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Villa Bilek
Villa Bílek was designed in 1911 by sculptor, master craftsman and architect František Bílek; it is in a mixture of Art Nouveau and Symbolist styles, of which he was one of the leading Czech exponents. Constructed of red brick and carved stone columns and reminiscent of an Ancient Egyptian temple, it is crescent shaped and was designed as a family home and studio.
Bílek lived between 1872-1941 and it was his heartfelt wish for his ornately decorated house to become a museum of his work. In 1963 his hopes were realized and today the villa is under patronage of Prague City Gallery; its exhibits include the artist’s studio, where some of his most famous works are displayed; a museum of his religious sculptures; displays of his hand-crafted Art Nouveau furniture; and a series of temporary exhibitions. Recent shows have included drawings and sketches from Bílek and his Art Nouveau compatriot Alphonse Mucha.
The house where Bílek was born in Chýnov is also under the stewardship of the Prague City Gallery, along with five other historic properties including the House of Photography in Prague Old Town and the fabulously Baroque Troja Château in Prague 7. Villa Bílek is an easy walk from the treasures of Prague Castle in Hradčany, where the sculptor’s ethereal wooden Crucifixion is on display in St Vitus Cathedral.
Practical Info
The museum is open Tue–Sun 10am–6pm. Admission for adults is CZK 120; seniors are CZK 30; students & children are CZK 60. Admission is free with the Prague Welcome Card. For access via public transportation, take Metro Line A to Hradčanská.
Address: Mickiewiczova 233/1, Prague 6, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic
Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–6pm
Admission: Adults CZK 120; Seniors CZK 30; Students & children CZK 60
From $ 35
Villa Bellini
Catania’s largest park is one of the city’s most tranquil spots – a vast expanse of greenery laced with scenic walkways and dotted with pavilions, elaborate flower gardens and hilltop viewpoints that look out over the city center below. Named after illustrious Catanese composer Vincenzo Bellini, Villa Bellini opened its doors in 1883 and is today regarded as one of Italy’s most exquisite public gardens.
The park is best known for its rich botanical variety, with pathways shaded by sprawling fig trees and towering palms, and more than 100 varieties of plants and flowers brightening up the gardens. Additional highlights of the Villa Bellini include the central fountain and floral clock; the Avenue of Illustrious Men, which is lined with busts of historic Italian figures, including a bronze statue of Giuseppe Mazzini; and the hilltop bandstand, which hosts regular concerts throughout the summer months.
Practical Info
Villa Bellini is located on Via Etnea, just north of central Catania, and is open daily from 6am to 9pm. Admission is free.
Address: Via Etnea, Catania, Italy
From $ 115
Viking World
Journey back to the Viking age at Iceland’s Viking World museum, where the star exhibit is the impressive Icelander (“Islendingur”) Viking ship. A painstakingly recreated replica of a ninth-century vessel, the Icelander made headlines when it sailed the Atlantic in 2000 to commemorate Leif Erikson’s journey to the New World.
The Basics
Visitors who come to admire the Viking ship can discover more about Iceland’s fascinating Viking history through a series of exhibits covering the Viking expansion across the North Atlantic, the settlement of Iceland, and Norse mythology and myths. Sightseeing tours of the Reykanes Peninsula usually make a stop at the museum, between visits to the “bridge between continents” at nearby Sandvik and the fishing village of Grindavik.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Viking World is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- The museum café offers spectacular views over the harbor.
- The museum and café are wheelchair-accessible.
- There is free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
- There is an admission fee, but children under 14 get in free.
How to Get There
Viking World is located in Reykjanesbaer, around 40 minutes’ drive southwest of Reykjavik. Bus No. 55 from Reykjavik’s City Hall stops in Tjarnarhverfi, a 15-minute walk from the museum. It’s just 10 minutes’ drive from Keflavik International Airport, making it a great final stop before boarding your flight home. Alternatively, skip the hassle by visiting on a sightseeing tour.
