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Ilha Grande, a Brazilian island paradise

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Ilha Grande, the 193 km² island off the Brazilian coast and about 108 km west of the city of Rio de Janeiro as the crow flies, has an eventful history behind it. In its dark past, the island was a refuge for pirates, a transshipment point for slaves, a colony for lepers and was later also used as a prison island. Today it is a nature reserve, UNESCO World Heritage Site and an attractive destination for holidaymakers from all over the world all year round. Ilha Grande is blessed with beautiful beaches and unique, partly untouched nature. Whether beach holidaymakers, nature lovers, active holidaymakers or families, everyone will find their own personal holiday experience here.

Sights on Ilha Grande

There are 86 beaches on Ilha Grande, but Lopes Mendes Beach is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches. Almost 2.5 km long, infinitely wide and bright white. In addition to bathers, there are also many surfers here. Since the beach faces the ocean, the strong surf coming from the Atlantic Ocean is a real challenge for surfers. The beach is easily accessible via a hiking trail that leads from the main town of the island of Vila do Abraão, first through a forest for a long time and then via 2 other beaches (Praia Palmas and Praia Pouso). About 2 hours should be planned for the entire hike. This is not everyone’s cup of tea in the tropical heat. For those who prefer more comfort, Lopes Mendes beach can also be reached by boat. The excursion boats depart regularly from Vila do Abraão (provided the sea is calm).

Aventureiro Beach

Aventureiro beach on Ilha Grande
Aventureiro beach on Ilha Grande, Image: wtondossantos / shutterstock

Another beautiful beach is Aventureiro Beach. On this paradisiacal 500-metre-long sandy beach, there is a small rustic fishing village that has retained much of the traditional local culture. In Aventureiro there are no hotels, inns or shops. Overnight stays are only possible in rented rooms of the villagers or on campsites. There you will also find some restaurants. However, access to the beach is regulated for environmental reasons. Visitors should register with the tourist office in good time. In the high season, a maximum of 560 visitors are allowed at the same time. The beach can be reached by boat by sea or via a footpath from the village of Provetá.

Praia da Parnaioca

A few words should also be dedicated to the beach Praia da Parnaioca. The approximately 1,000 m long beach is as good as deserted. Only a handful of locals live in a small village. At the western end of Praia da Parnaioca flows the Parnaioca River of the same name, which forms a small lagoon on the beach. Apart from some ruins of old buildings built by the former slaves and the small church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, there is not much to see. However, if you love solitude in the midst of untouched nature, you are in good hands here.

Abraru on Ilha Grande

If you are on holiday on Ilha Grande, you should not miss a visit to the town of Abraru. Numerous colourful music festivals take place here throughout the year, which alone is worth a visit. Particularly noteworthy and a sight to see is the snow-white lighthouse Farol de Castelhanos, surrounded by magnificent trees. It is one of the oldest in Brazil. Abraru beach is also very popular with families with children, as it has little swell and no undercurrent.

The Lagoa Azul Lagoon

Lagua Azul, Ilha Grande
Lagua Azul, Image: vitormarigo / shutterstock

One of the biggest attractions of Ilha Grande, however, is the lagoon Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), which is located between the 3 islands, Ilha dos Macacos, Ilha Redonda and the actual Ilha Grande. It is wonderful to swim in the crystal clear, turquoise blue water of the lagoon or to observe the underwater world of the lagoon with its colorful fish, starfish, corals and many other sea creatures while snorkeling and diving. This is pure relaxation. A special attraction in the lagoon are the many black and yellow striped Sargentinhos fish, also known as bread eaters on the island. The fish are used to being fed breadcrumbs by the tourists. Lagoa Azul can be reached from Vila do Abraão by boat in about 45 minutes. In the high season, so-called bar ships also dock in the lagoon to offer drinks and snacks.

Gruta do Acaiá

The Gruta do Acaiá is a cave where seawater enters and which, when sunlight enters, reveals a unique play of colours. About 8 m below sea level is a hole in the coastal rock, through which seawater can penetrate into an underground cave. The cave, which is about 30 meters wide and on average 1 meter high, can be accessed from land through a narrow entrance. Inside the cave, visitors are presented with a unique fluorescence phenomenon. The interplay of sunlight and seawater creates a magic of turquoise green mist, interspersed with many flashing and shiny dots, like diamonds. You feel like you’re in a fairytale world. The cave can be reached from Araçatiba in a five-hour walk. It is faster and more comfortable to take a boat trip from Araçatiba or Vila do Abraão.

Pico do Papagaio

Pico do Papagaio
View from Pico do Papagaio, Image: vitormarigo / shutterstock

The Pico do Papagaio (Parrot Peak) is a 982 m high mountain in the interior of Ilha Grande. It was given the significant name because it looks like a parrot’s head from a distance. Among active holidaymakers, Pico do Papagaio is very popular as a hiking destination. The hike from Vila do Abraão, through dense Atlantic rainforest up to the summit, is challenging and takes about 3 hours. However, those who have made it will be rewarded with a sensational view over large parts of the Baía da Ilha Grande (weather permitting).

“Ei Guude, how?” – Vacation in beautiful Hesse!

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The beautiful state of Hesse is located in the heart of Germany and offers numerous sights, culinary delights, art, culture and history but also a lot of nature. Holidays in Hesse promise a varied time. Here you can go hiking, do water sports, indulge in wellness, plan city tours, visit small half-timbered towns, visit various museums, shop, eat and drink well and much more.

Welcome to Hesse’s four largest cities

Frankfurt/Main

Fountains of Justice
The Fountain of Justice at the Römer, Image: Pigprox / shutterstock

Frankfurt, the largest city in the state of Hesse, is known for its skyline. Again and again, however, visitors are surprised by the beauty of the historic old town on the Römerberg. In addition to the numerous half-timbered buildings, the cathedral – coronation site of German emperors – the town hall – of the Romans – and of course the many different museums are worth seeing in Goethe’s birthplace. In recent years, the banks of the Main have been transformed into an oasis of well-being.

The typical Äppelwoi pubs – mainly found in Sachsenhausen – are very popular, as is a city tour on the Äppelwoi Express.

Wiesbaden

Biebrich Castle, Hesse
The Biebrich Castle in Wiesbaden, Image: mese.berg / shutterstock

Wiesbaden is the second largest city in Hesse and, with its 15 mineral and thermal springs, is considered one of the oldest spas in Europe. Worth seeing are the Kurhaus and the Kurpark, the city centre with its historic buildings and of course the city castle. Almost everything here in the Hessian state capital, which is located on the Rhine, revolves around wine.

