Shopping off the Beaten Track
There’s more to shopping in Europe than the designer brands on Champs-Élysées.
Although Europe may be best known for its Blue Flag Beaches, white sandy coastlines, and bustling port cities, travelers should not overlook the pristine inland waters of the vast continent. Europe is populated with sparkling lakes, winding rivers and jaw-dropping waterfalls just begging for tourists to dip their toes in. Book your next vacation to Europe to experience one (or more) of these nine inland waters for yourself.
The Killarney Lakes, located in Killarney National Park, are surrounded by rugged mountains, covered woodlands and breathtaking waterfalls. They consist of three lakes – Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake, all of which are open for kayaking, canoeing and boat tours.
In North Iceland, feast your eyes on Dettifoss Waterfall. At 45 meters high and 100 meters wide, Dettifoss is Europe’s largest waterfall by volume. Experience both sides of the waterfall by hiking along Dettifoss’ trail and bridge. Be cautious of getting too close to the falls! It’s said that the waterfall’s sheer power causes the ground to constantly rumble.
Whether you’re looking to ride in a paddle boat, play beach volleyball, sip wine, or breathe in crystal-clear air, Lake Balaton in Hungary is the place to do it. As the largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton is the ideal place for bird-watching, sailing and swimming. After a long day on the lake, unwind at Lake Balaton’s surrounding wineries, spas and dance clubs.
At the northern foot of the Alps sparkles Lake Constance, the home of a small island called Mainau. On Island Mainau, tourists are invited to explore the “flowering island,” notable for its parks and gardens. Spend the day on the deck of a ship on Lake Constance for hours full of nature and sun.
The Tara River Canyon is the longest canyon in Montenegro and the deepest river canyon in all of Europe. The Tara River, which cuts directly through the canyon, is a popular spot for river rafting, but also accommodates those interested in horseback riding, canyoning, kayaking and cruising.
Krka National Park in Croatia stretches across more than 14,000 acres of scenic landscape. Krka National Park boasts seven waterfalls, including the Skradinski Buk (a collection of 17 waterfalls at various heights) and the Roski Slap (a series of 12 waterfalls at various heights).
A trip to Great Britain is not complete without a panoramic view of the River Thames. At 215 miles long, the River Thames offers everything from boating and fishing to exploration of historic villages that line its banks. For the best view, take a stroll on the Westminster Bridge.
There’s a reason so many jet-setting celebrities love Lake Como. Just 31 miles (50 km) from Milan, Lake Como is the third-largest lake in Italy and is a cultural hub for European architecture, quaint villas and antique villages. Dive into Lake Como and enjoy wind-surfing, water skiing and kite surfing, or sail above the lake by hang gliding or mountain climbing.
There’s more to shopping in Europe than the designer brands on Champs-Élysées.
You’re probably already familiar with the big-time European wine producers of France, Italy and Spain. But there are many more wines to discover in the rest of the continent – and they’re as drinkable as they are affordable. Get to know six lesser-known European wine regions that are just begging to be explored.
In 1987, the Council of Europe established the first Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, which is now one of 47 fascinating trails. These carefully constructed sightseeing itineraries encourage travelers to discover the richness and diversity of European heritage through transnational cultural routes. Since the first route was inaugurated over 35 years ago, the “Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe” label has come to represent Europe’s most culturally rich, thoughtfully designed historical routes. Known worldwide, these Routes are a model for intercultural dialogue, local development, and sustainable cultural tourism. We invite you to begin your journey and explore all the cultural routes in Europe! Stefano DOMINIONI Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and Director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes
Some of Europe’s most historic sites are sports stadiums. From gladiators battling in the Colosseum to the world’s best footballers competing in Camp Nou, stadiums have long had their place of prominence in European lifestyle. Explore 10 of the most historic sporting sites throughout the years with this photo gallery.
Searching for the perfect beach can be a difficult task, especially in an area you are not familiar with. However, in Europe, you’ll know you’ve found the ideal surf and sand thanks to an iconic marker – a blue flag. Europe’s Blue Flag Beaches meet strict standards for water quality, safety and eco-friendliness, making them the ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and playing. Luckily for travelers, there are over 4,000 beaches that have achieved Blue Flag status in the world – and Europe has a large majority of them.
Amy’s guide to 2 unexplored countries with stunning history.
Croatian and Slovenian vintages are among the finest in Europe and the olive oils, well those stand up to the best too.
Europe’s vast landscapes create some breathtaking views. And some of the most awe-inspiring views in Europe occur where cliffs meet the water. From Ireland to Greece, picture-perfect spots can be found tucked away from everything else. Enjoy eight of the best European views right here in this photo gallery. Then, see them for yourself on your next trip.
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Contemporary art thrives in Budapest.
Culinary history has always been notable for successfully overcoming political boundaries. For instance, the history of the origins of the Tirol dumpling is in no way restricted to today’s Tirol. Although first recorded in a Tirol cookery book in the 16th century, spicy dumplings had been known fully 400 years earlier in areas of what is now Italy. This is demonstrated by a “fresco with dumplings” in the castle chapel in Hocheppan (Castel d’Appiano). What else but a delicious Tirol dumpling could have inspired the artist in question?
The traditional Slovak dishes are most commonly referred to as gnocchi with sheep cheese (Bryndzové halušky), sheep cheese (Bryndzové pirohy) and other dishes produced using traditional methods.The sheep cheese is a soft salty cheese made of sheep’s milk with a strong aroma and taste. Like Bryndzové halušky, Bryndzové pirohy is a characteristic Slovak dish that belongs to traditional Slovak specialties. The recipe is quite simple. The preparation procedure, however, is quite different and we can distinguish them reliably by sight and taste.