When to Get There
The museum is open seven days a week, from 7am to 6pm.
Museum Architecture
The museum’s strikingly sleek and modern building is easily spotted from the road. The exhibition hall, which is framed around the Icelander boat, was designed by the award-winning Icelandic architect Gudmundur Jonsson. The design highlights the skillfully crafted boat, which is displayed so that visitors can look at the ship from all angles and even step onto the deck.
Address: 1 Víkingabraut, Reykjanesbær, Keflavík 260, Iceland
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Villa Foscari (La Malcontenta)
With its temple-like colonnaded façade flanked by weeping willows and bordering the glittering Venetian lagoon; the stunning setting of Villa Foscari begs to be photographed. The striking villa, also known as La Malcontenta, was built in 1559 for Nicolò and Alvise Foscari, and makes up one of a number of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palladian villas.
The work of acclaimed architect, Andrea Palladio, Villa Foscari combines traditional Venetian, Greek and Roman architecture to give a palatial feel, aided by the villa’s elevated location, looking out over the Brenta River. The regal atmosphere continues inside, where visitors can admire magnificent frescoes from the likes of Battista Franco and Gian Battista Zelotti.
Practical Info
Villa Foscari is located on the Venetian Lagoon, around 15km west of Venice by road, and is open from May to October from 9am to midday (or by reservation). Admission is €10.
Address: Via dei Turisti, 9, Mira, Italy
Hours: May-Oct: Tues-Sat 9am-12pm or by reservation
Admission: €10
From $ 126
Vila Franca do Campo
Founded in the 15th century, Vila Franca do Campo rose to become the largest on the island of São Miguel. It served as the capital of the Azores in the 16th century when it was tragically hit by a major earthquake. The capital was moved after the earthquake and subsequent mudslides destroyed much of the settlement as it was then. Following its reconstruction, it became an agricultural hub, particularly for orange and pineapple plantations. Some of the most beautiful architecture on the island can be found in its modernist lighthouse and many churches and convents.
There is also a small caldera (volcanic crater) just off its shore forms a popular natural swimming pool. The isle is green and lush, the beach is lovely and clean, and the lake at its center forms a nearly perfect circle. The Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is classified as a nature reserve, which helps to maintain its raw beauty.
Practical Info
Vila Franca do Campo is located on the southern end of São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. Most flights arrive in Ponta Delgada, from which it’s about a 20-minute drive to Vila Franca do Campo.
Address: Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, Portugal
From $ 41
Villa Barbaro
Villa Barbaro, masterpiece of 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, is one of the most striking of Veneto’s UNESCO-listed Palladian villas. This group of elegant patrician residences are scattered in the hills between Vicenza and Treviso, and make for a fascinating day trip from Venice.
The Basics
The countryside surrounding Vicenza is dotted by dozens of stately villas with classical architecture and sweeping manicured gardens. Known as the Palladian Villas after their architect Andrea Palladio, these rural residences were constructed in the first half of the 16th century for a handful of wealthy families from the Venetian Republic. Villa Barbaro (also known as Villa di Maser), completed around 1558, is characterized by its Roman-inspired façade with four ionic columns, interior frescoes by Paolo Veronese, tempietto (chapel), and nymphaeum with elaborate stuccoes by Alessandro Vittoria.
Today, the villa estate includes a working farm and winery, and visitors can explore the sumptuous residence, view the carriage collection, and enjoy a wine tasting. Day trips from Venice to Villa Barbaro can also include stops in the picturesque medieval hill towns of Bassano del Grappa and Asolo, along with a prosecco tasting at an area winery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Touring the villa and gardens requires a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
- The villa is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Visitors are required to wear shoe coverings (provided) to protect the historic floors.
- Photography without flash is permitted inside the villa.
- There are public restrooms, a snack bar, and gift shop outside the villa.