Kassel

The city of Kassel , located in the north of Hesse, is best known as a Documenta city. Even from afar, you can see the copper Hercules enthroned above the city in the Wilhelmshöhe mountain park. Another attraction is the Orangery in the Karlsaue city park.

Everywhere you can find traces of the fairy tale writers Grimm, who spent part of their early youth here.

Darmstadt

In Darmstadt, a lot revolves around art and culture. A visit to the Universalmuseum, the Hessian State Museum, where numerous exhibits by the well-known artist Joseph Beuys can be seen, among other things, is a must. The ESOC – European Space Operation Centre – is also located in the city, where you can be carried away into the fantastic world of satellites and space.

Archaeological finds can be admired in the nearby Messel pit. Here the visitor can play archaeologist himself.

Hesse & its half-timbered buildings

Typical for Hesse are the numerous, often well-restored half-timbered buildings. They can be found in idyllic villages, but also in the narrow streets of numerous old towns. There is an extraordinary amount of half-timbered houses in the Vogelsberg, the largest contiguous volcanic area in Central Europe.
The old towns of Alsfeld, Limburg, Marburg and the Goethe and Optics city of Wetzlar impress with beautiful half-timbered buildings. In the Rheingau, the sparkling wine and rose town of Eltville scores in this respect, and in the Taunus, the idyllic old town of Idstein.

Palaces, Castles & Parks

Hercules in Kassel
The Hercules in Kassel, Image: Angela Rohde / shutterstock

The fairytale land of the Brothers Grimm also has numerous castles, of course. Many of them are surrounded by a large park and are popular excursion destinations.

In the north, near Kassel, is the well-known Wilhelmshöhe Palace in the mountain park of the same name. It houses a large museum. A true fairytale castle is Braunfels Castle. And if you want to get a little scared, visit Frankenstein Castle in the Odenwald. The list of castles and palaces could go on for a long time.

A very special park is the Palmengarten, in the middle of the city of Frankfurt. Here you can find palm trees that are over 100 years old, but also other exotic and native plants.

Hesse’s museum landscape

There are well over 300 museums in Hesse, many of which can be found in Frankfurt alone. Almost every community also has its local history museums, where interesting facts about Hessian history can be learned.

Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt, Hesse
The Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt, Image: nbuehler / shutterstock

Among the most famous art museums are the Schirn and the Städel in Frankfurt as well as the museum in Schloss Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel. By the way, the world-famous Documenta takes place every five years at various locations in the city of Kassel. Families with children like to visit the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt with gigantic dinosaurs as an attraction. The little visitors also feel particularly at home in the Children’s Academy in Fulda. Here you can take part and discover the world of art, culture, science and technology. The Mathematikum in Giessen also invites you to participate. The fact that mathematics can be fun is something every guest learns here through games and experiments. The Bad Hersfeld “Wortreich”, on the other hand, is a hands-on museum based on the humanities.

You can follow in the footsteps of the Romans in the Roman fort of Saalburg near Bad Homburg. In the nearby Hessenpark there are numerous original buildings of Hessian history and you can learn a lot about old professions.

Those interested in technology will enjoy the Konrad Zuse Museum in Hünfeld, which commemorates the forefather of the computer, or in Wetzlar at the Leica Gallery, which immerses itself in the world of photography.
Goethe meets Hesse’s visitors in many places, for example in Wetzlar, where he found his lover and his work “The Sorrows of Young Werther” was written, or in Frankfurt, where he was born. You can also walk in the footsteps of the two Grimm brothers in some places in Hesse. In Steinau, for example, their former home was turned into a museum dedicated to them.

This is how Hesse eats

Apple wine, Hesse
A traditional drink in Hesse: apple wine, Image: Pavel Metluk / shutterstock

In addition to international cuisine, Hesse naturally offers a lot of regional dishes. The most typical drink is the “Äppelwoi”, in German apple wine. It originally comes from the Frankfurt area, where it is served in numerous restaurants. It is drunk pure, sweetly spritzed (with lemonade) or sour spritzed (with water). The “Handkäs mit Musik” tastes good with the Äppelwoi, a dish made of hand cheese, pickled in vinegar, cider and oil as well as with lots of onions. Another speciality of Frankfurt is the Green Sauce – “Grie Soß” in Frankfurt – which consists of seven finely chopped herbs and is traditionally eaten with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. This, by the way, was Goethe’s favourite dish. The Frankfurt sausages are known far beyond the borders.
But not only Frankfurt has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. Kassel, for example, scores with the “Ahle Worscht”, a long-matured long-life sausage or raw sausage made according to an old recipe.
Potatoes are mainly eaten as side dishes in this country.

In addition to the local beer from various small breweries, the Hessians – especially in the south – drink the red Riesling from Rheinhessen.

Hesse knows how to celebrate

Cultural, culinary and traditional events take place almost all year round, inviting you to marvel and participate. One of the most interesting events is the traditional Museum Embankment Festival in Frankfurt on the last weekend in August. Visitors can experience the art and culture festival along the banks of the Main at night and visit the museums.
More than 600 wines and sparkling wines from the Rheingau are offered for sale in late summer at the Rheingau Wine Market in Frankfurt’s “Fressgass”. The Rheingau Wine Week also takes place in Wiesbaden every year in August.

The Christmas markets in various villages are particularly beautiful. For example, places such as Alsfeld, Marburg, Limburg, Michelstadt or Bad Sooden-Allendorf offer Christmas delicacies, handicrafts and other things in front of the impressive backdrop of beautiful half-timbered houses.

Let your mind wander…

A total of 30 spas and spas invite you to unwind and experience pure wellness. The popular Bad Karlshafen is located in the Weser Uplands, the spas of Bad Schwalbach and Bad Soden/Taunus in the Taunus and the mineral and moor spa Bad Salzschlirf, idyllically located between the Rhön and Vogelsberg. Bad Nauheim, where the Art Nouveau Sprudelhof can be found, has already hosted numerous celebrities such as Empress Sissi and Richard Strauss. Other well-known health resorts and spas are Bad Vilbel, Bad Homburg or Bad Wildungen.

Get out into nature!

Hesse invites you to various outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling or canoeing, because large parts are natural landscapes. And they show very complex: There are fantastic volcanic landscapes, peaceful orchards, picturesque low mountain ranges, dreamy lakes and river landscapes and, of course, a lot of forest.

