Landscapes in Europe
Vatnajökull glacier is (by volume) Europe’s largest, and Vatnajökull national park is one of only three in Iceland. The park covers 13% of Iceland’s surface area, and is the largest in Europe outside of Russia. The icecap itself is enormous, and can be seen from the Ring Road over a distance of more than 200 km. Skaftafell is the gateway to the southern section of the park – if you want to reach the north you will need a pretty serious 4WD – as well as containing many of its highlights and housing most of the adventure companies. There are waterfalls and birch trees, rivers and ice sculptures, and this is the best place in Iceland to do longer glacier hikes. While these organised activities are understandably popular, Vatnajökull is also a place where it is possible to get away from everyone and everything for as long as you want, going on multi-day hikes in one of Iceland’s the wildest places. If you want to see what happens to the outermost parts of the ice, visit one of the glacial lagoons just off the Ring Road.
Cliffs of Moher are not the only spectacular cliffs in Ireland. All around the coast there are dramatic landscapes, but the Cliffs of Kerry are of almost similar beauty as those at Moher. From high up on the ridge you have panoramic views over the wild Atlantic Ocean and Puffin Island, where almost 10,000 Alantic puffin reside. In the distant you can spot two rocky islands, those are the Skellig Islands. The greater island is called Skellig Michael and is home to 7th century monastery, which is one of Ireland's only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It's possible to visit Skellig Michael on an often rough boat trip from Portmagee.
Ireland is gifted with a spectacular coastline, but it doesn't get more iconic than at Cliffs of Moher. Here the green fields break off in a sheer drop of more then 120 m into the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs stretch for about 8 km and reach up to 214 m at the highest point near O'Brien's Tower. Since Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland's most popular tourist sites, expect a crowd near the main viewing area, which also holds the huge parking lot, visiting centre, and some souvenirs shops. For bit more solitude and thrill, trek along the cliffs in south direction. Here are no fences and, if you dare, can peek over the very edge - but be careful, death from falling are not uncommon.
Any road to Dingle Peninsula is pretty, but the one that leads over Connor Pass is a league of its own. From the coast the winding road leads into the mountains, passing corrie lakes, as you slowly climbs toward the pass. At some point the already narrow road becomes an one lane road carved into the mountain side. However, oncoming traffic is still there, in addition to the occasional sheep, so beware. Dense fog often roll in over the pass and obscure the otherwise spectacular view over Dingle Peninsula. The drive over Connor Pass is so extraordinary, that it's worth doing it from both sides.
The lake's real name is Lough Tay, but since the dark water and the white sandy shore resemble a pint of Guinness, the lake is known as Guinness Lake. The Guinness family had actually something to do with that, since they own the estate at the northern shore of the lake and have imported the white sand. Guinness Lake makes a pretty stop on any trip through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, but as the land around the lake is private, the only views are from the passing roads. The panoramic views above the lake from the viewpoint next to the road R759 are particularly spectacular.
Some beaches are named after how long they are, but that is not the case with Inch Beach for it's about 5 km. The beach has an unusual location on a small peninsula sticking out from the bigger Dingle Peninsula. The long waves roll straight on to the beach, making it a perfect place to surf - if you don't mind the cold temperatures. You will be spoiled with pretty views over Inch Beach and the bay on a backdrop of mountains, as you approach the beach from Dingle town.
The highest point on Isle of Man is Sneafell Mountain (621 m). Most visitors reach the summit with the railway from Laxey which takes about 30 min. There is a cafe at the summit, where you can seek shelter from the every changing weather. The mountain scenery is windswept and bare with grazing sheep. The views from both the railway and the summit are breathtaking, and on clear days you can see as far as Northern Ireland.
The southern tip of Isle of Man is called the Sound. The road winds its way through scrubland and green fields with grazing sheeps, through the traditoonal village of Cregneash, before it ends at the parking lot at Sound Cafe. The sweeping views of the island Calf of Man and the strait Kitterland is just spectacular. Below the rough cliff breaks off into sea, where you might catch a glimpse of seals playing in the crashing waves.
Lake Trasimeno, covering 128 m2, is situated in the region of Umbria a couple hours drive north of Rome and an hour from Florence. The lake is less touristy than some of the larger lakes, but there are still some nice small towns along the coast such as Passignano Sul Trasimeno, and especially in the surrounding mountains are nice villages and B&B's with stunning views over Lake Trasimeno. You find 3 small islands in the lake. However, only one of them - Isola Maggiore - are inhabited, and here you can visit an ancient castle ruin/Franciscan monastery (Maggiore Castle) by ferry. The lake and the area in general is also known for its excellent local wineries and selection of freshwater fish/seafood.
Stretching for more than 7 km and facing the Atlantic Ocean, this magnificent beach has been a playground for surfers since the 1920's. There are several surf clubs, as well as cafes, dotted along the shore. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during season, so swimmers should only swim between the flags, as there can be strong currents. During the WWII, the Nazis built an anti-tank wall of concrete along the entire length of the beach, which still stands today. So no matter the season, St Ouen's Bay is always a great place to take a stroll, either on the sand or on top of the wall.