How to Get There
The villa is located on Via Barbaro near the village of Maser, just over an hour from Venice by car. Arriving by public transportation involves multiple bus connections, so the most convenient way to visit is by joining a small-group or private tour that includes transportation.
When to Get There
One of the main draws of Villa Barbaro are the lovely grounds, which are in full bloom in spring and fall.
The Palladian Villas
The Veneto region is home to numerous Palladian Villas. Among the most famous are Villa La Rotonda, officially known as Villa Almerico Capra, which is an example of Palladio’s skill in blending architecture with the surrounding landscape; and Villa Emo, home to a fresco cycle by Giambattista Zelotti.
Address: Via Cornuda, 7, Maser, Veneto, Italy
From $ 179
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Set on the serene Cap Ferrat cape jutting out over the Mediterranean, the picturesque Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild holds one of the most sought after settings on the French Riviera. The pink-painted villa, once belonging to wealthy Frenchwoman Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, was designed by Belgian architect Aaron Messiah and built in the early 20th century. Today, the striking seafront palazzo is maintained by the Institut de France and is open to the public, and also hosts the annual summer opera festival: Opera Azuriales.
The villa’s grounds are the real attraction with a collection of nine exquisitely landscaped gardens. These gardens, listed by the Ministry of Culture as some of the ‘notable gardens of France,’ feature Spanish and Japanese themed gardens, a colorful rose garden, and a ‘stone garden’ decorated with ornate ‘musical fountains,’ with water features synchronized to music.
The villa’s grounds are the real attraction with a collection of nine exquisitely landscaped gardens. These gardens, listed by the Ministry of Culture as some of the ‘notable gardens of France,’ feature Spanish and Japanese themed gardens, a colorful rose garden, and a ‘stone garden’ decorated with ornate ‘musical fountains,’ with water features synchronized to music.
Address: France
Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm (From Nov 1 - Feb 16: Weekdays 2pm-6pm)
Admission: Adults: € 12; Teens, students & teachers: € 9; Children & journalists: free
From $ 26
Viking Triangle
Wayfaring Norse invaders first arrived in Ireland in the eighth century, and while they looted, enslaved and caused quite a bit of destruction, these early Vikings also founded several Irish towns, including Waterford. Established in 914, Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, and its cultural and historic center — once surrounded by Viking walls — is today known as the Viking Triangle.
One of the Triangle’s most fascinating landmarks is Reginald’s Tower, a twelfth century building that now houses one of the three Waterford Treasures Museums. It is also the only monument in the country to be named after a Viking. Other attractions of note in the Viking Triangle’s narrow streets are the Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace and the House of Waterford Crystal.
Practical Info
Pick up a map of the Viking Triangle from Reginald’s Tower before beginning your explorations.
Address: Viking Triangle, Waterford, South East Ireland, Ireland
From $ 8
Villa Farnesina
Rome’s Villa Farnesina was originally built in the early 16th century for a wealthy Renaissance banker as his summer retreat. The villa and gardens are in the Trastevere district, which used to be outside the city center, and are now open to the public.
The wealthy banker for whom the villa was built had the good sense to hire some of the era’s best artists to decorate the interior, so it’s a stop well-suited to art lovers. Today, these pieces of art are one of the top reasons to visit. The best-known artist represented is Raphael, who painted lovely frescoes on the ground floor.
All of the Villa Farnesina’s main rooms are open to the public, including the ground floor loggia where you can see the famous Raphael fresco called “The Triumph of Galatea.” Other frescoes by artists such as Baldassarre Peruzzi (who designed the villa) and Sebastiano del Piombo are on upper floors of the villa.
There are guided tours in English at Villa Farnesina given each Saturday at 10am, and English audio guides are available at any time for €2. Some Trastevere tours include the Villa Farnesina, though many only reference it from the outside.
Practical Info
Hang onto your Vatican Museums ticket - if you visit the Villa Farnesina within seven days of your Vatican Museums visit, your Villa Farnesina entry is reduced by €1.