Among the most interesting landscapes are the UNESCO World Heritage National Park & Nature Park Kellerwald-Edersee, the Vogelsberg volcanic region, the Reinhardswald, the Rhön Biosphere Reserve and the Hessian Rhön Nature Park with its moors, the Bergstraße, the Frau-Holle-Land Geo-Nature Park, the Taunus and the Spessart.

A particularly beautiful region is the Rheingau with the eponymous Rhine, on whose banks you can take a wonderful stroll. Vineyards nestling against the gentle hills, which show a colourful picture, especially in autumn, as well as numerous ostrich farms, idyllic places such as Eltville and the filming location of the well-known film adaptation of the novel “In the Name of the Rose” – Eberbach Monastery – invite you as well as the well-developed cycling and hiking trails.

Willingen, ski resort in Hesse
View of Willingen, Image: FotoStuss / shutterstock

However, Hesse is also a state with numerous bodies of water where you can spend fishing and beach holidays as well as indulge in water sports. The largest lake is the Edersee in northern Hesse. The Twistesee and Diemelsee lakes are in its vicinity. The Borkener See in the Schwalm-Eder district, the Aartalsee in the Lahn-Dill district and numerous quarry ponds are true leisure paradises. The Lahn with its beautiful river landscape is very popular with canoeists. But the Main, Neckar, Fulda and, of course, the Rhine also attract numerous visitors to their banks.
What many people don’t know is that winter sports can be actively practiced in Hesse on over 54 kilometres of slopes with around 70 ski lifts.

The best known and largest ski area is the Willingen – Ettelsberg ski area in the Sauerland, where the fourth largest ski jump in the world – the Mühlenkopfschanze – is located. There are other winter sports opportunities on the Wasserkuppe in the Hessian Rhön, on the Hoher Meißner near Eschwege, on the Hoherodskopf in the Vogelsberg, in the Westerwald or in the Hochtaunuskreis – for example around the Feldberg.

Davos – The highest city in Europe

If you want to get to know Switzerland , you should not miss Davos. Because there are a few reasons to visit the popular climatic health resort. Davos is the highest city in Europe, located in the canton of Graubünden and offers its visitors a wide range of sports, leisure and cultural activities. In summer, Davos is a wonderful destination, because the mountain landscape offers many hiking trails through meadows and forests at lofty heights. Many holidaymakers are drawn here especially in winter, which is certainly also due to the city’s winter sports history. In 1883, the first toboggan race took place in Davos, and the first ski lift was inaugurated in 1934. Even the Nobel Prize winner for literature Thomas Mann was enthusiastic about Davos and wrote his well-known novel “The Magic Mountain” here.

The special healing climate in Davos

Davos is not only known for its beautiful surroundings, but also for its special healing climate. The healthy and healing power of the Davos climate is helpful in therapies against infectious and allergic diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. The longer the duration of the stay, the greater the health-promoting effects. Pollen allergy sufferers also appreciate a holiday in Davos, because the pollen load is reduced to only a few weeks a year due to the altitude.

Davos – the versatile city

Davos developed into a trendsetter early on with a wide range of leisure activities. Theatres, coffee houses, concerts and cinemas entertained guests 100 years ago. Even today, Davos offers a wide variety of sports and culture with galleries and museums, as well as a wide range of nightlife options, including numerous ski huts, snow bars and après-ski.

Sights and tourism in Davos

Davos in winter
Davos in winter, Image: Leon Gutierrez / shutterstock

Winter sports are of course very important in Davos, which is also due to the total of five first-class ski resorts. The well-known ski resorts include Parsenn, Schatzalp, Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn and Pischa. In total, there are a good 320 kilometres of slopes here. In addition, there are about 60 lifts and gondola lifts. So a great skiing holiday is guaranteed.

In summer, you can explore impressive hiking trails with a total of 700 kilometers. Lake Davos is also worth a visit. With a shore length of a good 4 km, the lake can reach 20° Celsius in the summer months and offers many sports and leisure opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. In addition to Lake Davos, the lido also offers the opportunity for refreshment and extensive sunbathing. At the lake and also in the lido you can relax and unwind.

The Winter Sports Museum

The Winter Sports Museum, which opened in 1988, has two rooms. On display is the comprehensive collection of valuable winter sports equipment and documentation from a foundation of the Kaufmann family, as well as the archive of the hockey club. The museum’s numerous exhibits include bobsleighs, sledges, ice skates, skis and ski bindings. They range from the beginnings of winter sports to the present day.

The Medicine Museum at Davos Platz

The ski area in Davos
The ski area in Davos, Image: mezzotin / shutterstock

If you are interested in the history of medicine, the Medical Museum Davos is the right place for you. Historical traces of medicine and the spa town of Davos are explained on display boards. Interesting details about the milestones in the history of tuberculosis and medical equipment of the first Davos sanatoriums can be admired in the museum. The medical-historical collection currently comprises more than 500 medical devices.

A visit to the Kirchner Museum

The unique Kirchner Museum is also worth mentioning. From 1918 until his death, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner lived in Davos. With his extensive oeuvre, he is considered groundbreaking for German Expressionism. In 1992, the Kirchner Museum was opened in an architecturally impressive building in Davos and has since housed the world’s largest collection of his works.

Alpinum Botanical Garden

The approximately two-hectare Alpine Garden is located in the rear part of the Schatzalp area in a varied terrain. From June to September, over 3500 plant species from all the mountains of the world bloom here, e.g. high mountain flowers from the Pyrenees, New Zealand, Nepal, China or Tibet. Each plant has its own sign listing the most important characteristics. Interested visitors can learn a lot about the botanical history of the various plants in the Alpinum. The Alpinum also offers seminars and guided tours on medicinal plants and gentle gardening.

Reading benches – A nice idea for bookworms

Along walking and hiking trails in Davos and Klosters, so-called reading benches are set up from June to October. On a total of eight benches, which invite you to linger and browse, there is a box with different books for all ages. The offer of the libraries is gladly accepted and finds more and more friends every year.

Maui – Pacific island with diversity

Aloha is what the Hawaiians say. The island of Maui, where the inhabitants openly show their pride in their homeland, is nicknamed “The Magic Island” or the “Valley Island”. The credo is “Maui is the best”. This island is rich in beautiful beaches, sleepy villages and luxury hotels. Maui offers something for everyone.

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands and was named after the demigod Maui. There are flat land bridges between Mauna Kahamawai and Haleakala, which is why Maui is also called the valley island.

