Europe Action & adventure, Bird + Food pictures

• World

Its gondolas and golden spires have been seducing visitors for centuries. Fall in love with Venice and you’ll be faithful for life.

Enter a peaceful park full of forests, lakes and long expanses of grass, all within minutes of the city centre.

From skiing and tubing to hiking, climbing and sailing, the wild mountainous scenery of this alpine resort town offers a variety of summer and winter pursuits.

A picturesque medieval town spills down rocky cliffs to spectacular bays and beaches at this seaside resort in southern Italy’s Calabria region.

Take a break from Munich’s bustling streets among the lakes, meadows and beer gardens of this oasis of calm in the centre of the city.

Serious skiers come from near and far for the challenging pistes and stay for the crackling vacation atmosphere of this Tyrolean resort. 

A canal filled with boats laps around the scenic gardens at the front of this neo-Renaissance palace known as the Venice of Seville.

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. 

Swim in this very clean lake in the picturesque valley of the Rhône-Alpes region.

Swim in this very clean lake in the picturesque valley of the Rhône-Alpes region.

Stroll around this pedestrianized square at the gateway to Munich’s old town and check out Gothic architecture and a lively shopping district.

Visit the business hub of Germany and delight in Gothic architecture, spectacular art collections and the taste of sweet apple wine.

With its quaint atmosphere and chalet-style buildings, it’s easy to see why this village is a favorite ski resort among royalty and celebrities.

Visit the business hub of Germany and delight in Gothic architecture, spectacular art collections and the taste of sweet apple wine.

Enjoy the rare spectacle of surfing in a landlocked city on this permanent wave and its calmer sibling in the heart of Munich.

Kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, ropes courses and mini-golf combine in one complex outside Nottingham, which also offers inexpensive accommodations.

Visit a beautiful beach in the Balearic Islands and enjoy a day swimming in blue-green waters and relaxing on white sand.

This picturesque village has excellent skiing and hiking alongside the magnificent lakes, mountains and valleys of the Graubünden region. 

On the French-German border, this neighborhood is notable for its varied architectural styles and sprawling forested parks.