Europe Action & adventure, Gardens & parks, Modern architecture, Nature, Religious, Theme parks + Water sports pictures

• World

Tear yourself away long enough from snorkeling and relaxing in the thermal spas of Ischia to explore this gem of a medieval fortress on a rocky islet in the Bay of Naples.

Escape the city and head to one of the world’s largest urban parks, which has lakes and meadows, as well as beer gardens and a variety of interesting relics.

The smallest and southernmost of the four principal Balearic Islands is a captivating spot with gorgeous beaches, historical buildings and picturesque landscapes.

Scenic coves, rock pools and beaches decorate this picturesque coastline. An ecological footpath leads to botanical displays and beachside cafés and bars.

Visit the two intriguing castles that flank this historic Spanish beach and relax on its photogenic stretch of golden sand.

Photograph fascinating geological formations, spot varied wildlife and look out at a chain of scenic bays from the top of an emblematic rock. 

Discover themed gardens, artist pavilions, viewpoints and wildlife stations set around a natural amphitheater in the grounds of a medieval castle. 

Maze-like hedges, marble sculptures and colorful flower beds adorn this historic royal garden, where the palace’s stables and carriages once lay.

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

Find one of Europe’s largest glaciers, its most powerful waterfall, most extensive national park and oldest parliament in this island nation on the verge of the Arctic.

Make your way along elegant promenades to find medieval churches, thermal spas and stunning gardens in the shadow of the Italian Alps. 

Visit the upscale ski resorts, trek across the snow-capped mountains and learn about the mixtures of cultures in this eclectic region.

Find out why literary masters, such as Goethe and Victor Hugo, heaped praise on this remarkable, pink-hued cathedral.

Relax by the pond, walk through landscaped gardens, and admire the elegant statues and buildings in one of Madrid’s biggest and most popular parks.

With an opulence worthy of the former monarchs buried inside, this 15th-century chapel is the go-to spot for royal ceremonies and weddings.

Gaze at a shoreline dotted with pretty bays and coves, spot Balearic Islands and watch marvelous sunsets at this hilltop viewpoint. 

Tear yourself away long enough from snorkeling and relaxing in the thermal spas of Ischia to explore this gem of a medieval fortress on a rocky islet in the Bay of Naples.

Enjoy views of the impressive futuristic train station from this green, pedestrianized plaza at Strasbourg’s core.

Relax by the pond, walk through landscaped gardens, and admire the elegant statues and buildings in one of Madrid’s biggest and most popular parks.

Make your way along elegant promenades to find medieval churches, thermal spas and stunning gardens in the shadow of the Italian Alps.