The History of Maui

Legend has it that the demigod Maui lifted the islands out of the sea, caught the sun with a lasso, and placed both on Haleakala. At the beginning of the 15th century, King Piilani ruled over the kingdom and united the island. At the end of the 18th century, victory over the last king was achieved and Maui became the capital of Hawaii. The island played a major role in whaling and had its heyday from 1840 to 1865. During the 1820s, the sugar industry emerged. It has been of great importance for whaling and has reached its peak: immigrants from numerous countries settled here, which shape the image of the island today.

Lahaina, the capital of Maui, was once a whaling town. There are some bars, restaurants, boutiques, shops and galleries. Whether you are looking for peace and quiet in remote nature or the hustle and bustle of people, there are both. Maui also offers plenty of sports activities on land and water.

The island, which covers around 1,883 square kilometres, offers many discoveries for adventure seekers. The simple life is just as present here as luxury. The West Coast boasts world-class resort hotels, which is particularly convenient for people who want to be pampered on vacation. There are some golf courses created by famous golfers. The east coast, on the other hand, is largely undeveloped and undeveloped. There is a lot of nature, quiet beaches and waterfalls. Hana, a small picturesque village, is worth a visit, because time seems to be irrelevant there.

Geographical location and climate of Maui

Maui, the second largest of Hawaii’s 8 main islands, is home to almost 120,000 inhabitants. The climate is tropical and quite pleasant. The average annual temperatures are 23 and 29 °C. Frequent trade winds often drive the rain to the north coast. Less rain falls on the south coast.

In the period between April and October, there is little rain and temperatures range from 23 to 30 °C. The water temperature of the Pacific Ocean is about 27 °C and offers swimming, diving and surfing fun.

The valley region of Maui connects the two volcanoes on the island, Haleakala and Puu Kukui. The topography is interspersed with flat plains in the interior of the island and volcanic mountains.

At higher altitudes of more than 900 m, temperatures are cooler and the climate is drier than on the coasts. The weather is often changeable due to the topography of the island. On Mount Haleakala alone, there are 7 different climate zones.

Sights on Maui

Haleakala Crater

Haleakala, Maui
Haleakala Crater, Image: Henner Damke / shutterstock

Haleakala Crater is the top of the inactive East Maui volcano and rises 3,055 m into the air. The volcano peak offers a great view of the setting sun, which is a breathtaking experience for many people. If you want to explore this volcano, it is better to plan a full day.

Kaanapali

Kaanapali is a sandy beach with a length of 4.8 kilometers that is located in western Maui. This region is steeped in history and culture. Here is a black rock called Puu Kekaa, which is a sacred place in Hawaiian mythology. The souls of deceased people enter the spiritual world from the solid world. In the south of Kaanapali there is the whaling village and a market square with restaurants and shops. From this beach, the sugar cane train runs to Lahaina and offers a beautiful view of the route.

Hana Highway

Hana Highway, Maui
The Hana Highway, Image: William Powell / shutterstock

The well-known road is 88 kilometers long and is a real attraction. It is quite narrow in places and has 54 bridges that are single-lane and there are more than 600 curves that should not be underestimated. But the adventure is worth it because the landscape is wonderful. On the route you will encounter waterfalls, bamboo forests, cliffs and white beaches. Flowers, tropical fruit plants and a black sand beach also appear. The road leads to the small village of Hana, where there are great sandy beaches, historic buildings and much more. It is worth spending the rest of the day here and visiting the cultural center of the city as well as the Hana Ranch.

Molokini

Molokini is a small island off the south coast of Maui that is shaped like a crescent. The island is a half-submerged volcano that has been inactive for ages. Molokini is a very attractive destination for divers. There are numerous fish in bright colors and a breathtaking underwater world. The island has been declared a nature reserve and whales can be watched in winter.

Maui Ocean Center

The Maui Ocean Center is worthwhile if you want to learn more about the underwater landscapes of Hawaii and the fish species that live here. There is a large aquarium with a volume of 2.839059 liters, which contains thousands of fish. The giant pool is particularly interesting for children, because here they see many interesting creatures, such as stingrays, turtles and starfish.

Maui is a real surfer’s paradise

Maui is ideal for surfers and windsurfers. There are many places where these sports can be practiced. In the north of Maui are the surfing areas of Lanes, Jaws and Spreckelsville, where windsurfing is allowed from 11:00 in the morning. The previous time belongs to the anglers, divers and swimmers.

On the Road to Hana route, you will discover the diversity of Maui. If you drive along the 103.6 Waikamoi Falls with great swimming ponds or the Twin Falls are on the route and the Waianapanapa and Wailua valleys also offer a lot of nature.

Haleakala National Park

The national park is divided into two sections, the Kipahulu and the Hawaii Volcanois. It was opened in 1916. Numerous hiking trails lead through the volcanic crater. They also own tent sites and accommodation. The view of sunrise and sunset is unique. After a 15-minute drive on the Road to Hana, you will reach Kipahulu. From the visitor center, it’s about an hour’s walk to Waimoku Falls, which is 100 meters high. There are opportunities to cool off in the ponds next door.

ʻĪao Valley

This valley is located 5 kilometers from Wailuku. It goes through a jungle and past a stream. There is a great viewpoint there that offers a fantastic view over Maui.

Sugar cane city of Pāʻia

The former sugar cane city of Pāʻia is a popular area for surfers because there is always a good breeze here. Divers can check out the Spartan Reef.

Beaches and Coasts of Maui

Maui Coast
Image: EQRoy / shutterstock

The coast of Māʻalaea Bay is populated by many thousands of visitors every year who enjoy the great beaches and warm water temperatures.

Kihei is a beach where you can enjoy the sound of the sea and relax from everyday life. The landscape is idyllic and ensures good relaxation.

If you are not a risk taker and don’t want to notice much of the rain, it is better to choose accommodation in southern Maui, for example in Wailea. There is the least rainfall and there are fantastic coasts and beaches that are worthwhile.

Why is Maui so unique?

Maui is an ideal destination for people who are adventurous and offers a lot of variety. Nature lovers will find their happiness here just as much as luxury lovers. The top hotels offer massages for relaxation and then you can go on a hike, for example to the Haleakala. In the evening, you can enjoy a delicious meal. Maui is for people who want it all

Holidays in Saxony – a pleasure for everyone

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Dreamlike landscapes, historic cities and cultural highlights – the travel options in the Free State of Saxony could hardly be more diverse. You can unwind here on a leisurely hiking or cycling tour through picturesque meadows and forests and a picnic in the middle of the countryside. Perhaps you would prefer to experience the history of the region up close or enjoy a city trip – Germany’s easternmost state has something for everyone.

The best destinations for a city trip in Saxony

If you want to visit a city in Saxony, you are spoilt for choice: numerous cities offer historical and cultural sights, shopping opportunities or an exciting nightlife.

