Europe Action & adventure, Autumn, Central, Landscape, Mountain + Winter pictures

• World

Breathtaking countryside, beaches, centuries-old castles and a distinct cuisine make this one of the most appealing destinations of the British Channel Islands. 

The historical purpose of Ancona’s pentagonal building is as interesting as its architecture. It originally served as a quarantine station for contagious visitors. 

Delve into the heart and soul of old Granada by visiting this picturesque little plaza with fascinating surroundings and history.

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

Watch opera in an enormous amphitheater, sample local dishes at the market square and see why Shakespeare set his most famous love story in this medieval city.

Enjoy picturesque clifftop views in the town where Dracula took form and Captain Cook learned his trade.

For some of the best views over Verona, head up the hill to the castle that stands on the site where the city was founded.

The rooftop terrace has stunning vistas of central Madrid, while the interior is a hub of the arts, from music and poetry events to lectures and science exhibits.

Gaze at a shoreline dotted with pretty bays and coves, spot Balearic Islands and watch marvelous sunsets at this hilltop viewpoint. 

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.

The rooftop terrace has stunning vistas of central Madrid, while the interior is a hub of the arts, from music and poetry events to lectures and science exhibits.

Watch opera in an enormous amphitheater, sample local dishes at the market square and see why Shakespeare set his most famous love story in this medieval city.

Less than an hour from vibrant Naples, this historic coastal community lives life at a sleepier pace.

Admire the greatest works of Michelangelo and da Vinci, see the center of Catholicism and pose with the Leaning Tower of Pisa on this Mediterranean peninsula.

Explore the crumbling remains and towering gatehouse of this once mighty 14th-century castle, which was an integral part of the English Civil War. 

For some of the best views over Verona, head up the hill to the castle that stands on the site where the city was founded.

Admire the craftsmanship of the Tuscan artists and architects that created this richly ornamented bell tower. Climb its staircase for glorious views of Florence.