Things to Do in Europe

One of a string of sandy beaches and bays lining Lanzarote’s southern coast, Papagayo Beach (Playa de Papagayo) lies within the Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches Natural Park and is largely regarded as one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. A horseshoe-shaped bay cocooned between sea cliffs and blessed with swaths of pale gold sand, Papagayo is a top choice for swimming, snorkeling and water sports.

The Plaza Mayor is Palma’s true epicenter. Others might claim the geographic center of the city to be located elsewhere, but it is from this large plaza that all the excitement of old-town Palma generates. There’s a saying in Palma that “all roads lead to Plaza Mayor” and if you’re taking a stroll through old town, you’ll sure find this to be true.

Enter the plaza and the first thing you’ll notice is its imposing size. The enormous square is surrounded by old Spanish buildings of the 14th century and once housed the offices of the Spanish inquisition. Today, this area is known as the artist’s quarter, so you’re bound to spot a few galleries highlighting some of the local talent. In addition, a weekly market is held in the square, and a variety of notable goods can be purchased from colourful vendors here.

Labyrinthine streets emanate out from Plaza Mayor and the cobbled walkways are known to be a confusing but enjoyable jaunt down winding streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and evening revelers. Costumed street performers and street musicians typically help fill the plaza in daylight and night-time hours and locals and tourists together can be seen enjoying evening cocktails and music in the plaza.

The Plaza Mayor is now one of Palma’s main attractions and few can contend that a visit to Palma without seeing the Plaza Mayor is a visit at all.

Best recognized for its massive dome and center oculus, the Pantheon attracts millions of visitors as one of the most influential and well-preserved buildings of ancient Rome—its proximity to the gelaterias along Via della Maddalena is a bonus. Since AD 125, the temple-turned-church has astounded visitors with its awe-inspiring architecture, beautiful art, and Roman history. It also serves as the burial ground for the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, and Renaissance artist Raphael. You'll find tourists and locals admiring the structure from the steps of the obelisk in Piazza della Rotonda, a popular break spot.

The Basics
The Pantheon is free to visit and open every day. Visitors shouldn’t miss the experience of passing through the vast bronze doors and standing under the center of the dome, where light (and sometimes rain) shines down into the open interior. You can learn about the building’s history and architectural design with an expert, local guide on a small-group or private guided tour. Many other tour options, lasting three to four hours, combine a visit to the Pantheon with skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum or other popular Roman highlights such as the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Roman Forum.

The Palm Garden (or Palmengarten) is the largest garden of its kind in Germany. The botanical exhibitions are organized according to their geographic origin in open air or climate-controlled greenhouses. The Palm Garden is famous worldwide for its ample collection of native, tropical, and subtropic flora. In addition to the plants, it offers a variety of activities including guided tours, summer concerts, evening festivals and exhibitions.

The Frankfurt Palmengarten is a public site, financed and implemented by the architect Heinrich Siesmayer. The garden was completed in 1871 and subsequently opened to the public. The Palm Garden was revamped in the 1960s when a major reconstruction effort was begun to develop and expand the existing structures.