Dresden

Dresden, Elbe
View of the Elbe in Dresden, Image: RastoS / shutterstock

Saxony’s state capital Dresden is particularly popular with tourists and locals. Located in the beautiful Elbe Valley, the baroque city is best known for its interesting, albeit tragic, history: after it was almost completely destroyed in World War II, many of its unique historic buildings were rebuilt. These include, for example, the Royal Palace with one of the largest treasury museums in Europe and the famous Frauenkirche. The city impresses not only with its historical flair, but also with modern elements. These include the waterfront promenade lined with shops and cafés and the countless celebrations for night owls.

Leipzig

Leipzig, Monument to the Battle of the Nations
The Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig, Image: Traveller Martin / shutterstock

Leipzig, the largest city in Saxony, also combines the historical and the modern. Leipzig’s landmark is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, which commemorates the victory over Napoleon in 1813. The Old Town Hall, built during the Renaissance, as well as numerous shops and restaurants adorn the modern city centre.

Chemnitz

In Chemnitz you can expect a multifaceted architecture, which is expressed, among other things, by residential buildings from the Wilhelminian period, buildings in the Bauhaus style and Art Nouveau villas. The city centre is home to a huge selection of tourist attractions and shopping opportunities, and its modern design contrasts with the buildings of different historical periods.

In addition, the spa town of Bad Düben, the residential town of Altenburg, the traditional Zittau and many other places can serve as wonderful destinations.

Holidays in a natural idyll

Region of Upper Lusatia

Upper Lusatian Mountains, Saxony
Upper Lusatian mountain landscape, Image: Karin Jaehne / shutterstock

The region, located on the Zittau Mountains, is particularly known for its impressive pond and lake landscape. The Moscow Heath and the Lusatian Highlands also attract walkers, cyclists and hiking enthusiasts to the area.

Saxon Switzerland

The Elbe Stone Mountains of Saxon Switzerland fascinate with their unique rock formations and picturesque natural scenery. The Malerweg, one of the most attractive hiking routes in the region, and the Bastei are particularly popular with holidaymakers. With its 194-metre-high viewing platform, the gigantic rock offers an indescribable view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

… and much more

One of the most popular holiday regions is also the Ore Mountains with its idyllic forests, meadows and fields. The Saxon Elbe region between Dresden, Meissen and Torgau and the Vogtland are also always worth a visit. The latter convinces with centuries-old springs, which are said to have healing powers, as well as enchanting hills and river valleys.

Culture and History of Saxony

In addition to the cultural sights already mentioned, Saxony has a lot more to offer.

Castles and palaces

Spread over the entire country, there are a variety of castles and palaces to marvel at. For example, there is the moated castle Klaffenbach, which invites you to travel back in time to the 16th century, the baroque castle Delitzsch with its enchanting garden and the late Gothic Albrechtsburg Meißen.

Music and theatre

In the Gewandhaus in Leipzig and in the Dresden Semperoper you can experience musical masterpieces. If you prefer to see theatre performances, you should plan a visit to the Landesbühnen Sachsen, the Staatsschauspiel Dresden or the Felsenbühne Rathen, a natural stage in Saxon Switzerland.

Dresden Zwinger

Dresden, Zwinger
The Zwinger, Image: leoks / shutterstock

If you like to visit museums, you should not miss the Dresden Zwinger. The world-famous Baroque building houses unique museums and exhibitions, including the Mathematical and Physical Salon, in which scientific instruments from different eras are exhibited. The Old Masters Picture Gallery and an international porcelain collection are also part of the Zwinger’s equipment.

Family holiday in Saxony

Saxony is also ideal for family holidays. In addition to the activities described above, the Leipzig Zoological Garden, the Belantis amusement park , which is also located there, and the Monte Mare Neustadt adventure pool are also available. In addition, a ride on Saxony’s historic steam locomotives or a boat trip across the Elbe can also become an adventure for young and old.

Culinary specialties

Perhaps you have already been lucky enough to taste a Dresden Christmas stollen or Pulsnitz gingerbread. During a holiday in Saxony, you can also enjoy the four-layer fairground cake and the Saxon Bäbe, also a type of cake. But even those who prefer it hearty will not miss out in Saxony: Typical hearty dishes are the Dresden Sauerbraten, the Saxon potato soup and the Kamenz sausages. You should also try the Sorbian wedding soup, which is considered a Lusatian speciality and – as its name suggests – is traditionally served at wedding celebrations.

If you want to combine the meal with a typical drink, you can choose one of the Saxon beers or an Erzgebirge herbal liqueur. With the traditional Meissen wines, wine lovers will also get their money’s worth.

All in all, a holiday in Saxony offers a lot of variety and can be an unforgettable experience for solo travellers, couples, families and seniors as well as in every season.

Holidays with your dog – 5 dog-friendly regions in Germany

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A family holiday with a dog is not so easy to organise in Germany. Dogs are not allowed in almost all hotels. And on many campsites or in many holiday homes, dogs are unfortunately not always welcome either.

Reason enough for us to present 5 dog-friendly regions in Germany .

  1. The Baltic Sea Fjord Schlei in Schleswig-Holstein

A popular holiday region in Schleswig-Holstein is the Baltic Sea fjord Schlei. With its many idyllic Schlei villages, the region offers everything you need for a relaxing holiday: many opportunities for cycling, walking and swimming. But also tourist attractions are not far away from here, so it is only a stone’s throw to visit the cities of Schleswig, Eckernförde or Kappeln, or to drive to the nearby Baltic Sea .

In many holiday homes on the Schlei, dogs are allowed, no, even expressly desired.

 

  1. Sankt Peter-Ording in Schleswig-Holstein

Beach chair St. Peter Ording
Beach chair in St. Peter Ording, Image: Jenny Sturm / shutterstock

Wadden hiking is not only for children and adults, dogs also have (animal) fun with it. And if you are afraid of water, you can hike along the magnificent dikes of the North Sea and enjoy a delicious crab sandwich at the snack bar of your choice.

In addition to holiday homes, campsites are particularly popular in St. Peter-Ording.

 

  1. Baltic Sea in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

They still exist, the hotels that allow dogs. One of them, for example, is “The Grand” in the Baltic Sea resort of Ahrenshoop in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In addition to normal guest rooms, the (luxury) hotel also offers special rooms for dogs and their owners. Also in Ahrenshoop is the “Strandhaus Ahrenshoop”, where dogs are also allowed.

It is not easy to find hotels that allow dogs, but they can still be found in tourist hotspots.

