Things to Do in Europe

Created more than 200 million years ago, the Amethyst Fell of Lampivaara is one of Finnish Lapland’s most unique tourist attractions and the only active amethyst mine in Europe.

The journey to the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine is as spectacular as the destination, with visitors hiking or boarding a snowmobile and climbing through the snow-blanketed forests of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park to reach the hilltop mine. Here, visitors not only have the chance to learn about the history of the semi-precious gemstone and traditional mining techniques, but can even dig for amethysts within the mine itself. Best of all, if you find one of the semi-precious stones (provided it’s no bigger than your palm), you can keep it as a souvenir. 

Crescent-shaped Lake Mondsee is often regarded as the gateway to the spectacular alpine scenery of the Salzkammergut (Austrian Lake District) west of Salzburg, and is surrounded by the snow-topped peaks of the Austrian Alps; it is a perfect summer base for hiking, biking, sailing, fishing and kayaking. 

The lake is edged by the lovely Baroque lakeside town of the same name, famous for its lemon-and-white, twin-spired St Michael’s Church, which is where Maria and Captain von Trapp were married in The Sound of Music. Apart from the Julie Andrews connection, Mondsee is a riot of gaily painted townhouses bordering its main square, with a lakeside promenade lined with elegant restaurants and a stunning backdrop formed by the craggy rock face of Drachenwand. Thanks to its proximity to Salzburg, Mondsee gets rammed with visitors every weekend; it is likely to be even busier in 2015 as the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music brings more visitors into town.

With a history dating back to the early 1800s and a reputation for producing some of Scotland’s most famous malt whiskies, the Laphroaig distillery is a top choice for whisky lovers and one of several renowned distilleries on the Isle of Islay. Laphroaig’s biggest claim to fame is its distinctive single malt whisky, the only one in Scotland to bear the Royal Warrant of the Prince of Wales, and allegedly His Royal Highness’ favorite whisky.

Today, the Laphroaig distillery is open to visitors for tours and tastings, and whisky enthusiasts can learn about the traditional methods, visit the malting floors, mash house and stills, and sample a dram of whisky. There’s also a visitor center and shop, where visitors can learn the history of Laphroaig and purchase whiskies and souvenirs.

While the shrine and cathedral are magnificent and tied to Portugal’s growth as a sovereign nation, Lamego itself is captivating by nature of its quaint, quiet charm. Its central square is laid out as a public garden, bordered by elegant, Baroque, 17th-century buildings.

When visiting Lamego, you’ll want to see the ruins of the 12th-century Moorish castle that overlooks the city. All that remains are its keep and a few walls, but the view of the town from here is striking. The same might be said of the other hill that overlooks the town, site of the aforementioned shrine. The climb up the shrine’s double-staircase is broken by nine terraces decorated in blue-and-white ceramic tile.

Set between the dramatic landscapes of the Verdon Gorge and the Valensole plateau, the man-made Lake of Sainte-Croix is among Provence’s most popular vacation spots. With sandy lakeside beaches, water temperatures rivaling those of the Mediterranean Sea, and fewer crowds than the French Riviera, it’s the ideal summer destination. 

Whether hiking through France’s “Grand Canyon,” swimming in the lake, or just taking in the views, a visit to the Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon) and Lake of Sainte-Croix (Lac de Sainte-Croix) is a popular inclusion on tours of Provence. 

Private tours are the most convenient option, allowing ample photo stops along the way. Tours depart from Marseille, Nice, and Cannes along the French Riviera coast, and Provencal towns including Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. On the way to the lake, take in highlights of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, from magnificent lavender fields to the medieval villages of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Valensole.

Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is the main entry point to the lake, located 58 miles (94 kilometers) northeast of Aix-en-Provence, or about a 1.5-hour drive. There is little public transport in the area, so it’s best to drive your own car or participate in a guided tour. The closest international airport and cruise port are in Marseilles, less than a 2-hour drive away. 

The most popular months to visit the lake are July and August. To avoid the crowds but still benefit from summer temperatures, opt to visit in June or September. For hiking the gorge, the cooler months of May and October can be ideal. 

As France’s third-largest lake, the Lake of Sainte-Croix offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sailing, and water sports. Motorboats and sailboats depart from the harbor at Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, while most of the lake’s beaches have pedal boats and kayaks for hire. Other popular activities include windsurfing on the lake, rafting or canoeing along the Verdon River, and canyoning in the gorges.

