Europe is home to some of the most luxurious and picturesque resorts in the world, offering everything from pristine beaches and mountain escapes to cultural experiences and world-class amenities. From the sun-kissed beaches of Greece to the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland, the continent offers a wide variety of landscapes and experiences. Whether you’re looking for a summer escape or a winter adventure, you’ll find resorts that cater to all seasons and preferences, with luxury se
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José Balido
In 2021, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) honoured Spain´s capital with its first World Heritage Site designation, elevating Madrid to the ranks of destinations with districts or monuments worth preserving for future generations (the larger Madrid community surrounding the capital already had UNESCO sites, including the royal sites of El Escorial and Aranjuez, which make marvelous day trips).
The city´s leafy Paseo del Prado boulevard,
Photos: David Paul Appell unless otherwise noted
I've always had a fascinating for things mediaeval. Would never want to have actually lived back in the Middle Ages, mind you. But the architecture and atmosphere of the Romanesque and the Gothic have always captivated me. And while my adopted country provides more than enough to delight me on this front year after year, I've been enjoying my home town Madrid more for its marvelous architecture and monuments dating from the mid-16th century onward
Spain's capital is of course magnificent and brimming with amazing stuff to see and do. But visitors should also make time for a daytrip (or if at all possible, and overnighter) to at least one of the marvelous destinations in the Madrid Community no more than an hour outside the city proper, full of history, culture, architectural gems of their own.
Its streets lined with majestic buildings and its rooftops full of stork nests, this city of 194,000
When autumn rolls in, London slips into its most creative mood. The air cools, the daylight softens, and suddenly the city feels tailor-made for art, theatre, and inspiration. It’s the time of year when locals trade park picnics for playbills and museum passes, and visitors get to see London at its cultural best. From blockbuster exhibitions to timeless theatre, here’s how to make the most of the season.
The West End: Where the Stage Always Shines
London’s West End (top) is of course
Photos: David Paul Appell
For many in the United States in particular – and not just those of Irish ancestry – visiting the Emerald Isle is a prime bucket lister. Yet in my nearly 40 years and 65 countries´ worth of travel as an adult, I had never gotten there. I was always interested in “different” – meaning mostly non-English-speaking – cultures, and Ireland had always struck me as somehow bland and uninteresting. That changed this year, as I determined to finally get a taste of the country I
Ask many people around the world what comes to mind when they think of Spain, and chances are flamenco will land near the top of the list. The sinuous moves; the rapid, hypnotic shoe tapping; the staccato hand-clapping; the mesmerising guitarwork; the plaintive singing - if you've never witnessed a performance in person, your first time in particular will stay with you forever.
An art form and indeed a sensibility closely intertwined with the culture and traditions of Andalusia, flamenco grew o
For anyone with a sweet tooth, Switzerland is nothing short of a dream come true. Famous worldwide for its exquisite chocolates, creamy pastries, and delightful desserts, this Alpine country offers a journey where every corner tempts you with sweetness. Switzerland is not just about breathtaking landscapes and snow-capped mountains—it’s also about indulging in some of the finest treats the world has to offer.
Switzerland and Its Legendary Chocolates
No discussion about Swiss sweets is complete
by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte
As soon as you set foot in Austria‘s fourth largest city, near the German border three hours west of Vienna, music is in the air. Whether you arrive at the airport or the train station, Mozart tunes are piped in, which puts you in a happy mood. Dating back to Celtic settlements of the 5th century BC, followed by Roman Juvavum, Salzburg today is Austria’s city of castles, gardens, music, and sweet, tempting delicacies.
The Altstadt (Old Town) here is also quite
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Did you know that this picturesque Central European country is home to one of the world´s most photographed places? With a permanent year-round population barely cracking 750, the fairytale town of Hallstatt on the shore of the eponymous lake is located in the mountainous Salzkammergut region stretching east of Salzburg, roughly three hours from Vienna by car or rail. In fact, according to Instagram it´s the world´s most beautiful town, famed across the world (the Chinese are so enamoure
Mariaplr
Hugging Spain's upper border with Portugal, the autonomous community of Extremadura, composed of the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz, is well known to other Spaniards as a proud land of strong traditions; rich history; distinguished cuisine; and fascinating historic, architectural, and natural riches.
In fact, in particular this is considered one of the country's under-the-radar eco-paradises, with extensive and dramatic valleys, plains, and natural parks that attract nature-lovers
When most of us think about visiting the UK, cities like London, Edinburgh, or Dublin often come to mind. But if you want to explore something different — a place full of history, culture, and warm smiles — then Cardiff, the capital of Wales, should be on your list. For travellers from Kerala who love rich experiences and friendly faces, Cardiff offers a truly unforgettable journey.
Wales is a land of breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted traditions, and Cardiff is where these come together be
If there's one city that can sweeten any trip, it's the capital of Belgium (and Europe). A feast of crispy waffles, irresistible chocolates, and other delicacies awaits you here, which will make your cravings grow just by thinking about it. Ready for a sweet journey indeed? Bring it on!
First Stop: the Perfect Waffle
In Brussels, gaufres (or in Flemish, wafels, top) aren´t just a treat, they´re a veritable institution. There are two main types – the caramelised and denser Liège styl
Ever dreamt of being part of a crazy food fight with thousands of people throwing ripe tomatoes at each other — all in good fun? Welcome to La Tomatina, Spain’s most iconic and colorful street festival, where getting messy is the whole point!
Every year on the last Wednesday of August, the small town of Buñol, near Valencia in Spain, transforms into a red sea of joy, laughter, and tomato pulp. People from all over the world — including many adventurous souls from India — gather here to celebrate
