The UK's bucket-list attractions you must visit, plus more things to do in Europe

Striking sights around Europe

Europe is home to an endless array of spectacular attractions, from unspoiled natural wonders and historic landmarks to modern architectural marvels. Whether you’re drawn to awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient sites steeped in history or innovative designs, the continent has something for every traveller.

Read on as we reveal some of the most gorgeous landmarks Europe has to offer...

Cliffs of Moher, Republic of Ireland

There’s a rugged, romantic allure to Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher, situated at the southwestern edge of The Burren area in County Clare. Towering 702 feet (214m) above the Atlantic Ocean at its highest point, the striated rock face offers incredible views of County Cork and Kerry to the south. Northwards are endless ocean views and, on clear days, the Aran Islands are visible too.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Few sights in Europe are as recognisable as the Eiffel Tower. Built between 1887 and 1889, the 984-foot (300m) tower’s design is the result of a competition, which received more than 100 submissions. The winning entry, featuring an open-lattice wrought-iron structure, was opposed by some of the most prominent figures in Paris at the time, who thought it would be an eyesore. It's anything but, of course – in this stunning shot its remarkable symmetry is mirrored by the Jardins du Trocadero in the pastel-hued evening light.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

A spellbinding mix of blue-green hues, Plitvice Lakes National Park, located between Zagreb and Zadar, comprises 16 interconnected lakes linked by a series of waterfalls. Set amid dense emerald-green forest, these waterfalls might not be the tallest – the longest drop is 255 feet (77m) – but what they lack in height, they more than make up for in natural beauty.

Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Turning to another historic gem, the Colosseum was built between AD 72 and AD 80 under the Flavian dynasty. This ancient amphitheatre has become an iconic symbol of Rome and, over the centuries, has survived looting, earthquakes and even bombings during the Second World War. The impressive stone and concrete structure remains remarkably intact today.

Swiss Alps, Switzerland

It's almost impossible not to drool over the awe-inspiring Swiss Alps, pictured here in all their glory, suffused with early morning light and hugged by low-lying clouds. Situated to the south of Bern and Lucerne, and east of Lake Geneva, the alpine region has no shortage of panoramic views, encompassing dizzyingly high peaks, mirror-like lakes and steep-sided valleys.

Santorini, Greece

Bursts of bright blue rooftops set against pristine white facades are what make Santorini so unique. The Greek island, located in the most southerly part of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean Sea, is home to a sprawl of interconnected buildings which teeter on the edge of volcanic-formed cliffs, making for incredible views all round. Pictured here is the village of Oia on the north of the island.

Buda Castle, Budapest, Hungary

At the heart of historic Budapest, Buda Castle sits on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube river and Pest on the eastern bank. Originally, a fortress was built on the site in the 13th century until the reign of Maria Theresa in the mid-1700s, when it was replaced by a large Baroque palace, which has since been damaged and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Despite its turbulent history, the castle, lit up at night in this spellbinding shot, has a tranquil feel about it today.

Preikestolen, Norway

A dramatic rock platform towering 1,982 feet (604m) above the Lysefjord, the vertigo-inducing plateau of Preikestolen was formed approximately 10,000 years ago: a glacier froze in the cracks of the mountain, forcing giant rocks to fall down the valley sides and creating a neat shelf. It’s no wonder that this natural wonder is a hit with hikers today, as it offers sweeping views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Encompassing a roughly 31-mile (50km) stretch of Italy’s southwestern coast, just above the 'foot' of the country’s boot, the Amalfi Coast is a mesmerising mix of verdant forests, craggy rock faces and higgledy-piggledy cliffside towns. Home to an abundance of well-known spots including Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Sorrento, this stretch of Mediterranean coastline is about as picture-perfect as they come.

Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Another architectural wonder found in the French capital is the Louvre. This museum and art gallery opened in 1793 and since then has undergone several extensions and refurbishments over the years, with the addition of the iconic glass pyramid, inaugurated in 1989. Photographed here illuminated in the evening, the modern pyramid set against the historic museum makes for a striking sight.

Land’s End, Cornwall, England, UK

Mainland Britain’s most southwesterly point, a jagged headland on the Penwith Peninsula, Land’s End is one of the country’s best-known landmarks. The region is also known for its iconic signpost, which was established in the 1950s when a local business erected it, showing the distances to other places of significance: New York is 3,147 miles (5,065km) away, for example, while John O’Groats (the UK’s most northerly point) is 874 miles (1,407km) away.

Dolomites, Italy

Northeastern Italy’s Dolomites range oozes rugged charm. With the tallest 18 of its razor-sharp peaks reaching heights of more than 10,000 feet (3,050m), it’s certainly not short on dramatic views, either. Pictured here is a stretch of the Giau Pass, a popular hiking and cycling route in the region.

Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK

The Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands located just off Scotland’s northwestern coast, is a haven for wild and untamed natural beauty. A mesmerising patchwork of moss-carpeted moors, knife-sharp cliffs and mysterious lochs, the Scottish gem packs in a vast array of scenery within its 50-mile (80km) length.

Old City of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Situated on the southern Adriatic coast, the UNESCO-recognised Old City of Dubrovnik is tucked within sturdy old walls, which are 6,365-feet (1,940m) long in total, flanked on each side by craggy limestone cliffs and the dazzling Adriatic Sea. Containing an array of historic monasteries, churches and mansions, it’s no wonder this perfectly preserved old town has served as a location for a whole host of films and TV series, including Game of Thrones and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Nothing says fairy tale quite like Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th-century Romanesque-inspired castle perched on a hilltop above the village of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria. Tinted candy-floss pink in this enchanting sunset shot, the castle’s myriad towers, turrets and spires, set amid dense forests and backdropped by the snow-capped Alps, are nothing short of majestic.

Hallstatt, Austria

Located in the lake region of Salzkammergut, between Salzburg and Graz, breathtaking Halstatt is among Austria’s prettiest places. No two days in the enchanting region are the same: by winter, the town’s rooftops and surrounding peaks are dusted with snow, spring and summertime see the valley brought to life in shades of vibrant green, and in autumn the craggy peaks turn shades of red, gold and burnt umber.

Lapland, Finland and Sweden

On every child’s wish list is a trip to Lapland at Christmas, but there’s plenty more to see here besides Santa. Comprised of the most northerly regions of Finland and Sweden (as well as parts of Norway and Russia), Lapland is a magical haven of winter scenery – think quaint and colourful Nordic houses dotted between spindly Arctic evergreens, their forms distorted by a thick layer of snow. It’s also touted as one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.

Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Spain

A testament to Andalucía’s Islamic and Christian roots, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba comprises an 8th-century mosque built by the Umayyad ruler Abd ar-Rahman I, and was once the second most important mosque in the world after the Great Mosque of Mecca. It was subsequently converted into a cathedral in the 13th century. Besides its fascinating history, the building has a unique blend of Moorish and Christian architecture, offset by a pastel-toned sky in this beautiful shot.

Provence, France

Southern France’s Provence region is synonymous with its vibrant lavender fields, which start to bloom in June and are harvested by August. The incredible scents and sights of lavender aren’t all the region has to offer, though. Provence is a feast for all the senses, with bountiful fresh produce, scenic views and charming medieval villages putting it high on many travellers’ bucket lists.

Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Acropolis means 'high city' in Greek, which seems an apt name for this ancient site, largely built during the second half of the 5th century BC. It perches on top of a limestone hill overlooking Athens and the Parthenon – a Doric temple made up of eight fluted columns at each end and 17 either side – is the city’s crowning glory, standing on the highest ground.

The Faroe Islands, Denmark

The Faroe Islands are quickly becoming recognised as a haven for untamed natural beauty. Tucked between Iceland and the Shetland Islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, the remote archipelago, made up of 18 islands, is home to a tiny population of around 50,000 – in fact, there are twice as many sheep as people. There’s a bounty of impressive scenery to be found here, with picture-perfect waterfalls and mirror-like lagoons dotted amid rugged, moss-speckled peaks.

Matterhorn, Switzerland and Italy

The jewel in the crown of the Alps, the pyramid-shaped Matterhorn is thought to be the most photographed mountain in the world. Straddling the Swiss-Italian border, the nearly 15,000-foot (4,572m) tall mountain attracts climbers, hikers and photographers alike. Its tooth-like silhouette is reflected here in the ultra-still waters of Stellisee Lake on the east side of the Zermatt valley.

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland, UK

Legend has it that the Giant’s Causeway, located on Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast, was created by Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (or Finn McCool), so that he could travel to Scotland to defeat his enemy, Benandonner. Made up of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns which reach out into the Irish Sea, the Causeway certainly has an ethereal feel to it in this mist-draped shot.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

An architectural masterpiece designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona’s one-of-a-kind Catholic church combines an eclectic mix of Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism and Spanish Late Gothic design. Despite the fact construction began in 1882, the church remains incomplete – and with building works continuing to this day, the Sagrada Familia is a fascinating and ever-changing landmark.

Hosios Loukas, Greece

The monastery of Hosios Loukas (also known as Osios Loukas) was founded in the early 10th century by the hermit Saint Loukas and remains home to his former living quarters and relics. Situated in a far-flung valley between the villages of Distomo and Kyriaki in southern Greece, surrounded by serene rolling hills and distant peaks, the Byzantine gem is as strikingly beautiful as it is historically fascinating.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

At the centre of Lake Bled’s jewel-like waters is a small island topped by a medieval castle, which gives the place a slightly surreal, fantasy-book feel. Tucked away in northwestern Slovenia, between Austria and Italy, the spectacular landscape is lit up by autumn colours here, hugged by low-lying fluffy clouds and set off by a backdrop of dramatic mountains.

Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik, Iceland

Drawing its inspiration from Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, the steeply sloped shape of Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik’s Lutheran church, was designed to resemble the shapes of cooling lava. The architectural landmark, which stands at an impressive 245-feet (75m) tall, creates an impressive focal point for the Icelandic capital.

Prague Castle, Prague, Czechia

Prague Castle is thought to be the largest ancient castle in the world, at 1,870-feet (570m) long and an average of about 420-feet (128m) wide. Made up of several Baroque and Gothic structures, the castle complex has served as the seat of Czech monarchs and heads of state right from when construction began on the site in the 9th century. The intriguing castle looks especially spellbinding when lit up at night.

Sistine Chapel, Vatican City

Built in the late 15th century, the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City is best known for its ceiling, which boasts Renaissance frescoes by Michelangelo that depict scenes from the Bible. The chapel’s exterior, meanwhile, is simple and unassuming, leaving little hint of the treasures that lie inside.

Verdon Gorge, France

A ravine filled with bright water that cuts through cavernous limestone cliffs, Verdon Gorge, located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region of France, is often described as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe'. The gorge was formed by the melting of glaciers following the Ice Age, which wore away the soft limestone and created a valley and an almost luminous green river.

Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France

The ultimate emblem of grandeur and excess, the Palace of Versailles was originally built for Louis XIII (King of France from 1610–43) and was famously the one-time residence of Marie Antoinette. Located 12 miles (19km) southwest of Paris, this opulent palace – which holds around 5,000 pieces of antique furniture and 6,000 priceless paintings – served as the French royal family’s home until the Revolution, which began in 1789.

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst, Hungary and Slovakia

Filled with the intriguing, myriad forms of stalactites (icicle-shaped formations that hang from the cave’s ceiling), and stalagmites (inverted stalactites that rise up from the floor), the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst are a spectacular sight. Situated along the Hungarian-Slovakian border, they contain the largest stalactite cave system in Europe.

Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Glistening glacial lakes, an incredible 48 dizzying peaks and vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness are some of the features that make Montenegro’s Durmitor National Park so remarkable. Located in Northern Montenegro and belonging to the Dinaric Alps or Dinarides, the show-stopping natural beauty is also home to some 163 bird species and about 50 types of mammals.

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

Grand Bazaar is a vast and varied covered market in Istanbul. Divided into sections selling jewellery, carpets, furniture, leather goods, clothes and antiques, the famed market usually draws in hundreds of thousands of people on an average day. Glimmering with a kaleidoscope of jewel-toned lights and brightly coloured trinkets in this mesmerising shot, Grand Bazaar is every bit as vibrant and intriguing as you’d expect.

Gauja National Park, Latvia

Latvia’s first national park, founded in 1973, Gauja National Park is a diverse and intriguing environment. Covering an area of 90,000 hectares in the north of the country, the park is densely packed with virgin pines, sandstone cliffs and caves, as well as an astounding 500 cultural and historic monuments.

Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain

Spain’s pink-water lake might look like the effect of some heavy photo editing, but in fact it’s dyed by a combination of a particular type of bacteria, halobacterium and a type of micro-algae, dunaliella salina, which thrive in its salty waters. The area can also be home to up to 2,000 flamingos during breeding season, fitting in beautifully with the rose-coloured lake.

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy

Venice is home to some 150 canals, the biggest and most well-known of which is the Grand Canal, which slices through the city in an S-shape to form its major water traffic corridor. With its colourful waterside buildings, bridges and gondolas, the Venetian attraction is one of Italy's most enchanting and time-honoured.

Belem Tower, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s Belem Tower is a former naval defence structure, from which Portuguese explorers set sail during the Age of Discovery in the 16th century and beyond. It’s also an architectural gem, with an intricate exterior made up of sculpted balconies, limestone ornaments and Moorish-style turrets, casting an impressive silhouette across the northern bank of the Tagus River today.

Lake Konigssee, Germany

Lake Konigssee is an idyllic and tranquil spot in the scenic state of Bavaria. The lake is known for its eye-catching deep green hue, and is situated at the foot of Mount Watzmann in the heart of the Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany’s only alpine national park.

Florence Cathedral, Florence, Italy

Florence’s majestic cathedral, also known as the Duomo, is recognisable for its imposing dome-shaped roof – the largest masonry dome in the world, containing more than four million bricks. The rest of the cathedral was no mean feat to build either, with the entire planning and construction process taking 140 years from start to finish. The cathedral is an eye-catching sight today, captured in the blue light of sunrise in this stunning shot.