The Lapa district is an affluent neighborhood in Lisbon, sometimes referred to as the diplomatic quarter. It has many residential buildings as well as a high concentration of embassies representing more than a dozen countries. Many old mansions line the streets, making it an interesting area for a stroll. São Bento Manor, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Portugal, is also located in this neighborhood. The Basilica da Estrela, a baroque basilica from the late 1700s, is located here. 

Another building worth seeing is São Bento Palace, which housed the Portuguese Republic Assembly and was built at the end of the 1400s. There are a few museums in the area as well, including the Amalia Rodrigues Museum House, which is where the Queen of Fado lived for 50 years, and the National Museum of Antique Art, which is housed in a 17th century palace. In the Lapa district, you'll also find the Estrela Garden, designed in an English style in 1852.

Barcelona's most famous street, Las Ramblas runs from the Columbus Monument in Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya. To walk its tree-shaded pedestrian expanse is to be inundated with sensation: souvenir hawkers selling beach blankets and trinkets, street performers posing for selfies with tourists, florists adjusting their arrangements, restaurants serving tapas and paella at al fresco tables, and artists painting caricatures for passersby. It's a microcosm of Barcelona, and it's almost always busy, day or night.

Spend any time in Barcelona and you'll likely find yourself strolling this leafy pedestrian thoroughfare. It makes an appearance on just about every city sightseeing tour, such as walking, biking, and Segway tours. Several notable attractions line its sidewalks, including La Boqueria Market, the Liceu Opera (Gran Teatre del Liceu), the Barcelona Wax Museum (Museu de Cera), the Erotic Museum of Barcelona (Museu Erotic), and Plaça Reial. As the border between the El Raval and Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) neighborhoods, it passes right through the heart of Barcelona's old city.

Las Ramblas (sometimes known as La Rambla) is within walking distance of most attractions in the old city (and in the surrounding neighborhoods of the Gothic Quarter and El Raval), but it's also easily accessed via the metro at the Drassanes, Liceu, or Plaça Catalunya stations.

Las Ramblas can be just as crowded at 2am as at 2pm. During peak tourist season (July and August), the pedestrian walkway running between the two lanes of traffic gets especially busy, but it also makes for lively people-watching. If you'd prefer to see the street when it’s relatively quiet, plan to visit first thing in the morning when the sun is up but the night owls of Barcelona are still in bed.

Each day, thousands of people walk right over a mosaic by Catalan artist Joan Miró known as Pla de l'Os. The pavement mosaic, set about halfway along La Rambla, was installed by the artist in 1976 near the place where he was born 83 years prior. After decades of foot traffic, the mosaic became so faded that the Barcelona City Council stepped in and restored it in 2006 to mark its 30th anniversary.

Piercing the sky high above Verona’s historic Piazza delle Erbe, the 12th-century Torre dei Lamberti is one of the most eye-catching landmarks in this UNESCO-listed city. Climb 84 meters (275 feet) to the panoramic terraces and belfry at the top for 360-degree views over Verona’s historic center. 

The original tower was built by the powerful Lamberti family in 1172, but the top was damaged by lightning in 1403. Forty years later, the tower was restored and expanded into the tallest in Verona. Today, the Lamberti Tower is one of the most popular attractions in the Piazza delle Erbe—home to the Baroque Palazzo Maffei, crenellated Casa dei Mercanti, and frescoed Mazzanti houses—and is included in walking tours of Verona along with the Roman arena in Piazza Bra, the Castelvecchio bridge and museum, and the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore.

Verona is located in Italy’s Veneto region, halfway between Venice and Milan and just west of Padua. Piazza delle Erbe and the Lamberti Tower are in the historic center of Verona, about a 30-minute walk from the train station or 15 minutes by bus.

The best time to visit the tower is morning or late afternoon, when the light is perfect for taking photos of the view. Verona is known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and the city holds its Verona in Love festival each year around Valentine’s Day, with special events and exhibitions. 

The Lamberti Tower was originally built as a city watchtower to warn the citizens of impending disasters such as fire or attacks by the Venetians. Two bells were installed in the tower: the smaller, the Marangona, was used for fire alerts; the larger, the Rengo, was used to call citizens to arms or to call city council to meetings. 

