountains and the sea. There is a café at the top with an outdoor terrace - arrive 45 minutes before sunset. Tickets approx. 200 lira return journey. Last trip to the top usually an hour before sunset, so plan well in advance.

Düden waterfall (Lara, Antalya)

Here, a waterfall plunges directly into the sea - one of the few places in the world where this happens. At sunset, the spray turns orange and pink and the water below glows turquoise. From the viewpoint in the park you have the best view, free of charge. Tourist boats leave from the harbour at sunset to reach the waterfall - the view is even more dramatic from this perspective.

Temple of Apollo (Side)

A classic, but rightly so. The columns of the Temple of Apollo stand at the western end of the Side peninsula, right by the sea. At sunset, the sun shines through the columns and the marble glows a honey colour. It can get crowded - no wonder, the spot appears in every travel guide. Nevertheless, it's worth a visit - it's best to arrive 30 minutes before sunset.

Suluada from the boat

Those who book a boat tour to the "Maldivian island" of Suluada usually return in the late afternoon. The tour providers have learnt that the way back at sunset is the most beautiful part - the bow of the boat faces west, the sea glows and the rocky coast turns red. Most tours make an extra stop for photos.

Olympos beach near Çıralı

The long sandy beach between the mountains of Olympos has no hotels in the front row, so you have an uninterrupted view of the sea. At sunset, you can sit on the large round pebbles, listen to the waves and watch the eternal flames of the Chimaira burn in the mountains behind you. A guesthouse on the beach rents out sunbeds and serves good mezze in the evening.

Phaselis - Sunset in the ancient city

When the crowds of tourists leave at 5 pm, Phaselis is almost all yours. Sit on one of the ancient walls on the southern bay and look out over the sea to the west. The sun sinks behind the Beydaglari mountains, the pine trees are fragrant and for a moment you can imagine what it looked like here 2000 years ago. Entry is usually possible until shortly before sunset.

Çıralı beach with the Chimaira flames

An hour before sunset on the beach, then hike with a head torch to the Chimaira flames (about 30 minutes uphill). Once at the top, you can see the eternal flames burning out of the rock and the sun setting in the valley below you. A perfect double spot. Bring sturdy shoes and water, the path is not illuminated.

Kaleiçi harbour (Antalya old town)

The historic harbour of Antalya, framed by the Ottoman houses of the old town of Kaleiçi and the cliffs above. Sit in one of the cafés right by the water or on the harbour wall. The sun sinks into the west, the old boat fishermen pull in their last nets, the lights of the old town come on. An hour of atmosphere that you won't get anywhere else.

The best sunsets are the ones you didn't plan for. Still, it doesn't hurt to know where the sky performs best. Pack a jumper (it gets chilly), bring someone you like with you and don't use your mobile phone for 20 minutes. Some moments can't be photographed - you have to live them.