Europe Castles & palaces, Mountain + Sunset & sunrise pictures

• World

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, nestled between extinct volcanoes and hills, is almost fairytale in appearance, with its medieval buildings in the Old Town and the wide streets and spacious homes Georgian New Town, and the spectacular castle looking down from its cliff. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, which only begs the question: why did it take so long?

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.

Ponds, sculptures and slides grace the leafy park near this long and innovative two-part bridge that doesn’t quite meet in the middle. 

The western section of Gamla Stan is a small islet decorated with aristocratic 17th-century palaces and one of the city’s oldest churches.  

Visit the two intriguing castles that flank this historic Spanish beach and relax on its photogenic stretch of golden sand.

Tear yourself away long enough from snorkeling and relaxing in the thermal spas of Ischia to explore this gem of a medieval fortress on a rocky islet in the Bay of Naples.

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.

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

Sitting high upon the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a rustic tourist spot that offers visitors fantastic views. Centuries ago Roman emperors, Italian nobles and artists flocked to the province of Campania to soak in its inspiring beauty. Today, its cobblestone streets, magnificent villas, fishing ports, pleasant Mediterranean climate and citrus trees pull in holidaymakers from all over the world.

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 golden foyer and the glitzy restaurants here compete for attention with the range of spectacular ballets, operas and recitals.

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.

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

Visit the building blocks of Western civilization, swim and sunbathe on beautiful Mediterranean islands and enjoy the lively nightlife scene.

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.

Ponds, sculptures and slides grace the leafy park near this long and innovative two-part bridge that doesn’t quite meet in the middle.