Address: Via della Lungara 230, Rome 00165, Italy
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-2pm; 2nd Sunday of every month 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults: €6; Seniors: €5; Children: €3; Guided tour of villa & gardens: €4
From $ 52
Villa Artimino
In 1596, Ferdinando I de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, commissioned famous Italian architect architect Bernardo Buontalenti to build a hunting villa, which quickly became the court and estate of the Grand Duke and Duchess. Today, Villa Artimino is one of twelve villas and two gardens collectively granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
This particular villa has the unusual nickname of the villa of 100 chimneys. Since Ferdenando I suffered from gout, numerous fireplaces were incorporated into the villa’s design, and their chimneys are visible from miles away. The interior of the estate still contains many of its original frescoes, furnishings and — perhaps most interesting of all — a roasting spit designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
Practical Info
Since Villa Artimino is private, visits must be booked in advance.
Address: Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII, 1, Artimino, Tuscany, Italy, Italy
From $ 173
Viking Ship Museum
Set on Oslo’s Bygdoy Peninsula, the Viking Ship Museum houses an extensive collection of Viking-era artifacts discovered around Oslo Fjord. The museum is best known for its Viking ships, which have been painstakingly reconstructed and elegantly displayed in pristine white galleries.
The Basics
Keep an eye out for the three ninth-century Viking-age longboats, which were excavated in Southern Norway after centuries of being buried in peat. View the Gokstad Viking Ship, a well-preserved Viking ship built around AD 890, and the Oseberg boat, which features exceptional woodwork and is believed to have been constructed purposefully for the burial of wealthy Vikings.
Most city tours feature a visit to the Viking Ship Museum, including hop-on hop-off bus tours and Oslo walking tours. Many excursions combine a museum visit with stops at other city highlights, such as Akershus Fortress, Vigeland Sculpture Park, and Oslo City Hall. The Oslo Pass includes admission to the Viking Ship Museum and is a good option if you’d rather visit independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Viking Ship Museum offers free audio guides in English.
- There are no restaurants on-site, so be sure to eat before you arrive.
- The museum and its exhibit halls are wheelchair accessible.
- Entrance to the Viking Ship Museum also includes access to the Norwegian ethnographic collection in the Museum of Cultural History, where artifacts include Egyptian mummies and medieval decorative arts.
How to Get There
The Viking Ship Museum is located outside Oslo’s city center and is easily accessible by bus or ferry. Organized tours offer an easy way to visit and allow you to avoid the hassle of navigation.
When to Get There
Open year-round, the Viking Ship Museum has longer hours in the summer to accommodate a spike in tourism. Opt for an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid crowds.
Nearby Attractions
Make the most of your time in the Bygdoy area with visits to the nearby Fram Museum, Norsk Folkmuseum, and The Kon-Tiki Museum—all located within a 10-minute walk of each other.
Address: Huk Aveny 35, 0287, Oslo, Norway
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello is one of a number of elegant historic villas that sit directly on the water’s edge at Lake Como. On the tip of a small promontory on the lake’s western shore, Balbianello is particularly lovely, with luxurious interiors, scenic loggia, beautiful gardens, and romantic lake views.
The Basics
The villa was built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery, but by the early 20th century the buildings and grounds had fallen into a state of neglect. American businessman Butler Ames bought and refurbished the villa in 1919, creating the elaborate terraced gardens that you can see today. In 1974 Italian explorer Count Guido Monzino purchased the villa and decorated it with collections of Chinese and African art, French furniture, and other artifacts from his expeditions before leaving the estate to the FAI (Italy’s National Trust) upon his death in 1988.
By far the best way to appreciate the estate is by taking a guided tour that offers insights into the history of the villa and explores both the impressive interiors and the extensive gardens. Consider opting for a private tour that combines Villa del Balbianello with visits to Villa Melzi and Villa Carlotta, also on the shores of Lake Como.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Villa del Balbianello and its beautiful grounds are especially interesting for avid gardeners and photographers.
