There is something reassuringly familiar about the continent of Europe. Its snowy mountains and beaches, its Roman remains and cathedrals, its vineyards and cafés are all places that have figured in so many books and films that we feel as if we know them. Yet there is so much architecture and art to absorb, so many miles of countryside to explore, such a lot of good food to try, so many fine wines to taste, that nobody can know it all. What follows is a full flavour of continental Europe: 10 countries that cover the land mass from Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of Portugal, to Greece, lingering en route in the hill towns of Tuscany, or on Germany’s Romantic Road, getting caught up in the excitement of Barcelona, Paris and Rome.
Ancient Greek temple at Selinunte, south coast of Sicily.
Neil Buchan-Grant/Apa Publications
Getting around the continent is no problem. Cities are linked by road and rail, and airports are busy round the clock. Theoretically the borders between most members of the European Union were removed in 1995, and although checkpoints remain in force, they often seem redundant, with uniformed officers who take no notice of cars passing through.
There are few places that are not used to visitors all year round. Spring is the time for wild flowers, which cover the Alps and carpet the meadowlands. In summer, people flock to the playgrounds of the Mediterranean: most crowded are Rimini on the Adriatic coast, the French Riviera and Spain’s Balearic Islands and Costa del Sol, but there are always empty beaches to seek out, on the Atlantic coast perhaps, or among Greece’s myriad islands. In the autumn the vineyards of France, Italy, Spain and Germany’s Rhineland turn red, and grape-picking is often followed by harvest celebrations. In winter the Alps attract skiers to Austria, Switzerland and France, as well as to winter sports venues in Italy and Spain. Europe has some of the world’s most exciting cities, too. Gothic cathedrals and Baroque palaces overlook sleepy cobbled squares, and galleries offer breathtaking collections of art, while startling pieces of modern architecture, stylish shops and vibrant nightlife remind us that Europe is about the future as well as the past.
The stunning setting of Almourel Castle in Portugal.
Lydia Evans/Apa Publications
