Europe is a dream destination of almost every traveller soul. The diverse island destinations offer something for all, from stunning beaches and historical buildings to colourful cultures and pretty landscapes.

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On this note, let’s have a look at 5 European islands that are must-visit spots for any traveller.

Santorini, Greece: Santorini in Greece needs no introduction. The Greek paradise is noted for its gorgeous sunsets and striking blue-and-white architecture. It is a jewel of the Aegean Sea offering dramatic views from its cliff top hamlets, such as Oia and Fira. Visitors can explore ancient ruins like Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried by volcanic ash, or relax on its distinctive black and red sand beaches.

Amalfi Coast, Italy: A coastal European gem, Amalfi Coast in Italy is all about charming islands. Capri here is accessible by ferry and is known for its natural beauty, Blue Grotto and dramatic cliffs. The island’s picturesque towns, such as Anacapri and Capri Town, offer elegant boutiques, exquisite dining, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The Amalfi Coast itself is dotted with villages like Positano and Amalfi.

Madeira, Portugal: Also known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” Madeira is a volcanic island noted for its pretty landscapes. Located off the northwest coast of Africa, this Portuguese island is famous for its dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and beautiful levadas (irrigation channels) that offer scenic hiking trails. Funchal, the island’s capital, boasts a vibrant market, botanical gardens, and a charming old town.

Malta: Malta in the central Mediterranean is renowned for its rich history and stunning landscapes. The island boasts historical sites like the ancient city of Mdina and the megalithic temples of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Malta’s coastline offers beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming fishing villages.

Corsica, France: Corsica, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its rugged mountains, beautiful beaches, and unique blend of French and Italian cultures. The island’s dramatic coastline features picturesque bays and clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and water sports. Inland, the GR20 hiking trail offers some of Europe’s most challenging and rewarding treks through Corsica’s mountainous terrain.

Whether it’s snow-capped mountains, kids engaged in a snowball fight or the family dog frolicking in a snow bank, wintry white scenes are a thing of beauty, yet challenging to capture in photos.

To catch the texture and movement of snow, you want a high level of detail for the snow to be visible – a tricky feat when dealing with all that bright white.

Now’s the time to turn off auto settings. Yes, even the snow scene mode. You can’t rely on auto-white balance either, as the camera has difficulty gauging the mass of white, giving the image a blue hue.

Even minor overexposure will turn rolling snowy hills into a flat white patch.

These are just a few of the tips from Nikon professional photographer Alex Soh, who has had 15 years of photography experience. A Singapore-based snapper, he’s braved the cold to capture wintry scenes from China and Japan to Chile and Scotland.

Before you head off to snap your own winter wonderland, here are a few other things Soh suggests:

Check those meters

First things first, don’t rely on LCD screens to give an accurate preview of the scene, he says.

“Judging exposure compensation from your camera LCD screen may be tricky in the snow,” says Soh.

“To overcome this, use Matrix metering on manual and check the histogram [the camera’s graphical representation of exposed pixels] in your image regularly. If it’s slightly ‘humped’ in the middle, dial in a little compensation for brightness.”

It’s also good to check that the overexposure indicators are not blinking.

To see the details on the screen, he suggest bringing along a magnifier loupe that comes with a cover, or using black tape to stop the light from coming in.

Embrace the simplicity

As pointed out above, capturing the pureness of snow is tricky as images overexpose very easily, while the pretty white stuff is usually accompanied by gray skies.

To remedy this, Soh suggests photographers play around with the white balance until they find what they like.

“My tip is to embrace the simplicity of the photograph and capture the artistic visuals with simple line art instead,” he says. “Find points of colors; particularly warm tones. When everything is gray and white, colors pop and add beautiful contrast to your image.”

Timing is also key, he says.

“The best time for winter shots is early in the morning. Aim to capture the fresh overnight snowfall against a beautiful blue sky, before the sun gets too high and the snow begins to melt.”

Protecting cameras from the elements

In the winter, condensation can build up in the camera and equipment works differently in the cold.

“Camera batteries go flat very quickly in the winter cold, so I keep them warm at all times by keeping them close to my body,” says Soh.

“It’s not easy to clean your lenses during rain or snow, keeping the lens cap on prevents snowflakes or water from getting into the lens.”

Never blow warm air onto your lens like you would in warm weather, he adds, as this can cause a layer of ice to coat it. “Instead, use dry cleaning cloths and pack extras.”

Rain gear is also a good option, Soh says. A cheap and quick alternative is to place a plastic bag around the camera, leaving an opening for the lens and securing it with a rubber band.

“To protect the camera, I avoid changing lenses outside,” says Soh.

“Cold weather can trap moisture in the camera body, which freezes and damages the camera.”

Keeping the lens fog-free

And finally, camera lenses fog up when there’s a sudden change in temperature from warm to cold. Naturally, this makes it harder to take clear photos.