- If you are joining a tour of Lake Como’s villas, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- Parts of the villa and gardens are accessible to wheelchair users, but many tours include access on foot and by taxi boat, which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or a wheelchair.
How to Get There
The most scenic way to approach Villa del Balbianello is on foot from Lenno, a 25-minute walk with excellent views of the lake as well as over the towns of Tremezzo and Lenno. You can also take a small-group boat tour or water taxi from Lenno, Varenna, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, or one of the other towns along the lake shore.
When to Get There
Villa del Balbianello is open on Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit, as the gardens are verdant and can be enjoyed without the summer crowds.
Villa del Balbianello and Hollywood
This dramatic villa has been used as a location for a number of movies, including Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and the James Bond film Casino Royale.
Address: Via Comoedia 5, Tremezzina, Como, Italy 22016, Italy
From $ 150
Villa Celimontana
The Villa Celimontana and the gardens that surround it sit on one of the ancient seven hills of Rome, the Caelian Hill (Celio in Italian), and the area is a peaceful oasis from the busy city.
The villa itself dates from the 16th century, though it has been modified significantly over the centuries. It was originally called the Villa Mattei after the family for whom it was built, and housed the Mattei family’s art collection. Today, the villa belongs to the Italian Geographic Society.
The gardens around the Villa Celimontana contain some ancient Roman ruins that date back to the 1st century AD, and some of the Mattei family’s collection of ancient artifacts are now on display throughout the grounds. There’s also a relatively small obelisk in the garden that has Egyptian hieroglyphics on it.
Inside the Villa Celimontana today visitors can see some of the historic maps and other documents kept by the Italian Geographic Society. There are also rooms in the villa that have beautiful frescoes and mosaics that were added in the 17th century.
Practical Info
The Villa Celimontana is right behind the Colosseum, but it remains a largely overlooked area of central Rome. There aren’t any places to get a meal nearby, but bring a picnic in warm weather and take advantage of the gorgeous grounds.
Address: Via della Navicella, Rome, Lazio 00184, Italy
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
From $ 87
Villa of the Quintilii (Villa dei Quintili)
Once the largest and grandest of Rome’s private residences, the ancient ruins of the Villa of the Quintilii (Villa dei Quintili) are still an impressive sight today. Located along the legendary Appian Way (Via Appia), the lavish villa includes two impressive entrances, intact mosaic tiles and marble floors, and the remains of its private luxury baths, dating back to 151 AD.
Tour the ruins on a half-day trip from Rome to admire the rooms and artifacts on display, or cycle along the ancient Appian Way to visit the ruins and other ancient landmarks, like the Caracalla Baths and the Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella.
Practical Info
The Villa of the Quintilii is located along the Appian Way, around six miles (10 km) south of central Rome. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4:30pm. Adult admission is €6 and includes entrance to the Baths of Caracalla and the Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella (useable within 7 days); children younger than 17 enter free.
You can reach the villa by metro, train and bus from Rome's city center. Take metro line Anagnina to Colli Albani, or trains 7197 (Frascati) or FL4 (Ciampino) to Capannelle; then, take bus 664 or 654 to Bisignano—a three-minute walk from the villa. Choose a tour with round trip transportation, including hotel pick up and drop off, to avoid Rome's messy public transportation.
Did you know? In Roman times, the Appian Way (Appia Antica) was one of the world’s most important roads, built in 312 BC and running from Rome to Brindisi in southeast Italy.
Address: Via Appia Nuova, 1092, Rome, Italy
Hours: Tues–Sun: 9am–4:30pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Comprising of more than 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, Oslo’s Vigeland Sculpture Park is the world’s largest such complex made by a single artist. Located within Frogner Park, it is also one of Oslo’s top attractions, drawing more than a million visitors a year.