Lake Mummelsee, located along the Black Forest High Road scenic route, is the largest of seven mountain lakes remaining in the Black Forest. Perched 3,400 feet (1,036 meters) above sea level, the lake gets its name from the white water lilies, called ‘mummel’ in German, than float on its surface.

According to local lore, a bevy of water sprites live with their king in a glorious crystal palace far below the surface of the water, coming out only at night to dance in the moonlight. Mermaids aside, Lake Mummelsee is circumnavigated by a boardwalk for lakeside strolls, while paddle boats ply the surface. A short trail leads up to a lookout tower atop Hornisgrinde, the highest peak in the area, where visitors can take in panoramic views of the Black Forest.

Lake Neusiedl, called the Neusiedler See in German, is Europe’s second ­largest steppe lake.The lake is an ideal breeding ground for hundreds of bird species, as it’s ringed by a wetland area of reed beds where the birds make their nests. The lake’s water is relatively shallow, meaning it gets warm quickly in the summer when it is enjoyed by birds and people alike. During the summer months, thousands of tourists come to the lake for sailing, swimming, and windsurfing. The best swimming beaches are on the eastern side of the lake, and the reedy western shores are best for bird­watching. The Neusiedler See is not just popular among watersport enthusiasts – the area is also wonderful for cycling, too. In addition to the athletic attractions, some of Austria’s best wines are made in this area, and the Neusiedler See National Park’s flora and fauna can be accessed and admired through solo exploration and guided tours.  

A small and relatively unknown archaeological site of ancient Rome, the Largo di Torre Argentina is a square set around the sunken Area Sacra. The remains of four temples built between the 2nd and 4th centuries BC are some of the oldest ruins in the city. What’s left of the Republican-era structures was only just discovered in the 1920s due to construction in the area. The remains of the Theater of Pompey were also found here, said to be the site of Julius Caesar’s assassination.

The four temples are distinguished by letters A, B, C, and D, with temple D being the oldest (it is estimated the columns date back to the 2nd century BC.) They’re off limits to humans — however, the piazza has become somewhat of a cat sanctuary. There are nearly 300 stray cats that stay there, lounging on ancient platforms and strolling among history. The area is maintained by volunteers. Sidewalks surrounding the ruins lead to viewing platforms where visitors are welcome to interact with the cats.

Lambeth Palace, built in the 13th century, has been the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury and his family for 800 years. Today it is also the center of his ministry, an events venue, and home to the Lambeth Palace Library, which is the second-largest religious library in the world after the Vatican.

Visitors can enter the palace by prebooking a guided tour, which explores the rooms, chapels, and crypt. Volunteer tour guides discuss the in-depth history of the Archbishop of Canterbury as well as the architectural history of the palace, with its intricate stained glass, vaulted chapels, and other features. The palace’s exterior is included on many historical and architectural walking tours of London.

Lambeth Palace is located on the south bank of the River Thames in central London, across from the Houses of Parliament. The nearest tube station is about a 15-minute walk from the palace. A number of buses—including C10, 507, 77, 344, and 3—run to the palace from Waterloo, Victoria, and Vauxhall stations. Driving and parking in central London are not recommended.

Interior tours of the palace are held on weekdays year-round, though must be booked in advance online. The palace garden is open in the warmer spring and summer months. A number of seasonal events are held at the palace throughout the year, such as the annual North Lambeth Parish Fete in June; check the website for a current schedule.

The Lambeth Palace gardens are open to the public on the first Friday of the month from April through September. The manicured garden, founded in 1197, stretches across more than 10 acres (4 hectares). It is home to native English plants as well as species from all over the world, reflective of the wider Anglican communion. Visitors are treated to entertainment and refreshments from 12pm to 3pm. Entrance is free for children, and dogs are welcome.

The beautifully tended Lakeside Promenade Fleuri winds its way for 6.25 miles (10 kilometers) along the Swiss northwestern shoreline of Lake Geneva from Vevey to Villenueve, taking in the stylish town of Montreux and the fortified lakeside Château de Chillon. The pathway is lined 

with cacti, palms and plane trees as well as numerous funky sculptures, including one of Freddie Mercury in the center of Montreux; there are benches from which to contemplate the delightful alpine views and neatly planted parks full of exotic flowers. On summer evenings it seems the whole of Montreux gathers along the promenade to take the air, chat, jog, rollerblade or simply admire the spectacular views.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants scattered along the sparkling lakeside, and kids will love the little train that chugs up and down the prom in Montreux during the summer. An easy section of the walk for families to follow runs from Montreux to the 11th‐century Château de Chillon, perched on a rocky islet just south of the town. This gentle stroll takes around 45 minutes amid glorious panoramas; from the castle it is possible to take an old‐fashioned steamer back up the lake to Montreux.

