Europe attractions

With sweeping views across the Bay of Kastela and Split, rugged but low-lying Mt. Kozjak (Mali Kozjak) offers hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and ziplining. There are around 50 miles (80 kilometers) of marked trails through forest and over open ground, some running across to neighboring mountains. Tiny and photogenic chapels add cultural interest to the summits.

Set on a grassy outcrop with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the remote Leacanabuaile Fort is a worthwhile addition to any tour of the beautiful Ring of Kerry. The original fort, thought to date back to the ninth or 10th century, has been partially reconstructed to give a better sense of its original features.

Housed in an elegant 19th-century building that was originally a library, Bath's Victoria Art Gallery showcases a stellar collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and ceramics, dating from the 15th century until modern times. Highlights include a Tudor portrait of Henry VIII and the Lichfield Clock, an intricate musical clock.

Located within Berchtesgaden National Park, Lake Hintersee is considered one of the most picturesque highlights of southern Germany’s Bavarian Alps. Boasting crystal-clear water offset by soaring mountain peaks, this glacier-fed beauty spot is an ideal day-trip destination from Munich and Salzburg. A range of recreational opportunities are available in the area, from walking and hiking trails to seasonal boat rentals.

Situated on Place Darcy in Dijon, Porte Guillaume— also known as William's Gate—is a large stone arch, sometimes likened to Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. It was built in the 18th century on a spot where old city walls once stood and is considered the gateway into Dijon’s pedestrianised center.

Just a short distance from the resort town of Cala Ratjada in northeastern Mallorca, Cala Gat (meaning the “bay of cats”) is one of the area’s loveliest beaches. Small and sandy, with beautifully clear turquoise waters, it’s sheltered from the waves by rocky headlands. Boats are not permitted here, which makes it easy to have a relaxing paddle.

The Sorrentine Peninsula is full of coastal roads framed by greenery and sparkling sea views, but Via Capo—meaning “head” or “chief” street—might top them all. To the west of Sorrento, this winding route is dotted with olive groves, small vineyards, and paths to stellar swimming spots such as the Baths of Queen Giovanna (Bagni Regina Giovanna), offering a quiet escape from the bustle of the town’s historic center.

Via dei Portici, also called Laubengasse, stretches through the heart of Bolzano’s old town and is among the town’s most famous streets. Named after the arcades (portici in Italian) that house the shops lining the historic streets, Via dei Portici has been Bolzano’s commercial hub since the Middle Ages—today, it blends traditional architecture with modern shops and is the number one shopping destination in town.

A giant outdoor maze made from more than one million maize plants is the star attraction at this family-friendly adventure park. As well as smaller themed mazes, York Maze is home to slides, a climbing zone, inflatables, tractor rides, crazy golf, and remote-controlled boats.

Set in the shadow of the Matterhorn is the Mountaineer’s Cemetery, a small site dedicated to those who lost their lives on the alpine peaks. The 50-or-so headstones here represent different mountaineers from different dates, nations, and ages, who all had one thing in common—they died on the mountains they were drawn to climb.

Three centuries of history lie behind the distinctive, sgraffito-adorned facade of the House of Silk (La Casa de la Seda), Barcelona’s only guild house. On the central boulevard of Via Laietana, the opulent headquarters of the Art of Silk Association is just as impressive on the inside—decorated with silk wall coverings and filled with original antiques and archival documents.

The Normandy town of Bayeux is artistically best-known for its 11th-century tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest, but don’t overlook the Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History (MAHB), a destination for art enthusiasts. The museum houses around 5,000 art objects from as many years of art history in Europe and France—with a particular focus on Normandy—all in a beautiful old palace.

Just a few minutes’ walk from Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Crathie Church is where the Royal Family attends church while staying at the castle. Though a church has stood here for centuries, the current structure was built in the 19th century—Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone here back in 1893.

Ferris wheels, bowling alleys, and karaoke lounges are just some of the attractions at Holiday World Maspalomas, a multi-activity leisure center suitable for all the family in Gran Canaria. Eat your way through the food hall, ride the retro 2-story carousel at one of the island’s largest theme parks, or test your mettle in an escape room.

One of the most important vestiges of Aosta’s Roman history, Porta Praetoria is a must-see for ancient architecture fans. Erected in 25 BC, this monumental city gate was the main entrance to the city of Augusta Praetoria from the east through the ancient city walls. Its three arches—a central opening for carriages flanked by two pedestrian passages—and central courtyard are still visible today.

You don’t need to be a botanist to enjoy this little green oasis in Münster. Backing onto the city castle and historic University of Münster buildings, the themed gardens are spread around winding trails. They are dotted with greenhouses and nooks where visitors can escape to sunbathe, soak up the blooms, or read a book.

