Discover Southern Europe | The Ultimate Travel Top 50
5/ BENAGIL CAVES
Aigüestortes.
Lagao, Algarves, Spain The Algarves, in the far south of the European continent, is a popular destination for beach lovers. Its rough, rocky coastline caters to the many sunbathers, as well as to hikers and nature gazers. Even more impressive than its stunning sandpits are the Benagil Caves, a natural dome with a hole on top, covering the grotto in daylight. The unpredictable tides make it dangerous to swim to the caves, so you are better to go by boat or on a stand-up paddleboard.
6/ AIGÜESTORTES
Benagil Caves.
Pyrenees, Catalonia, Spain Aigüestortes is a natural gem, hidden amidst the Catalan Pyrenees. The peaks’ shadows, ice-cold mountain lakes, meandering rivers and the sporadic pine trees shape this unique national park. In summer, the place is perfect for hiking and for finding your inner peace. In winter, it becomes a snowy wonderland.
7/ CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBORD
8/ DOLOMITES
Chambord, Loire Valley, France The Loire Valley is home to over 300 chateaux. Yet, the Château de Chambord easily stands out from the crowd. With 440 rooms, 365 towers, 1,036 windows and a 5,500-hectare estate, this 16th-century castle is as huge as it is elegant. Oddly enough, it never served as a primary residence, but only as a summerhouse for five centuries of wealthy aristocrats.
Northern Italy The Dolomites is a mountain range on the northern border of Italy. With its unique, steep peaks, it looks nothing like any other European mountain range. For the best views, head to the Gardena Pass, Mount Settsass or the iconic Tre Crime de Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo), of which the steep walls climb as high as 2,999 metres.
Château de Chambord.
9/ VENICE Venice, Veneto, Italy With its magical channels, elegant façades and colourful people, it is no wonder that Venice adorns millions of travel bucket lists. Its glory era was the 12th century when the Venetian Republic stretched as far as Greece and its capital was a trading crossroad. These traders, you won’t find here anymore. But while strolling through the alleys, floating through the Canal Grande or visiting the Dodges Palace, it isn’t hard to imagine how it must have been.
Venice.
16 | Issue 12 | February 2020
Dolomites.
Dolomites.