Europe beckons with an intoxicating blend of cultivated beauty and natural wonders.
Art and architecture dominate in cities, but venture into the wilds and you'll discover the rock towers, soaring arches, and cathedrals of ice that inspired ancient civilizations.
Here are 27 incredible natural wonders worth the wander in Europe.
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Verdon Gorge, France
Les Gorges du Verdon—or more approachably, Verdon Gorge—is sometimes called the "Grand Canyon of France."
Dating back 250 million years, the gorge was shaped by oceans and glaciers.
Threaded by a river of emerald waters, the gorge is a gem of Provence.
Eisriesenwelt, Austria
Zip up your jacket and prepare to be impressed. Austria's Eisriesenwelt—touted as the world's largest accessible ice cave—is a wonderland of blue ice and sparkling frost crystals.
Open late-spring through mid-autumn, a trip through the cave requires warm clothing even on the hottest summer days.
As Catedrais Beach, Spain
As Catedrais Beach, also known as Playa de las Catedrales, is a marvel of tide-carved arches and caves.
When the tide is low—and only when it's low, since high tide erases most signs of the arches—visitors wander the sandy beach, exploring a natural architecture that rivals anything ever built by human hands.
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