Europe Bird, Gardens & parks, Landscape + Water sports 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. 

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.

Maze-like hedges, marble sculptures and colorful flower beds adorn this historic royal garden, where the palace’s stables and carriages once lay.

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.

Alongside games of football and couples in pedalos, the art galleries, buskers and 17th-century palace give El Retiro a different flavour to your average park.

Discover the charms of one of the world’s largest urban parks, which offers lake boating, horse riding and even some surfing around a picturesque, manicured landscape.  

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

Come and take a walk around one of the largest palaces in Western Europe...and try not to get lost!

Make your way along elegant promenades to find medieval churches, thermal spas and stunning gardens in the shadow of the Italian Alps. 

A city with a rich and often chequered history. Old Berlin has morphed into a contemporary, cosmopolitan city, rich in culture, architecture, museums and festivals.

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

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

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.

Make your way along elegant promenades to find medieval churches, thermal spas and stunning gardens in the shadow of the Italian Alps. 

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

Brimming with rustic charm, breathtaking views and pretty fishing villages, this elegant town is the jewel in the Italian crown.

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.

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.

Spain’s colourful second city offers world-class culture, breathtaking architecture and delicious cuisine.

Marvel at the wooden organ and work out the parables depicted in the stained glass in this blend of two separate religious buildings.

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.

Although it’s not the Auvergne region’s highest summit, this dormant lava dome is its most iconic. Join the thousands of hikers who visit every year.

See the swans glide by under weeping willows and relax with a picnic in the park while taking in the pristine beauty of the source of the Clitunno River in Umbria.

Whether you’re catching a train or not, be sure to visit this “secular cathedral,” an early 20th-century icon that sits on a hill north of Old Town Limoges.

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

One of London’s largest parks was once a royal hunting ground and is now a popular place to enjoy pretty flower displays, live music and superb city views.

One of London’s largest parks was once a royal hunting ground and is now a popular place to enjoy pretty flower displays, live music and superb city views.

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

Walk, drive or sail along the stunning coastline south of Naples, where villages and vineyards perch atop craggy cliffs.

Build your courage for the many carnival rides on the People’s Pier and explore the sights backing onto this beach.

Build your courage for the many carnival rides on the People’s Pier and explore the sights backing onto this beach.

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

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

Distinctive architecture, friendly people and interesting history are reasons to stay a while in this UNESCO World Heritage city on Germany’s Baltic coast.

Study the Gothic fixtures and enjoy the light, airy feel of the nave, with its intricate vaulted ceiling patterns, in this wonderful church and museum.

Explore a charming Italian town with an impressive Romanesque Gothic cathedral, elegant palaces, underground Roman pools and delicious local food.

One of London’s largest parks was once a royal hunting ground and is now a popular place to enjoy pretty flower displays, live music and superb city views.

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

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.

This serene mountain town has rustic charm and natural beauty and is the site of one of Europe’s most famous divine encounters.