Europe Action & adventure, Animal, Beach, Gardens & parks, Nature + Water sports pictures

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Colorful architecture, a warm climate and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle make this coastal city a favorite with celebrities and holidaymakers.

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

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.

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

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

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

See the swans glide by under weeping willows and relax with a picnic in the park while taking in the pristine beauty of the source of the Clitunno River in Umbria.

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

This serene mountain town has rustic charm and natural beauty and is the site of one of Europe’s most famous divine encounters.

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.

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

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.

The friendly capital of Northern Ireland has a fascinating history and is just an hour away from the country’s scenic Atlantic coastline.

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

Build your courage for the many carnival rides on the People’s Pier and explore the sights backing onto this beach.

Although it’s not the Auvergne region’s highest summit, this dormant lava dome is its most iconic. Join the thousands of hikers who visit every year.

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

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.

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

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

Build your courage for the many carnival rides on the People’s Pier and explore the sights backing onto this beach.

Whether you’re catching a train or not, be sure to visit this “secular cathedral,” an early 20th-century icon that sits on a hill north of Old Town Limoges.

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

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.