The Lamborghini Museum and factory is a tribute to the passion and life’s work of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini. It showcases Italy’s most famous luxury vehicles in a journey through the past, present, and future of the coveted car brand.

Visitors can see a range of vehicles—from the first 350 GT model built in 1964 through race cars and concept cars—and get a sense of the passion behind the manufacturing process. The museum displays the famed Lamborghini Murciélago, Miura supercar, Countach, Sesto Elemento, and Diablo, along with the new Urus. Many of the older cars come from Ferruccio Lamborghini's personal collection, and the museum offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into Automobili Lamborghini's evolution, including scale models and parts of cars that were never made. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a prototype out for testing.

A visit to the museum includes a factory tour to see models coming off the production line; aficionados can even take a test drive with a Lamborghini dream car. Consider joining a complete Motor Valley tour, which includes visits to other famous car museums and factories nearby.

The Lamborghini Museum is located in Sant’Agata Bolognese, between Bologna and Modena, Italy. There is one public bus from Bologna to Sant'Agata (bus 576 to Crevalcore), but the best way by far to reach the factory is by car or on a private tour including transportation from Venice, Bologna, Florence, or Milan.

The museum is open daily all year, except on select holidays, and is the perfect indoor activity on wet winter days or hot summer afternoons.

The tiny triangle of land between Bologna and Modena is known as "Motor Valley" due to the concentration of Italian car manufacturers based there. If you're a true gearhead, consider taking a private Motor Valley tour to visit the Ferrari Museum, the Pagani factory, and Ducati motorcycle headquarters.

The northern Italian lakes are popular destinations, beloved for their placid waters and mountain scenery. Among these, however, sleepy Lake Orta is one of the least well known. Overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Lake Maggiore, and slightly farther from Milan, Lake Orta attracts visitors who want to get away from it all.

One of the charms of picturesque Lake Orta is the tiny island at its center, Isola San Giulio, home to a centuries-old basilica and monastery. Ferries run to the island from the medieval village of Orta San Giulio, whose historical center and 16th-century town hall are worth exploring; climb the hill above town to visit the Sacro Monte chapels. A few small towns dot the shores of the lake, including Pettenasco and Omegna, but this isn't the tourist-centered experience of Lake Garda or Lake Como. 

Lake Orta is a popular excursion from Milan or Stresa, and joining a Lake Orta day trip by coach is an easy way to experience the lake without the hassle of driving. Alternatively, consider taking a private tour of Orta San Giulio and San Giulio Island to get the most out of these out-of-the-way spots.

The lake district in northern Italy is easy to reach from Turin, Milan, and Venice. Lake Orta is about an hour by car from Milan's Malpensa Airport; the train trip from Milan to Orta San Giulio requires a change in Novara and takes between two and three hours.

Italy's northern lakes are especially spectacular in the fall when the surrounding countryside explodes in autumn colors. Lake Orta also hosts the Poetry on the Lake festival each September, honoring the lake's history as a favorite destination for writers such as Lord Byron, Honoré de Balzac, and Robert Browning. 

On the hilltop above the town of Orta San Giulio, the Sacro Monte religious complex comprises 20 chapels built between the 15th and 18th century. The chapels, scattered artfully around a wooded estate, form part of the UNESCO-listed Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy.

Lake Walen is a lake in eastern Switzerland separating the cantons Glarus and St.Gallen. It is part of a region known as Heidiland, named after the famous Heidi story by Johanna Spyri and represents these corresponding values of unspoiled nature, warmth and simplicity. The mountains rise almost vertically on all sides of the lake and nestled on little plateaus and along the shores are several traditional Swiss towns. Below the steep south face of the Churfirsten, the small village of Quinten is a car-free paradise. It can only be reached by boat from Murg or on foot and due to the protected location, excellent grapes, figs and kiwis are grown here.

