Europe s most beautiful places Europe is an amazingly varied place. The old continent's historic cities and its Mediterranean beaches draw many of its visitors, but the best destinations are sometimes its more remote cormers, known mainly to locals and a few brave travelers. Lake Inari, Finland High above the Arctic Circle and close to Finland's border with Russia, Lake Inari is a year round paradise. Dark, snowy winters make it ideal for catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis. Its tree-lined banks glow a burnt orange during autumn and in summer, you can swim in its chilly shallows. The center of local Sami culture, it's as remote and traditional as Finland gets. Unst, Shetland Isles, Scotland The most northerly occupied island of the British Iles, Unst is a wild, rugged place where seas crash into the dramatic Muckle Flugga sea stacks. The later are a harbor for gannets ( 塘鵒 ) during breeding season, with birdwatchers also treated to the sight of searching skuas ( ). Yorkshire Dales, England Its narrow lanes lined with drystone walls cry out to cyclists seeking marvelous adventures while its moody hill continually attract walkers, no matter the weather Geological wonders such as the limestone spectacles of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar make it perhaps the most beautiful part of the British Isles Loire Valley, France Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau are the most famous, filled with classic viewing towers, formal gardens and boating lakes. Throw in a tour of its graperies, where some of the world's finest wines are produced, and its glamour is impossible to ignore.