Europe Action & adventure, Art, Bird, Castles & palaces, Island & reefs + Nature pictures

• World

The capital of Scotland combines ancient architecture and fascinating history with a vibrant cultural scene and world-famous festivals.

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

Photograph fascinating geological formations, spot varied wildlife and look out at a chain of scenic bays from the top of an emblematic rock. 

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

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

Scenic coves, rock pools and beaches decorate this picturesque coastline. An ecological footpath leads to botanical displays and beachside cafés and bars.

From its architecture to its industry and sporting events, this is a city of fascinating contrasts just an hour by train from London. 

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

Armouries and pharmacies, rooms filled with fine porcelain, amazing collections of watches and silverware, and never-ending corridors graced by masterpieces.

Find one of Europe’s largest glaciers, its most powerful waterfall, most extensive national park and oldest parliament in this island nation on the verge of the Arctic.

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

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

Armouries and pharmacies, rooms filled with fine porcelain, amazing collections of watches and silverware, and never-ending corridors graced by masterpieces.

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

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. 

The smallest and southernmost of the four principal Balearic Islands is a captivating spot with gorgeous beaches, historical buildings and picturesque landscapes.

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.

Cutting-edge contemporary art – and challenging pieces by Spain\'s 20th century art \'superstars\', Picasso and Dali – are among the works found in the Reina Sofía.