Mundaka may look like a quiet fishing village at first, but this Basque destination has an outsized reputation. That’s thanks to its world-class, left-hand barreling wave, considered one of the best in Europe, which has made the town a major international surfing destination. Other attractions include its beaches and old port.
The museum occupies the old Casaramona factory building, a modernist building that was constructed from 1909 and 1912 and was later adapted and expanded for artistic use. Today, the CaixaForum contains more than 800 works of art representing a range of styles and movements. Pieces are displayed across three sections and showcase ancient, modern, and contemporary art, photography from the 20th century, and avant-garde expressionism.
Welcoming visitors to Annecy’s Old Town, the 12th-century Island Palace (Palais de l’Île) sits right in the middle of Canal du Thiou on a prow-shaped islet between colorful canal-side streets. Over the years, the landmark building has served as a courthouse, mint, prison, military barrack, and ducal residence.
There are few places more fitting to watch one of Shakespeare’s plays than in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of the iconic playwright. The town’s most prestigious venue is undoubtedly the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the official home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Built in 1932, the theatre was designed by Elisabeth Scott, one of Britain’s first female architects.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of Christian pilgrimage trails, Chartres Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres) is hailed as one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in France. As well as boasting panoramic city views from its Bell Tower, the cathedral is home to more than 4,000 sculptures.
At the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, water from the River Dargle gushes down from a height of 397 feet (121 meters), creating one of Ireland’s highest waterfalls: Powerscourt Waterfall. Most people come to admire the splendor of these cascades during a trip to the Powerscourt Estate with its historic Palladian mansion and sprawling grounds; just note that entry to the waterfalls isn’t included in admission and you need to buy a separate ticket.
The imposing baroque Klosterneuburg Monastery, or Stift Klosterneuburg in German, is a 12th-century Augustinian abbey that dominates the skyline of Klosterneuburg. In addition to its elegant architecture, the monastery houses a number of artistic treasures and is home to Austria’s oldest wine-growing estate.
Housed inside the Palau de Mar, the History Museum of Catalonia (Museu d’Història de Catalunya) opened in 1996 with the goal of focusing on the region’s cultural and political development from prehistory through to the present day. It’s a great place to learn how the Romans, Moors, and others each left their mark on Catalonia. The exhibits focused on the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s rule are particularly well done.
Built as a retirement residence for the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, this massive fortress-like palace makes up about half of old town Split. Although there have been plenty of changes to Diocletian’s Palace over the ages, the original quadrant design still remains with four different gates—the Brass Gate, Iron Gate, Golden Gate, and Silver Gate—that enclose this walled fortress.
Standing steady against the fearsome storms that ravage the northern tip of the Isle of Lewis is the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. Made from red brick, which is highly unusual for Scottish lighthouses, it was designed by Scottish engineer David Stevenson in 1862. It was one of the last Scottish lighthouses to be automated in 1998.
Holmenkollen Ski Jump is a unique and fun landmark that represents Norway’s illustrious skiing tradition, and one of Norway’s best-loved visitor attractions. Attracting a million visitors every year, the historic attraction and amusement park includes a cross-country skiing and biathlon stadium, a ski museum, ziplines, and simulator that lets you experience your very own jump.
Schöner Brunnen—“beautiful fountain” in German—refers to a decorative fountain in Nuremberg’s main market square that dates back to the 14th century. The Gothic masterpiece is highly photogenic, with religious imagery and stone figures from the Holy Roman Empire. It also has a ring that people turn to for good luck.
Hiking and hot spring hopping are among the most popular things to do in Iceland, and you can experience the best of both worlds at the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River. The moderately challenging hike to the river passes through a geothermal valley, with views of steaming springs, mud pools, and waterfalls to enjoy along the way. The reward is a soothing bath surrounded by lush meadows or snow-capped mountains, depending on the season.
Catania is best known for its Sicilian baroque architecture, but one of the most important attractions in the city actually dates from centuries earlier: the formidable 13th-century Ursino Castle (Castello di Ursino). Built by Emperor Frederick II, it now houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts in the Museo Civico (Civic Museum).
One of the world’s most important neo-Gothic buildings, the 19th-century Votive Church (Votivkirche was built to celebrate a failed assassination attempt on the Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph I. Today, the soaring cathedral with rose windows, gabled portals, and delicate spires and buttresses is among the city’s architectural treasures.