 

  1. The Black Forest

Long walks in the deep forests of the Black Forest. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a few glimpses of marmots. The Black Forest offers an incredible flora and fauna that people and animals enjoy. It is not for nothing that the Black Forest attracts over 22 million visitors every year!

In addition to holiday homes and selected hotels, you will find great campsites here that also accept dogs as guests. But important: although there is no leash requirement in the Black Forest (except in the nature reserves), dogs should always stay closer and closer and not run freely into the depths of the forests.

 

  1. Camping in the Harz Mountains

If you like it a little more relaxed, we recommend camping in the Harz Mountains. Similar to the Black Forest – only not quite as big and famous – it attracts thousands and thousands of tourists every year. In the meantime, there are several providers who rent out “tent camps”. This saves you the expensive one-time purchase if you just want to try it out first.

Especially for families with children, this is an extraordinary adventure and a great idea, e.g. for just one weekend at first!

Tajikistan – Central Asia in the High Mountains

Nestled between Kyrgyzstan, China, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan lies Central Asian Tajikistan. The country is less than half the size of Germany and has only about 9.2 million inhabitants. Tajikistan has hardly been developed for tourism so far, although the country is scenic and also has some cultural highlights to offer due to its location on the historic Silk Road.

Interesting facts and special features about Tajikistan

History and culture

Yak
View of a yak at Lake Karakul in Pamir, Image: NOWAK LUKASZ / shutterstockKaakul Lake, Tajikistan

From the sixth century BC, the territory of today’s Tajikistan was alternately under the rule of the Persians and the Saks; from about 330 BC it belonged to the empire of Alexander the Great. Other empires, such as the Mongolian empire, came and went over the centuries. Islam reached the region in the 8th century. In the Middle Ages, Tajikistan belonged to Persia. In 1868 it became a Russian colony and in 1929 it became part of the Soviet Union as the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic.

In 1991, Tajikistan gained its independence as part of the collapse of the Soviet Union and almost immediately plunged into a civil war between the state and Islamic fundamentalists that lasted until 1997.

Due to its affiliation to different rulers and also due to its location on the Silk Road, different religions and cultures have left their mark on Tajikistan over the centuries. These include Buddhism, Christianity, Zorastrism, Manichaeism and, last but not least, Islam.

Today, about 98 percent of Tajiks are Muslims, most of them Sunnis. The remaining two percent are distributed among Christians, Zoroastrians and some Buddhists. The ancient Jewish community has only about 500 members, almost half of whom live in the country’s capital, Dushanbe. Religious freedom is officially guaranteed in Tajikistan, but in fact it is severely restricted.

The vast majority of the population of Tajikistan belongs to the Tajik ethnic group. These are ethnic Persians. The Tajik language is also a Persian dialect. Thus, Tajikistan is the only -stan state in Central Asia that does not belong to the majority of Turkic peoples. In the course of the civil war, numerous ethnic non-Tajiks have left the country.

Tajikistan is also home to a small minority of ethnic Germans, who shrank even further after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Tajikistan has one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations in Asia.

Geography, climate and economy

Lake Yashikul in Pamir, Tajikistan
Yashikul Lake in Pamir in Tajikistan, Image: NOWAK LUKASZ / shutterstock

Tajikistan is the smallest country in Central Asia. More than two-thirds of the country’s area is high mountain, almost half of the country is over 3,000 meters. To the east are the Pamir Mountains; it is also home to the highest mountain in the country at 7,495 meters, the Ismoil Somoni Peak. To the north is the Alai Mountain Range and to the west are the Fan Mountains and the Serafshan Range. North of the Alai is the only lowland in Tajikistan, which is crossed by the largest river in the country, the Syr Darya, which allows intensive agriculture here.

The largest lake in Tajikistan is the Karakul in the east; other large lakes are Lake Sares and Lake Zorkul.

The Tajik climate is extremely continental with cold winters and hot summers. In the summer months, temperatures reach up to 45 °C. Since the amount of precipitation is also very low, steppe vegetation prevails in the country.

Economically, agriculture is very important. 43 percent of the working population work in agriculture, but only about 7 percent of the country is intensively used for agriculture at all. Cotton is mainly grown. In addition, cattle, sheep and goats are kept and silkworms are bred.

Tajikistan has reserves of oil, natural gas and lignite. In addition, ores such as tin, lead, rare earths, mercury, silver, gold and uranium occur in Tajikistan. The most important export good is aluminum. The country also exports electricity.

Cities and sights

Tajikistan Fortress
Fortress in Tajikistan, Image: Leonid Andronov / shutterstock

“The one” outstanding attraction of Tajikistan is certainly its magnificent high mountain landscape. The incredible views and wildlife make the country a dream for nature lovers, hikers and climbers.

In the west of Tajikistan lies Dushanbe, the capital and largest city of the country with 780,000 inhabitants. Dushanbe has the most important of the country’s four international airports; So, travelers will almost certainly arrive here.

Dushanbe has numerous universities and educational institutions. The National Archaeological Museum exhibits finds from the history of Tajikistan, including a 14-metre-long reclining Buddha statue found in the south of the country in 1966. It is one of the largest Buddha representations in Asia.

The Gurminj Museum is dedicated to the musical tradition of the country and its typical instruments.

One of the most striking buildings in Dushanbe is the 30-meter-high monument in honor of Ismail Somoni, who ruled the area of today’s Tajikistan 1,000 years ago and is now considered the “Father of the Nation”. The monument is located on Friendship Square.

In 2011, the world’s tallest flagpole at 165 meters was erected in front of the Palace of the Nation at a cost of five million dollars. The occasion was the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of independence. In the meantime, however, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia has an even higher mast.

Worth seeing is the Ismaili Center, completed in 2009, a meeting place for Ismaili Shiites and one of only six such places in the world.

The second largest city in Tajikistan with 172,000 inhabitants is Chudchand. It is possible that Khudchand originated from the city of Alexandria Eschatê, founded by Alexander the Great. This is not certain, but nevertheless in 1986 the two thousand five hundredth year of the founding of the city was celebrated. Khudchand was once an important trading hub of the Silk Road. Near the city is the Kairakkum Reservoir, the largest in Tajikistan in terms of area. Khudchand is very isolated, it is surrounded on three sides by Uzbekistan and cut off from the rest of Tajikistan by a mountain range.

Another city worth mentioning is Chorugh. Chorugh has about 28,000 inhabitants and is located directly on the Afghan border. It is surrounded by the mountains of the Pamir Mountains; these are up to 5,300 meters high here. Chorugh has a well-known botanical garden, which enjoys a very good reputation in professional circles.

