Europe Castles & palaces, Coastal + Landscape 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?

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.

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

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.

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

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 the fascinating history, superb restaurants and interesting maritime museum of this pretty coastal town.

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.

Discover the fascinating history, superb restaurants and interesting maritime museum of this pretty coastal town.

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.

Whitby is a small seaside town located on the North Yorkshire coast, between Scarborough and Redcar in the North East of England. There is a variety of accommodation types to choose from when visiting Whitby, with seaside bed & breakfasts and hotels along the seaside attracting many visitors throughout the year.

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.

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

Explore the exceptional open-air section of this marine museum to see the centuries-old sailboats sitting in the canal harbor along the Adriatic Coast.

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