Europe Action & adventure, Beach + Gardens & parks pictures

• World

A city with a rich and often chequered history. Old Berlin has morphed into a contemporary, cosmopolitan city, rich in culture, architecture, museums and festivals.

Alongside games of football and couples in pedalos, the art galleries, buskers and 17th-century palace give El Retiro a different flavour to your average park.

Distinctive architecture, friendly people and interesting history are reasons to stay a while in this UNESCO World Heritage city on Germany’s Baltic coast.

Enjoy one of the best city beaches in Europe. This fantastic spot in San Sebastián has an extensive sandy area and clear waters. 

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.

Whether you’re catching a train or not, be sure to visit this “secular cathedral,” an early 20th-century icon that sits on a hill north of Old Town Limoges.

Marvel at the wooden organ and work out the parables depicted in the stained glass in this blend of two separate religious buildings.

If you\'re looking for wellbeing and relaxation, a holiday in Merano is a great chance to discover the city, gardens and hot springs.

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

Enjoy one of the best city beaches in Europe. This fantastic spot in San Sebastián has an extensive sandy area and clear waters. 

Enjoy the pleasant ocean breeze and relax on pristine stretches of white sand on this island of scenic parks and dunes.

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

This serene mountain town has rustic charm and natural beauty and is the site of one of Europe’s most famous divine encounters.

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

Explore the casino, international restaurants and many quaint cafés that adorn the charming promenade that overlooks this picturesque sandy haven.

Enjoy one of the best city beaches in Europe. This fantastic spot in San Sebastián has an extensive sandy area and clear waters. 

See the swans glide by under weeping willows and relax with a picnic in the park while taking in the pristine beauty of the source of the Clitunno River in Umbria.

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

Come and take a walk around one of the largest palaces in Western Europe...and try not to get lost!

Alongside games of football and couples in pedalos, the art galleries, buskers and 17th-century palace give El Retiro a different flavour to your average park.

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