Formed by volcanoes and now home to endemic flora and fauna, Morro de Castelo Branco is a natural reserve on the lush Azorean island of Faial. It takes its name (meaning “White Castle”) from the dome-shaped structure that rises from the Atlantic Ocean, a hot spot for hikers and bird-watchers.

At first glance, the Mostar Clock Tower (Sahat Kula) might not command much attention, but the timeworn and war-torn landmark is a testament to the town's Ottoman heritage. Built in 1630, the Turkish-style clock tower was severely damaged during the Croat-Bosniak War, then restored in the '90s as part of Mostar's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

St. Anne’s Church is an interesting historical find: An Evangelical Lutheran place of worship that dates to medieval times, yet is known for its early Renaissance architecture. Navigate your way through the cloisters before heading inside where biblical art and frescoed chapels beckon, along with the on-site Museum Lutherstiege.

The sprawling sand-colored fortress around the old town of Aigues-Mortes is the Camargue region’s standout historical site. Built as a 13th-century defensive fortress at the behest of King Louis IV, the monument remains remarkably intact and well-maintained. Visitors today can scale the ramparts, walk the walls, and head up the spiral staircase inside Constance’s Tower.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pieve is considered a symbol of Arezzo for its striking Tuscan Romanesque architecture. Strolling through the city’s picturesque historical center, you can’t miss the church’s imposing bell tower and four-tiered facade with increasingly narrow arches. Inside the high-ceilinged church, which dates back to the 1100s, visitors will find the remains of an ancient well and a vivid gold altarpiece featuring the Madonna and Child.

A former royal palace and civic building in the heart of Cefalù, Osterio Magno features a combination of architectural styles, ranging from its earliest Roman era features to Greek, Norman, and Byzantine styles: ultimately though it remains uniformly Sicilian. Its blend of influences reflects the succession of cultures and civilizations that have held dominion over Sicily throughout the centuries.

The horseshoe-shaped Playa de Sant Joan is renowned for its pristine beauty. It leads out onto calm, sheltered waters that glimmer aquamarine in the sun, and is ringed by green forests and rolling hills. As it only measures 650 feet (200 meters) across, it can get crowded, but that doesn’t detract from the beach’s natural charm.

Built in the early 16th century, the Landhaushof was the first Renaissance building in Graz and remains one of the most notable Renaissance buildings in central Europe. The massive structure today takes up an entire city block, but the original building containing a law firm and a chapel was much smaller. The building, which was home to the Styrian Diet, was soon enlarged by expanding into nearby buildings. Due to the expansion over the years, the Landhaushof features several different architectural styles, although great care was taken to blend the varied styles together. The building today features a main façade with elegant round-arched windows, airy porticoes and a three-story arcaded Italianate courtyard. The Landhaushof has three courtyards altogether, each hosting musical concerts and theater performances during the summer months.

Sat on Geneva’s elegant Place Neuve, the Rath Museum hosts the major temporary art exhibitions of Geneva’s Museum of Art and History (the MAH). With a façade inspired by the temples of Ancient Greece and a history as a working art gallery since the early 1900s, the site has become a symbol of the city’s interest in the arts.

Guarding the picturesque mouth of Mahón Harbor is 19th-century Fortaleza de la Mola, whose beautifully preserved walls offer big views across the water. Also called the Fortaleza de Isabel II, the impressive fortress has galleries and tunnels that invite exploring, as well as hornworks where artillery once kept invaders at bay.

A mecca for gearheads and lovers of all things planes, trains, and automobiles, the Technical Museum of Denmark (Danmarks Tekniske Museet) impresses with its vast collection of steam engines, bicycles, cars, and airplanes, plus a variety of exhibits—many of them interactive—focused on science, technology, and industry.

One of Paxos’ most beautiful bays, Erimitis Beach is a gift for anyone seeking sun, swimming, and snorkeling in spectacular and secluded surroundings. Flanked by soaring cliffs, washed by mint-blue waters, and famous for its sunset views, Erimitis is reached via boat or a steep track, giving it a wild and isolated aura and usually keeping it wonderfully unbusy.

Giske Church dates back to the 12th century and is known locally for its simple white facade, 18th-century art, and historic architecture. Although the church is modest and located outside of Alesund’s small urban center, it remains a significant cultural and historical landmark with connections to the Giske family, who were influential in medieval Norway.

Best known as the home of the Wimbledon Championships—arguably, one of the world’s most famous tennis tournaments—the All England Lawn Tennis Club attracts tennis fans from around the world, as well as royalty and celebrities. Whether coming to watch a tennis match or for a tour, the venue is home to a museum that tells the story of The Championships, as well as a shop and café.