Finally, Punjikent is a city of 35,000 inhabitants in western Tajikistan. It is located right next to the ruined city of Old Panjakent, which was a trading center of the Silk Road in its heyday in the eighth century and was only about 80 kilometers from Samarkand.

Travelling with a baby – that’s how it really is

Simply be out and about with the whole family, easily integrate the baby into leisure activities and use parental leave, for example, to go on a long journey. This is more or less the idea of many enthusiastic travellers who become parents. But not only travel fans, who are often on the road anyway, want a nice vacation with the baby. Of course, the offspring should also accompany their parents on the classic annual vacation, and many questions arise: When can a baby travel? Where is the best place to travel, and which places do you prefer to avoid? What do you have to consider when organizing, and how is traveling with baby really? We have compiled the most important answers.

When can you travel with your baby?

Theoretically, a baby can be on the road with its parents immediately after birth. Quite a few babies are born while traveling and are then right there. In practice, however, it is not for nothing that the first weeks after a birth are called “postpartum”. Mom and child should rest and arrive in their new life. However, if you really want to, you can also go on a trip right away.

Baby on the plane
During the flight you can devote yourself entirely to the baby, Image: Tomsickova Tatyana / shutterstock

Most airlines allow children from one to two weeks of age. Whether this is the right time for a long-distance trip by plane is up to parents to decide for themselves. However, caution is advised, because of course there are not only many people on the move at airports, but also pathogens. And babies’ immune systems are still developing.

It’s a little less complicated by train or car. Especially in your own car or camper, you can enjoy the greatest possible freedom. Provided that the baby likes to lead along.

Which places are recommended, which are better avoided with a baby?

Actually, you can travel with a baby to almost any place in the world, because wherever people live, babies are born. Of course, you will prefer certain places and avoid others so as not to put yourself and your family in unnecessary danger. An overview:

  • When traveling with a baby for the first time, it is best to choose destinations where you already know your way around, because the new life as a family is exciting enough. You don’t necessarily have to deal with a new environment.
  • It is an advantage if the climatic conditions at the destination are similar to those at home. So you don’t travel with a baby to the coldest or hottest places in the world. The rainy season with its continuous rainfall and extreme humidity should also be avoided.
  • Destinations for which a travel warning has been issued are better avoided. As a family, you are much more vulnerable than when you are traveling alone.
  • Extreme altitudes are also not recommended if you do not live in such an area anyway.
  • In some places in this beautiful world, certain vaccinations are needed. Many of them cannot yet have a baby, and for this reason should not travel to such places.

What do you have to think about when you travel with your baby?

It depends a little on where you travel and how long you will stay there. On the one hand, it’s about everything you need for the trip itself. It’s hard to rummage in your suitcase on the road, so you have to have things at hand. This is all the baby would need at home, i.e. bottles, diapers, creams, spare clothes and pacifiers. The same applies to the stay itself, although it always depends a little on where you are going. Are you vacationing in a European country and can you even access the proven diaper brand? Or are you far away and have to expect that there are unusual animal species in the jars of baby porridge?

There is one more thing to consider, and that is the necessary documents if you are traveling abroad. Is the health insurance suitable, is the child healthy, does the other parent, if not present, agree to the trip? If you want to have a good overview, you can download a checklist for the flight here. Of course, it also applies to other long-distance journeys, such as by train.

What is it really like to travel with a baby?

Holiday with baby
Babies don’t always sleep as relaxed when traveling as they do here, Image: Jeremie86HUN / shutterstock

On Instagram and travel blogs you can always see beautiful pictures of relaxed parents and sleeping or smiling babies while traveling. They sleep in the back seat of the car, they marvel from the train window, they relax on the plane. One thing you should know before you go on a trip with a baby: Your own child can quickly throw a spanner in the works and make all the beautiful pictures ad absurdum. Every child has their own personality and the trips they enjoy can be a real surprise.

Although most children like driving, not all of them do. Some cry non-stop, which can make a road trip an ordeal. Or maybe it’s just the car seat that pinches in one place, a problem that can be solved quickly. Some babies fall asleep in the hustle and bustle, others are already annoyed (and make this known loudly) when the radio in the supermarket is too loud. While one baby really likes to be pushed through the world in a stroller, another is outraged when it has to lie alone somewhere and wants to be carried all the time.

So if you want to travel with your baby, you should first get to know it properly and try out which situations it accepts well and which ones affect it. Accordingly, you can choose your destinations, as well as the activities on site and also the type of arrival. What speaks against a few months Hiking to celebrate in the home environment when the child is slumbering in the carrier for it? As it grows up, its tolerance for new situations also grows, which it can get to know again and again through parents who love to travel.

Creative holiday greetings with your own postcard

Even if it is not yet foreseeable when we will be able to start our next holiday trip. The next vacation is sure to come. And what could be better than making friends at home happy with a holiday card?

There are now two ways to do this:

The classic way

At some point – usually a few days before the end of your holiday – you pull yourself together and go hunting for suitable card motifs in the local souvenir shop. This is often difficult and you have to visit one or the other shop until you have all the cards together. Now buy the stamps and then hope for two or three hours of rainy weather so that you feel like writing each card by hand and sending it on its way. In most cases, the cards then arrive at friends and relatives with a long time delay. By then, the recovery is often already over.

The Modern Way – The Map Paradise App

An alternative to the classic way shown is to use the free app of the online platform Karten-Paradies. With this app, it is possible to design and send the holiday greeting postcard yourself within a few minutes. The own photos give the card a much more personal touch than the standard cards from the souvenir shop. Even better if you are in the photos yourself. On the beach, in front of a famous attraction or at the top of the mountain.

How does the creation of the postcard work?

In the first step, download the app from Google Play or Apple Store . You then have the option of choosing from a variety of design templates and inserting your own image motifs directly from your smartphone. Of course, don’t forget the classic holiday greetings and enter the address of the recipient.

After the card is finished, you give it on your journey. And here comes one of the great advantages of the offer of Karten-Paradies. The card is printed and shipped within minutes. This way, your friends and relatives will often find the card directly in their mailbox the next day.

After registration, the creation and dispatch of the first holiday card is free of charge – ideal for trying out.