The Basics
Most of the park’s sculptures are placed in five units along a 2,788-foot-long (850-meter) axis: the Main Gate, the Bridge, the Fountain, the Monolith, and the Wheel of Life. Walking through the Fountain section, you can see more 60 bronze reliefs, portraying children and skeletons in the arms of trees. The Bridge, connects the Main Gate to the Fountain and is home to the park’s most famous work The Angry Boy. Many of the sculptures depicts people experiencing intense emotions.
Many private and group city tours of Oslo, by bus, foot, and bicycle, visit Vigeland Sculpture Park. Some allow free time to wander through the park at leisure, while others offer more in-depth insight into the stories behind the park and some of its most famous sculptures.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vigeland Sculpture Park is a must-visit destination for art and culture lovers.
- The sculpture park is part of Frogner Park, Oslo’s largest public park.
- The park is free to visit.
How to Get There
Take bus no. 20 or tram no. 12 from the city center. Westbound T-bane trains stop at Majorstuen station, which is a short walk to Vigeland. If driving, you can follow Ring Route 2 to Majorstuen, but parking is limited. Alternatively, skip the hassle by visiting as part of a guided tour that includes transportation.
When to Get There
The park is free to enter, 24 hours a day, year-round. The most appealing time of year is summer when Frogner Park’s open-air swimming pool and restaurant are open and the grassy expanses are filled with sunbathing locals.
Vigeland Museum
Also in Frogner Park and housed in the artist’s former studio, Vigeland Museum is home to a large collection of Vigeland’s sculptures, drawings, and woodcuts. His apartment is on the third floor of the building, and you can book an appointment to tour it. The museum charges an entrance fee.
Address: Norway
Admission: Free
From $ 41
Vilaflor
Perched on a rocky plateau at 1,400m, Vilaflor is Tenerife’s highest village and it’s a scenic spot, encircled by pine-covered mountains, rugged lava plains and fields of wildflowers. Located in the foothills of the Teide National Park, Vilaflor makes a popular starting point for hiking and climbing treks, as well as being famed for its local wineries and vineyards.
Regional highlights include the Paisaje Lunar (lunar landscape), an unearthly lava valley, where unusual rock formations have been sculpted out of striking white tuff. Nearby, the mineral springs of Fuente Altam, the Sanctuary of the Santo Hermano Pedro and El Pino Gordo (the Fat Pine), the largest tree in the Canary Islands, are also worth a visit.
Practical Info
Vilaflor is located in south-central Tenerife, just south of the Teide National Park.
Address: Vilaflor, Spain
From $ 40
Villa Melzi Gardens (Giardini di Villa Melzi)
The stately Villa Melzi d’Eril sits at the edge of Lake Como in the picturesque town of Bellagio, while the peaceful Villa Melzi Gardens stretch out around it, hugging the lake. Both the villa and gardens were built in the early 19th century as the summer home for an Italian duke. The gardens were designed in the English style with statues, and the grounds include a traditional orangery (which today houses a museum) and a small chapel. Inside the museum, you'll find a bust of Napoleon and a set of ceremonial keys to the city of Milan. The small chapel is where the Melzi family is entombed.
While the villa itself is not open to the public, there are lots of walking paths through the gardens, ideal for getting away from the crowds in Bellagio. Some of the paths run right along the lake, with blooming plants on the opposite side and benches placed along the path so you can stop and enjoy the view for awhile. Visit the gardens on a full-day walking and boating tour of Lake Como to explore the nearby city of Varenna, taste local olive oil, and enjoy a boat ride across the lake.
Insider's Tip: Look out for the historic Venetian gondola on display in the gardens, which was brought to the property at the request of Napoleon.
Practical Info
The gardens are located in Bellagio, in the mid-lake region of Lake Como, just 45 miles (72 km) north of Milan. The gardens are open every day during the months of March through October, from 9:30am to 6:30pm. It closes the rest of the year, and the opening date in March varies. Adult admission is €6.50, while children younger than the age of 12 enter for free.
