Europe attractions

A marine reserve and WWF Oasis, Torre Guaceto is one of the most pristine stretches of the Adriatic coast in Italy. Its vast confines include bird-filled marshes, towering dunes, sandy coves, crystalline water, a sea turtle sanctuary, and the Saracen tower for which the reserve is named. Ideal for a beach break, coastal hike, or cycling excursion, this protected area is a highlight of Puglia’s Salento peninsula.

Nearly nine centuries old and the home of one of the country’s most beautiful Elizabethan walled gardens, Haddon Hall brims with well-preserved 14th–16th century interiors. Step back in time here as you explore England’s oldest medieval kitchens, marvel over the notable tapestry collection, and stroll through the Long Gallery.

The Jean-Lurçat and Contemporary Tapestry Museum (Musée Jean-Lurçat) in Angers, France, is an explosion of color housed in a former hospital building dating to the 12th century. Inside the Gothic building complex lies a collection that includes paintings, ceramics, and—most notably—tapestries by Jean Lurçat, an artist often credited as instrumental in the revival of contemporary tapestry.

Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park make for an engaging day out for visitors of all ages. Wander more than 30 rooms in the 18th-century house, while learning the story of its owners and connection to Grace O’Malley, the famed pirate queen. Then, head over to the theme park for a ride on the swinging pirate ship or mini Ferris wheel.

Just north of Fethiye Old Town, Calis Beach is Fethiye’s principal beach, stretching for almost three miles (four kilometers along the Bay of Fethiye. Famed for its dreamy sunsets, wind-swept shores, and movie connections—the bay of Calis Koca was a filming site for Bond movie Skyfall—it’s a favorite among both locals and travelers.

A country manor in Ireland’s County Sligo, Lissadell House is an architectural landmark and scenic estate open to visitors during summer. Dating back to the 1830s and famous as the childhood home of Constance Markievicz (a leader of the 1916 Rising), Lissadell House today is a private home that opens for tours of the manor and access to the gardens seasonally.

Located right in the heart of Fuerteventura, Antigua is one of the island’s oldest towns. Established in 1404, today's settlement reflects Fuerteventura's unspoiled, local side. However, its draws include historic windmills and churches, museums, archaeological sites, and the nearby Caleta de Fuste resort area.

Consisting of 15 heavy stone slabs set out in an oval shape, Kenmare’s Stone Circle—known locally as the Shrubberies—is among the biggest of the 100 or so such sites scattered throughout Ireland’s southwest. Though its original function remains unknown, the site most likely held spiritual significance for its Bronze Age builders.

Dino-loving kids and adults alike will appreciate the robust collection of fossils, bones, and crystals housed at Fossils Galore, a museum and workshop situated just 30 minutes outside of Peterborough. Highlights include a Woolly Rhinoceros skull and an Iguanadon dinosaur, as well as regular talks about fossil hunting, the chance to watch behind-the-scenes bone cleanings, and interactive exhibits.

The Aqua Dome in Tralee is one of Ireland’s biggest indoor water parks, offering a fun diversion from the historical stops and coastal scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way. There’s something for all ages to enjoy here, including water slides, a lazy river, children’s pools, an adults-only spa, gym, café, and a mini-golf course.

Madrid is a city that loves its soccer, but you don’t need to be a Spaniard to know about the all-star local team, Real Madrid. To pick up merchandise that’s sure to make you popular at thetabernas, visit the Official Real Madrid Store at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Grab a jersey or team scarf, and take in a game while you’re there.

Noto is best known for its UNESCO-listed clutch of churches and palaces built in the sumptuous Sicilian baroque style, and the 18th-century Church of San Domenico is considered one of the town’s architectural treasures. Admire its ornately carved facade before stepping inside to marvel at the exuberant stuccowork.

In 2010, Ireland’s most beloved potato chip brand—Tayto—opened this chip-themed amusement park, Tayto Park, which fast became one of the country’s most-visited attractions. The park features more than 100 family-friendly diversions, including roller coasters, ziplines, a climbing wall, 5D cinema, and a zoo housing everything from tigers to alpacas.

The Hill of Tarvit Mansion & Garden is an Edwardian-era mansion house, first built in the 17th century and remodeled in 1906. With an exquisite collection of antiques, Chinese porcelain, furniture, and paintings, it provides a glimpse of early 20th-century Edwardian life. One of the major attractions of the grounds is a nine-hole hickory club golf course, which was added in 1924.

