Europe Art, Gardens & parks, People + Winter pictures

• World

A city once known more for its division than its fascinating history and architecture, Berlin is now unshakably unified and a highly modern, cosmopolitan city that offers a fantastic opportunity to experience a uniquely German way of life through the city’s many museums, public squares and festivals.

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

One of the Costa Blanca’s finest beaches is loved by locals and vacationers alike for its soft sand, crystalline water, busy promenade and nightlife. 

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

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.

Nature and technology, history, festivals and performing arts make this one of the most popular cities in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region.

Marvel at the wooden organ and work out the parables depicted in the stained glass in this blend of two separate religious buildings.

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

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.

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.

A lake and a majestic fountain are among the highlights in this urban park that stands on the site of the city’s former fortress.

Enjoy the pleasant ocean breeze and relax on pristine stretches of white sand on this island of scenic parks and dunes.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

If you\'re looking for wellbeing and relaxation, a holiday in Merano is a great chance to discover the city, gardens and hot springs.

Visit this centerpiece of a program of new construction in Stuttgart for the architecture as well as the books contained inside.

Ponds, sculptures and slides grace the leafy park near this long and innovative two-part bridge that doesn’t quite meet in the middle. 

Learn about changes in Swedish culture since the 16th century. Find historic furniture and photographs and displays about local festivals and the Sami culture.

With some of Spain’s foremost modern and contemporary artworks and a collection that ranks among the world’s finest, this is a museum art lovers won’t want to miss.

From its architecture to its industry and sporting events, this is a city of fascinating contrasts just an hour by train from London.