Payment methods

Five convenient solutions are available as payment options:

  • PayPal
    Pay easily and quickly via the PayPal account
  • Invoice
    Conveniently pays within 14 days of invoicing. So that’s still enough if you pay the bill right after your vacation
  • Direct debit
  • Credit card
  • Cash on delivery (which, however, should be a bit difficult on vacation – more suitable for the further card offer, see below)

Paper types for postcard creation

There are five different types of paper available for your holiday cards:

  • 300 g art print
  • 250g Fine Paper Bechamel
  • 246g Art Print Linen
  • 285g Metallic Art Print
  • 270g Art Print Watercolor Oxford

For the classic holiday card, our paper recommendation is 300g art printing. Due to the high stability, smooth surface and a clear, bright white, the paper is perfect for your holiday greetings.

Map Paradise – An app just for holiday greetings?

Of course, you can use this app not only for your holiday cards from the sunny south. The offer includes all topics from wedding invitations, baby cards and birthday invitations to condolence cards. And it goes far beyond pure map creation. For example, you can also create menu cards, labels, church booklets and much more for weddings.

Murals and photo magnets are also included in the range.

If you now feel like using personal greeting cards on your next vacation, and want to make sure that your cards really reach your loved ones, then take a look around www.karten-paradies.de now and familiarize yourself with the app.

(Motive) Tips for your next holiday trip

The app is simple and understandable. But maybe you’re still missing the right travel destination? We have put together a few tips for you:

City trip – Let’s go to Paris

Couple in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Image: Ksana Durand / shutterstock

Is there a more beautiful personalized photo in front of a landmark than the Eiffel Tower in Paris? The all-round large park allows you to find the perfect location for a romantic photo in front of Paris ‘ landmark.

Photo from the honeymoon – Off to the Maldives

Who doesn’t know them. The images of white beaches, blue skies and endless sea. The Maldivian islands are lined up like a string of pearls in the Indian Ocean. Motif tip: Photo in the pool with the blue sea in the background.

The classic – Mallorca

Ideal for the whole family. Even during the summer holidays, the climate is good on Mallorca . For the children, everything important is offered with the pool area and beach. Motif tip: Build a huge sandcastle together with the children and then put the artwork on the postcard. Especially suitable for grandparents who stayed at home.

The island of Brac is worth a trip

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The island of Brac off the Croatian coast is spoiled by over 300 days of sunshine a year and its beaches reach a length of 170 kilometers when strung together. The population lives, apart from tourism, from fishing, viticulture and olive growing. The white limestone of the island is famous, which was already used by the Romans for the construction of palaces and was used, among other things, for the White House in Washington and the Budapest Parliament. Some quarries are still in operation today.

A total of 116 churches are spread over the island, many of them from early Christian and old Croatian times. Often there is no signage indicating their locations or they can only be reached on winding paths. Brac has a network of designated hiking and cycling routes. Hiking maps of circular and themed trails around the island towns are usually available at the local tourist information offices. In the restaurants of the island, guests can taste local specialties such as fish, seafood and dishes with lamb.

The journey is via the airport of Split and then by ferry to Supetar or the catamaran to Bol. The ferries run every hour during the season and take about an hour. The catamaran operates twice a day. From Sumartin in the east of the island, there is also a ferry connection to Makarska on the mainland.

Supetar – the only town on Brac

The main town and only town on the island is Supetar on the north coast opposite Split. The bustling waterfront is lined with bars and restaurants and surrounded by several beaches. Here you will find several diving centers, a surf center and a jet ski rental. Another meeting place for tourists and locals is the Put Vele Luke promenade. This is also where the island’s nightlife begins after dark in bars and discos. Sights include the mausoleum of the Petrinovic family and the early Christian mosaics near the church. From June to September, visitors can expect a cultural programme consisting of concerts, exhibitions, a fishermen’s festival and folklore evenings.

Bol – The most famous tourist resort on Brac

Bol, Brac
View of Bol, Image: xbrchx / shutterstock

The most famous place among tourists is Bol in the south of the island. It is surrounded by pine forests that reach down to the beaches. Above Bol, the well-known Bolski Plavac wine is grown on terraced fields. The Golden Horn, a 500-meter-long headland that is considered the most beautiful beach in Croatia, is famous. The top of the pebble beach changes depending on the current, so that the beach sometimes takes the shape of a horn and sometimes the shape of a sickle. Along the beaches, visitors will find a wide range of water sports, diving centres and boat rentals. The small harbour is lined with many restaurants serving fresh fish. Sights include the baroque Loza summer palace with an adjoining church at the harbour. In summer, folklore events take place, such as dances and songs by local groups.

Several designated hiking and cycling routes start and end in Bol. The hike to the viewpoint on Vidova Gora, the highest mountain of the Croatian islands at 778 meters, is popular. The climb to the top is rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the neighboring Dalmatian islands.

Destinations in the vicinity of Bol

Dominican Monastery in Bol
The ancient Dominican monastery in Bol, Image: Dreamer4787 / shutterstock

East of Bol is the Dominican monastery, which today houses a museum and has a monastery garden worth seeing. The monastery also offers accommodation and even has its own beach. West of Bol, the Dragon Cave near Murvica can be visited. It used to be used as a church and monks engraved reliefs of mythical figures on its walls in the 16th century. Since the grotto is not freely accessible, you have to make an appointment with the guide in advance.

Halfway between Bol and Milna is the Blaca Hermitage. It is a former monastery complex that has been used as a museum since 1963. The location is spectacular, 3 kilometers from the coast, nestled against a rock face high above sea level. The visit is only possible by appointment and the last part of the journey can only be done on foot along paved paths. The last priest, Nikola Milicevic, used the hermitage as an observatory and had to transport all the furnishings to the cut valley on foot or by donkey.

Milna

In the bay of Milna lies the island’s marina with its almost 200 berths. The holiday resort on the west coast of the island can score with a waterfront promenade that encloses the entire bay. The village is surrounded by beautiful beaches, with a nudist area also designated to the south. In the season, ferries to Split and the island of Hvar dock here. Around the harbour, cafes, taverns and restaurants await the visitor. In addition to the baroque church, the Angliscina castle from the 16th century is worth seeing.

Skrip – popular destination on Brac

Skrip, Brac
Old stone houses in Skrip, Image: Ulyana Khorunzha / shutterstock

Skrip is located inland and is a popular destination as the oldest village on the island. On every corner, the visitor will find relics from Roman and medieval times. In addition to a small chapel from the 11th century, the village houses a baroque parish church from the 18th century that is well worth seeing. The former defensive bulwark of Radojkovic is now home to the Island Museum. The exhibits include Roman tombstones, handicrafts and sailor’s maps. In the museum courtyard, a mausoleum from Roman times can be admired. A visit to the Oil Museum is also worthwhile, where you can taste and buy other local products in addition to olive oil.