Europe Art, Bird, Castles & palaces, Gardens & parks, Lighthouse + People pictures

• World

One of the world’s smallest countries lies within eastern Italy’s countryside. Visit the longstanding city-state for natural beauty, culture and food specialties.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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

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

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

The ‘Athens of the North’ is an excellent choice for a traveller seeking variety.  Edinburgh is a bustling city, full of history, with countryside tranquillity on its doorstep.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.