Set inside a preserved medieval mill, the Basel Paper Mill is a museum on the art of printing. The smell of ink lingers in the air of the workshops as hands-on exhibits take visitors through the printing process and the importance of the paper and tools used. Thanks to its interactive approach, this museum is especially family-friendly.

St. Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve is one of the Borders’ most beautiful hiking spots, a coastal wonderland of soaring cliffs, rugged crags, ever-changing coves, and a lighthouse. Come summer, seabirds are the star, with fulmars, razorbills, kittiwakes, guillemots, and even the occasional puffin nesting, hunting, and swooping.

This 12th-century Cistercian abbey, located just outside the center of Milan, is a welcome respite from the urban bustle of Italy’s fashion capital. Visit the historic complex that blends Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque elements in its church, cloister, and granges, and savor the reflective silence in the monastic interiors.

The Icelandic Aviation Museum, housed in a large hangar at Akureyri Airport, displays a varied collection of large and small aircrafts, photographs, artifacts, and flight memorabilia. The museum devotes itself to preserving Iceland’s aviation history, such as documenting key moments like the country’s first flight in 1919.

Sweden’s most famous automobile brand is the subject of the eponymous Volvo Museum, located on the Gothenburg island of Hisingen. Chronicling the company’s humble beginnings in Gothenburg in 1927 to its status today as a globally renowned vehicle manufacturer, the museum provides a fun and fascinating insight into the world of Volvo.

Situated on the banks of the Llobregat River on the outskirts of Barcelona, RCDE Stadium (formerly Stage Front Stadium) is the home stadium of the RCD Espanyol football (soccer) club—one of the top Spanish league teams and the crosstown rival of FC Barcelona. The 40,000-capacity stadium ranks among Spain’s leading sporting venues, as well as being used as a concert venue for international music artists.

The M. K. Ciurlionis National Museum of Art is dedicated to showcasing the creations of the museum's namesake, M. K. Ciurlionis. Enjoy a variety of works by this composer, writer, and visual artist, ranging from paintings and graphics to music, available in recordings and also presented live, in the site’s performance spaces.

Join the untold number of travelers who have passed through the Lombrives Cave (Grotte de Lombrives), used by humans as far back as the Neolithic era. The cave system, located near the Spanish border in the Pyrenees, is among the largest in Western Europe and is known for its caverns, rock formations, and crystals.

Burrowed into the rocky edge of Maó Harbor, Fort Marlborough is an 18th-century relic of Menorca’s military heritage. Dramatic views from the gun placements afford excellent views across the pretty Cala de Sant Esteve cove, while interior tours of the fort offer a chance to learn about a tumultuous side of the island’s history.

The Montpellier Zoo (Zoo de Montpellier) covers 80 hectares (198 acres) just north of the city center. Opened in 1964, the zoo has the look and feel of a safari park with open enclosures where most of the wild animals roam free. With 120 species and 1,104 animals, the zoo covers a lot of ground, from zebra and lions to lizards and birds.

Set just outside Turin, this small zoo is an ideal family-friendly break from the bustle of the city. Covering 45 acres, the park is home to 300 animals representing 80 African and Asian species born exclusively in European zoos. With open-air habitats, daily talks, and interactive activities, a visit here is both fun and educational.

Set on parkland, this 16th-century tower house offers stunning views of the Firth of Forth estuary. The property’s elegant frozen-in-time interiors showcase the life and style of an upper-middle-class family in Edwardian-era Scotland, with collections of antique furniture, artwork, and decorative objects, from porcelain to Oriental rugs.

Plauen is located in Saxony in the eastern part of Germany, near the border of Bavaria and the Czech Republic. In the 1930s, Plauen hosted the first chapter of the Nazi Party outside of Bavaria, and about 75% of the city was destroyed during World War II. During the division of Germany, Plauen fell into East Germany. Some of the earliest and most significant peaceful demonstrations against the communist regime occurred here, leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Travelers looking for a way to cool off on Menorca without heading to the beach will enjoy Splash Waterpark (Splash Sur Menorca), an attraction-packed destination. This family-friendly park has slides for the kids and lounge areas and Jacuzzis for the adults, plus food, drinks, and sunbeds to guarantee a comfortable visit.

Situated in a rural part of southern France near the border with Spain, Espace Ludopia is an outdoor experience park that focuses on engaging the five senses. Visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring a series of interactive installations built from upcycled materials.

Don’t be put off by its small size—Fethiye Museum (Fethiye Muzesi) is crammed with ancient treasures. Findings from Telmessos (the ancient Lycian city upon which Fethiye was founded) and several nearby sites, including Tlos and Kaunos, form the basis of the collection, which includes statues, mosaics, and other artifacts.