Set on Oslo’s Bygdoy Peninsula, the Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuset) houses an extensive collection of Viking-era artifacts discovered around Oslo Fjord. The museum is best known for its Viking ships, which have been painstakingly reconstructed and elegantly displayed in pristine white galleries.
A bustling hub of commerce and culture at the heart of Mostar’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Old Bazaar of Kujundziluk has been the town’s principal market since the 16th century. Cobbled lanes and colorful Ottoman-era buildings are the backdrop for a lively shopping quarter packed with handicrafts, souvenirs, and art galleries.
Looming 2,600 feet (800 meters above sea level, Pico do Carvão Viewpoint (Miradouro do Pico do Carvão offers panoramic views of Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago. From the lookout point, you can see volcanic cones, lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Halfway between Barcelona and the French border lies the town of Palafrugell, a jumping-off point to some of the prettiest and most pristine areas of the Costa Brava. Enticing spots include the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, Cap Roig promontory, and the beachy villages of Tamariu, Aiguablava, Fornells, and Llafranc.
Italy is known for its fashion and design: Some of the world’s most recognized luxury clothing and home decor labels are proudly “made in Italy.” If you love elegant Italian style, head to the Castel Romano Designer Outlet to shop for famous designer brands with significant discounts, such as Valentino and Versace. Popular with bargain hunters, the open-air shopping center has more than 150 stores offering up to 70 percent off retail prices.
Built more than 2,000 years ago and discovered in 1998, the Roman Theatre of Cartagena (Teatro Romano de Cartagena) was worth the wait, say its many visitors. Perched on a hillside overlooking the city, the amphitheater held up to 6,000 spectators during Roman times and today houses an in-depth museum.
Tallinn’s central plaza—Freedom Square—is located in the southern part of the Old Town. A popular meeting spot for locals, it’s also used for concerts and state events. Home to the Victory Column—which commemorates the Estonian War of Independence—visitors can also discover art deco and functionalist buildings, art galleries, and cafes.
The Cathedral complex is among Siena’s top attractions, and it includes both the Duomo and adjacent Baptistery of San Giovanni (Battistero di San Giovanni). Echoing the Cathedral’s Gothic architecture, the stripped-down facade of the baptistery belies its sumptuous interiors, decorated by some of the 15th century's most important artists.
One of Spain’s most prestigious galleries, the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville is regarded as second only to Madrid’s Prado Museum. Set in a former 17th-century convent, the museum draws visitors with its vast painting and sculpture collections from the 12th to the 20th centuries, including pieces by Murillo, Ribera, and El Greco.
The Danube River is among Europe’s mightiest, stretching from Germany to the Black Sea, and it helped grow Vienna into a major power center. The waterway branches into two as it enters Vienna: The Danube Canal passes through the center, while the river flows across the city’s northeastern edge. Both provide opportunities to relax and take in Vienna’s sights.
Dunguaire Castle’s Medieval Banquet offers an evening of music and storytelling along with traditional food and wine. Once the home of noble medieval lords, the 500-year-old castle sits on the southeastern shore of Galway Bay. Today, the picturesque fortress’s medieval-themed banquet hall is the place to go for a fun night of revelry.
Founded in the 14th century, the University of Vienna (Universität Wien is one of the most important universities in the German-speaking world. But for most travelers, the focal point is its spectacular main building complex on Vienna’s Ring, a feast of 19th-century neo-Renaissance and neo-baroque grandeur.
The hip Glasgow West End is where classic and contemporary Scotland collide. Cobbled streets lined with grand Victorian architecture lead to coffee shops, boutique stores, art galleries, leafy parks, and restaurants. Ashton Lane is the area's heart, while Finnieston, Kelvinbridge, and Partick are among the UK’s coolest neighborhoods.
Located just a quick trip from Oxford, Cogges is one of the prettiest corners of the Cotswolds (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A Scheduled Ancient Monument, Cogges has over 1,000 years of history. Today, the area is a popular tourist attraction, thanks in part to its Grade II listed Cogges Manor Farm.
Lambeth Palace has been the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 13th century, and is today considered a symbol of medieval London and Anglican heritage. Only open for select open days each year, behind its imposing Tudor-style gatehouse, visitors can explore the Gothic chapel and crypt, stroll around the gardens, and visit the library, where you’ll find Britain’s largest collection of religious books and manuscripts.
