Europe Castles & palaces + People 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?

Stroll through Mainz’s Old Town along this pedestrianized street, lined with shopping boutiques and a remarkably preserved assortment of colorful historic buildings.

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

Try the many varieties of white and sparkling wines that are produced from grapes growing in vineyards around the Moselle and Nahe rivers in this scenic region.

Climb down the elegant staircase to this hidden bay at the base of colorful cliffs and enjoy the spectacular natural views. 

Visit this centerpiece of a program of new construction in Stuttgart for the architecture as well as the books contained inside.

See the magnificent rock formation, said to resemble a bear, which gives this beautiful and unspoiled sandy beach its name.

Escape the city and head to one of the world’s largest urban parks, which has lakes and meadows, as well as beer gardens and a variety of interesting relics.

Watch the foamy Atlantic waves crash onto the golden sands and rugged rock formations at this picturesque beach, one of the most westerly in Europe. 

Nature and technology, history, festivals and performing arts make this one of the most popular cities in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region.

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. 

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.

Go to the top of this great mountain in San Sebastián and visit a traditional amusement park with spectacular views as a backdrop.

The Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal, offers a fascinating mix of beaches, golf courses, nature reserves, market towns, fishing villages and Roman ruins. Castles, golf, water sports, delicious cuisine and year-round sun brings masses of visitors to the Algarve every year. Stretching from the Atlantic to the western border of Spain it offers breathtaking scenery, such as breathtaking cliffs, pristine beaches, secluded coves, nature reserves, vineyards and wooded mountains – any surprise why it’s such a popular tourist region?

Tour some of the country\'s oldest towns and cities, relax on beaches and hike up coastal hills in the region surrounding the capital city of Portugal.

Visit the upscale ski resorts, trek across the snow-capped mountains and learn about the mixtures of cultures in this eclectic region.

A lake and a majestic fountain are among the highlights in this urban park that stands on the site of the city’s former fortress.

Admire the redbrick Gothic design of this 14th-century treasure and spot the intriguing signs of the occult dotted around it.

Visit a European country known for its alpine scenery, vast freshwater lakes, picturesque cities, chocolate and cheeses. Experience the cultures and traditions of different language communities.

Investigate a vast collection of modern and contemporary art both inside and outside one of the most recognizable buildings in Bilbao.

Learn about changes in Swedish culture since the 16th century. Find historic furniture and photographs and displays about local festivals and the Sami culture.