Loch Ness, Scotland, UK

Situated in the Glen Mor of the Scottish Highlands, the enchanting Loch Ness has fascinated local people and visitors for centuries, in part because of the rumoured existence of a Loch Ness Monster – of which there have been more than 1,000 reported sightings. Pictured here from the ruins of Urquhart Castle, it’s no wonder the dramatic scenery has held such long-standing appeal.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao was built between 1993 and 1997 and designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Its fusion of organic, swirling forms are supposed to be reminiscent of a sculpture, and the museum houses some of the world’s most prominent modern art, bringing the northern Spanish city to the world’s attention.

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Less well-known than Lake Bled yet just as awe-inspiring, Lake Bohinj is a large glacial lake located within the Bohinj valley of the Julian Alps. Captured here in the clutches of autumn, the lake’s panoramic views and peaceful atmosphere make it one of Slovenia’s most alluring attractions.

Caucasus Mountains, Georgia

Many hikers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to Georgia’s Caucasus mountains and it’s easy to see why. Rising in myriad jagged forms, the mountain range, which traditionally formed the border between Asia and Europe, boasts untamed natural beauty. The region is also home to some of the world's most hair-raising mountain passes.

Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Kravice waterfalls are located on the Trebizat river, southwest of the city of Mostar, and cascade off a limestone deposit into jewel-like waters, with some falls as high as 83 feet (25m). Set in a landscape of unspoiled forests, these enchanting waterfalls are among Bosnia and Herzegovina’s best-known attractions.

Kirkjufell, Iceland

Kirkjufell, also known as Church Mountain, is technically a nunatak – a natural peak or island that shoots through a glacier or ice field, but is not covered by ice itself. It's known for its distinctive shape and spellbinding surrounding scenery, and as a hotspot for chasing the Northern Lights.

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czechia

Prague’s iconic bridge connecting the city’s two main districts, Old Town and Lesser Town, was built in the 14th century, with several monuments erected along its sides over the following centuries. Today it’s one of the most popular attractions in the Czech capital, pictured here in all its glory with the Old Town’s buildings rising up behind it.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England, UK

Stonehenge is an impressive Neolithic monument, the earliest parts of which were built as many as 5,000 years ago. Thought to have served as a site of religious worship, today it attracts fascination and awe in equal measure. Some of the stones that make up the horseshoe-shaped structure are thought to have been hauled all the way from the Preseli Hills in Wales, some 200 miles (322km) away, adding to the mystery of the site’s construction.

Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal

A patchwork of different colours and architectural styles, Portugal’s Pena Palace was created in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II and was intended to be a home for Portuguese royals. Nestled on a hilltop in Sao Pedro de Penaferrim, northwest of Lisbon, the site is surrounded by rolling, mossy hills and dense forests that are just as majestic as the castle itself.

Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

Mont-Saint-Michel is a tiny island crowned by a medieval abbey and set in a breathtaking bay straddling Normandy and Brittany. The fairy-tale abbey is as mesmerising by night, when lights around the castle make it sparkle, as it is by day, when the castle is illuminated by sunlight.

Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

This stunning hilltop fortress in Baden-Wurttemberg offers a mix of Gothic and neo-Renaissance architecture. With its dramatic towers, battlements and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, Hohenzollern Castle is an awe-inspiring sight and a piece of Germany's royal history.

Lake Lucerne, Central Switzerland

The picturesque Lake Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, is a natural beauty known for its unique shape, with several arms extending into different regions. Nearby Mount Pilatus, accessible by the world’s steepest cogwheel railway or a scenic gondola, offers sweeping views of the Alps and surrounding lakes. The city of Lucerne itself sits on the lake's shores, offering a perfect base for exploring this beautiful region.

Lake District, England, UK

Known for its glacial lakes, rolling hills and mountains, the Lake District in northwest England is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers breathtaking views and endless outdoor activities like hiking, boating and exploring charming villages. The area is also famous for its literary connections, having inspired poets like William Wordsworth and authors such as Beatrix Potter.

Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Located near the town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland, Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe, with a width of 492 feet (150m)  and a height of 100 feet (30m). The powerful flow of the falls, especially during peak seasons like late spring and early summer, creates an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. Visitors can take boat tours that bring them right up to the base of the falls, where they can feel the spray of the roaring water. For those who prefer to stay dry, several scenic viewing platforms provide panoramic views of the waterfall’s might and beauty.

Wachau Valley, Lower Austria, Austria

The Wachau Valley, located along a scenic stretch of the Danube River in Lower Austria, is bursting with rolling vineyards, medieval castles and charming historic towns like Durnstein and Melk. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for producing world-class wines – visitors can enjoy tastings at local wineries. The region also boasts stunning architecture, including Melk Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece, and the ruins of the 12th-century Aggstein Castle (pictured).

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