To the west of Quinten, the mighty Seerenbach Waterfalls gush from a cave system and tumble in three cascades almost 600 meters down the cliffs. The waterfalls are especially impressive in spring, when the melting snow turns them into a torrent. Located high up on a sunny plateau and overlooking the northern shores of Lake Walen is the town of Amden. The village, its adjoining ski slopes as well as the hiking trails are often above the clouds and thus, it’s a popular holiday destination throughout the year. On the other side of the lake, another highlight awaits at Flumserberg, the biggest winter sports area in the region consisting of several villages and a huge network of slopes, trails and cycling paths.

An expanse of uninhabited and unspoiled volcanic terrain located in central Iceland and largely off-limits to vehicles, Landmannalaugar has fast become a popular choice for those looking to escape Reykjavík and explore off-the-beaten-track. Among Iceland’s top hiking destinations, Landmannalaugar is best known for its spectacular scenery, with its multi-colored rhyolite mountains, rugged lava fields and steamy thermal pools, set against a backdrop of the ominous Helka Volcano.

The No. 1 challenge for enthusiastic hikers is the 43-kilometer-long Laugavegur trail, Iceland’s most famous long distance trail, which runs from Landmannalaugar all the way to the Thorsmork Valley. Alternatively, less-experienced adventurers can tackle the 16.5-km Landmannahellir Hiking Trail around the Laugahraun lava field, enjoy a day hike or horse riding excursion through the Jokulgil valley, camp out one of the remote mountain huts or soak in one of the many natural hot springs.

Situated just off one of the world’s most costly streets, Avenue Princess Grace, sits pebbly Larvotto Beach, the only public beach in Monaco. Jellyfish nets keep the waters safe for swimming, while sunbathers in designer sunglasses lie out on lounge chairs and beach towels, watching the yachts and sailboats bob in the harbor.

Lifeguards watch over the water, and toilets and showers are available for beachgoers. During the summer, the beach is also a hub for water sports, like jet skiing and sea kayaking. Beach clubs rent out lounge chairs where waiters will serve you champagne.

Southeast of the lovely medieval city of Freiburg in the scenic region of Baden-Württemberg, Lake Titisee is located in the Black Forest National Park amid thick forest in the foothills of Feldberg and Hochfirst. Formed by glaciers in the last Ice Age some 10,000 years ago, the lake is a popular vacation destination surrounded by the pretty town of Titisee-Neustadt, which is packed with shops, restaurants and spa hotels where many people go to take the waters. The town has a romantic lakefront promenade and is also home to the famous German cuckoo-clockmaker, Hönes, and no visit is complete without a tour of the historic factory. 

At two kilometers (1.25 miles) in length and up to 40 meters (131 feet) in depth, Titisee is the highest lake in the Black Forest and can be strolled around in 1.5 hours; in summer it is a magnet for sailors and swimmers as well as pleasure-boat cruisers. In winter the lake freezes and the sports switch to skating and ice hockey, while – thanks to its altitude at 850 meters (2,790 feet) – there is skiing and boarding in the surrounding mountains as well as ski jumping at Hochfirstschanze, site of the World Championships in 2005.

Set on an isolated beach, the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station presides over the shelled creatures who come here every year to nest. Devoted conservationists keep an eye on the green and loggerhead turtles, safeguarding the eggs and young hatchlings and educating the public on the turtles’ plight. 

The wellbeing of the turtles and their hatchlings depends on delicate circumstances. Therefore, it’s best to visit the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station as part of a tour with an experienced guide. The conservation station is often included in safari jeep tours of the Akamas Peninsula, which typically stop at other area attractions like Avakas Gorge and the Baths of Aphrodite. Most tours offer the chance to browse the exhibits in the station and look for hatchlings, depending on the season. 

Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station is on Lara Beach, about 17 miles (27 kilometers) north of Paphos, Cyprus. The access road to Lara Beach is rough and unpaved; it’s best suited to travelers with a four-wheel drive.

When to Get There 

Egg-laying season usually lasts from May to August. This is the best time to go—you’ll have a higher chance of seeing newly hatched turtles in the conservatory’s water tanks. 

Wildlife thrives on the remote and undeveloped Lara Beach, and turtles aren’t the only species you might spy. You may also see goats, as well as mouflons, a kind of wild sheep unique to Paphos. Nearer the shore, you may spot seals, which are known to frequent the nearby sea caves.