“Put the camera in a plastic bag before you enter the car and place it on the floor, near your feet,” says Soh.

“Leave the plastic bag closed and only open it once you are out of the car at the next shooting destination. This will help adjust the temperate around the camera slowly.”

Spain is a beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern allure. From architectural marvels to sun-kissed beaches, the country offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re drawn to the architectural wonders of Barcelona, the cultural vibrancy of Madrid, the historical charm of Seville, the innovative spirit of Valencia, or the Moorish allure of Granada, each of these cities provides a unique experience that captures the essence of Spain.

Here’s a look at the top five must-visit destinations in Spain that showcase the best of what this enchanting country has to offer.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a city where modernity meets tradition. It’s renowned for its unique blend of Gothic and contemporary architecture, much of which is attributed to the genius of Antoni Gaudí. The city’s crown jewel is the Sagrada Familia, an awe-inspiring basilica that has been under construction since 1882 and continues to captivate visitors with its intricate design and towering spires. Other Gaudí masterpieces like Park Güell and Casa Batlló are also must-see attractions. Beyond architecture, Barcelona offers vibrant beaches, bustling markets like La Boqueria, and the historic Gothic Quarter, making it a city that never fails to impress.

Madrid

Madrid, the heart of Spain, is a city that pulses with energy and passion. Known for its grand boulevards, elegant squares, and world-class museums, Madrid offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and entertainment. The Prado Museum houses one of the finest collections of European art, including works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. The Royal Palace, with its opulent rooms and stunning architecture, is another must-visit site. For those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, the Gran Vía is packed with shops, theatres, and restaurants, while the lively neighbourhoods of La Latina and Malasaña offer a taste of Madrid’s vibrant nightlife.

Seville

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a city steeped in history and tradition. Known for its flamenco music, Moorish architecture, and vibrant festivals, Seville offers a rich cultural experience. The city’s most iconic landmark is the Alcázar, a stunning royal palace that exemplifies Mudéjar architecture with its intricate tilework and lush gardens. The Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, is another highlight, housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Valencia

Valencia is a city where ancient history meets futuristic design. The city is famous for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, a massive complex designed by Santiago Calatrava that includes a planetarium, science museum, and aquarium. Valencia is also known for its historic Old Town, where the Valencia Cathedral and the Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand as testaments to the city’s rich past. Don’t miss the opportunity to try paella, Valencia’s most famous dish, at one of the many traditional restaurants that dot the city.

Granada

Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is home to one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks, the Alhambra. This stunning palace and fortress complex, with its intricate Islamic art, lush gardens, and panoramic views, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Spain’s Moorish heritage. Beyond the Alhambra, Granada’s Albaicín neighbourhood offers a glimpse into the city’s past with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and traditional tea shops. The city also boasts a vibrant student population, giving it a youthful energy that complements its historic charm.

Switzerland is a country that captivates the imagination with its majestic alpine landscapes, charming historical towns, and vibrant cultural offerings. For first-time visitors, the sheer wealth of remarkable sights and experiences can be daunting. To help you make the most of your Swiss adventure, here are 10 destinations you’ll definitely want to bookmark.

Matterhorn, Zermatt - No trip to Switzerland is complete without laying eyes on the iconic Matterhorn, one of the highest and most distinctive peaks in the Alps. The picturesque town of Zermatt provides the perfect base for admiring this natural wonder.

Lake Geneva, Lausanne - Straddling the border with France, Lake Geneva is a serene body of water surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The city of Lausanne, with its medieval old town and stunning lakefront promenade, is a must-visit.

Jungfrau Region, Interlaken - This mountainous area in the Bernese Oberland is home to some of Switzerland’s most stunning landscapes, including the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

Lucerne - Arguably one of the most picturesque cities in Switzerland, Lucerne is a well-preserved medieval old town, the iconic Chapel Bridge, and stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains.

Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen - Europe’s largest plain waterfall, the Rhine Falls are an awe-inspiring natural spectacle located near the northern border with Germany.

Château de Chillon, Montreux - This medieval castle on the banks of Lake Geneva is a stunning example of Swiss architecture and a must-see for history buffs.

Bernese Oberland Railway, Interlaken to Jungfraujoch - For a truly unforgettable alpine experience, take a ride on this historic railway that climbs to the Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe” at 3,454 meters above sea level.

St. Moritz, Engadin Valley - A chic resort town nestled in the Engadin Valley, St. Moritz is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, upscale shopping, and world-class winter sports.

Bern - As the capital of Switzerland, Bern is a delightful city with a well-preserved medieval old town, impressive 15th-century cathedral, and vibrant cultural scene.

Lavaux Vineyards, Lake Geneva Region - Overlooking the shores of Lake Geneva, the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyards offer a picturesque rural escape and the opportunity to sample some of Switzerland’s finest wines.