Address: Via Lungalario Manzoni, Bellagio, Lombardy 22021, Italy
Hours: Mar–Oct: 9:30am–6:30pm daily
Admission: Adult: €6.50
From $ 110
Villa Cimbrone Gardens
Perched high above the Amalfi Coast is the town of Ravello, home to the gorgeous Villa Cimbrone surrounded by lovely gardens that are open to the public.
Villa Cimbrone dates from the 11th century, and today is a hotel and restaurant. The gardens around the villa – once a private home – are now open to visitors, even if you're not staying at the hotel itself. The gardens owe their formal English style to the villa's 20th-century owner, an Englishman whose family owned the property until the 1960s.
The gardens feature long walkways lined by trees, flowering plants, and statues. There are statues and other works of art seemingly hidden in different parts of the property, many of which are away from the main paths. The highlight of the property, however, is known as the “Infinity Terrace” at the end of the main path. This incredible viewpoint overlooks the sea and the towns below, jutting out from ground level so that it appears to be floating.
Practical Info
While the view from the “Infinity Terrace” is breathtaking, it can also be somewhat vertigo-inducing. Hang onto small children and anyone with a fear of heights. For an especially luxurious experience, book a table for dinner at the Michelin-starred villa restaurant, Il Flauto di Pan.
Address: Via Santa Chiara, 26, Ravello, Campania 84010, Italy
Admission: €7 adults (discounts for children under 12 years of age)
From $ 13
Vilamoura
Just 29 km (18 miles) north-west of Faro airport, Vilamoura sits on the Algarve’s Atlantic shoreline and is the region’s classiest purpose-built leisure resort. The town and its four international-level golf courses are a destination for golfers and sailors and the location of world-class sporting events throughout the year. The hub of Vilamoura activity lies around the marina and its palm-lined esplanade, which brims over with bars, restaurants and late-night clubs as well as high-end fashion stores and classy hotels.
Despite its reputation as a party town, Vilamoura caters extensively for families. Of its two golden-sand beaches, Praia da Rocha Baixinha is a designated family-friendly beach, with lifeguards constantly on duty. Both have water sports facilities, while boat tours leave the marina daily on dolphin- and whale-spotting expeditions. Zoomarine Algarve is close by at Guia and Krazy World Zoo is inland just north of Algoz. Other local distractions from sunbathing on the beach include the Roman ruins nearby at Cerro da Vila, the monthly Sunday flea market at Loulé and the charms of Faro as well as the beaches and daily fish market at Quarteira.
Practical Info
The local tourist office is at Avenida 5 de Outubro 18, Faro. Taxis and buses run from Faro airport to Vilamoura; local buses run on the hour between 8am and 7pm to neighboring Quarteira.
Address: Vilamoura, Portugal
From $ 41
Villa de Teguise
Back in the 1400s, Villa de Teguise sat at the heart of Lanzarote life, serving as the island’s capital until the 19th century. Its location was especially advantageous: Mount Guanapay, upon which the town was built, made for an ideal lookout point, providing views of nearly all sides of the island’s coasts, and therefore protecting it from pirates.
While La Villa (as it is known by locals) is no longer the capital, it remains one of the best-preserved old villages in the Canaries. A wander through its whitewashed building-lined streets provides a glimpse into the past, via sights such as the 15th-century Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church and Santa Barbara Castle. The tower-turned-fortress now houses a Pirate Museum, which offers up history as well as phenomenal views.
These days, however, Villa de Teguise is undoubtedly most famous for its flea market, which is held each Sunday morning. At the weekly event, the stalls completely take over town, selling items ranging from crafts and art to food.
Practical Info
Many buses make the journey to Villa de Teguise just for the Sunday market, which takes place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can also get to the town easily by car, as its central island location makes it very accessible. While in the area, pay a visit to the César Manrique Foundation, only a short drive away.
Address: Villa de Teguise, Lanzarote, Spain
Hours: Daily
From $ 17