All about travel

The ten largest islands in the Mediterranean

PatrickJullien

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10. April 2020

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The ten largest islands in the Mediterranean

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1. Sicily

Isola Bella, Sicily — Isola Bella off Taormina in Sicily, Image: IgorZh / shutterstock

Sicily – the largest island in the Mediterranean, southwest of the tip of the Italian boot, is separated from the mainland by the 3-kilometre-wide Strait of Messina. While the north and east are characterized by cliffs and numerous bays, Sicily flattens out towards the south and offers long sandy beaches. In addition to remnants of the original forest areas, there are numerous tropical and subtropical plant species. Vegetables, fruit, wine, almonds, olives and durum wheat are grown on the island. The most famous attraction is the 3345-meter-high volcano Etna, the largest and most active volcano in Europe. The mountain areas above 2000 metres are often characterised by snow and frost in winter and can remain cool in summer, while temperatures of up to 40 degrees can be reached in the lower areas. Many migratory birds use the islands as a stopover or winter quarters.

2. Sardinia

Sardinia is located south of Corsica and can be reached via the airports of Olbia, Cagliari or Alghero. Ferry connections lead to Genoa and Civitavecchia, Tuscany and Corsica, as well as to Marseille or Barcelona, among others. The capital Cagliari with its old town is located in the far south. In addition to cliffs, the island offers many flat, fine sandy beaches and small bays. The beaches of the Costa Smeralda in the northeast and La Maddalena in the north, as well as Is Arutas in the west with different colored quartz sand are famous. Near the city of Alghero in the west, limestone cliffs fall several hundred meters deep into the sea. They are crisscrossed by numerous grottoes, such as the huge stalactite cave Grotta dei Nettuno. Sardinia is partly sparsely populated in the interior and mostly covered with mountains. The many flocks of sheep are typical. Sardinia is home to flamingos, turtles, wild horses and Sardinian deer and wild boar in the woods.

3. Cyprus

The Kyrenia Fortress in Northern Cyprus, Image: Nejdet Duzen / shutterstock

Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, already belongs geographically to Asia. It lays 68 kilometers south of Turkey and 95 kilometers west of the Syrian coasts. The northern part of the island has been occupied by the Turks since 1974. The green line between the two parts is monitored by the UN and also divides the capital Nicosia into two halves. Cyprus can be reached via the international airports of Paphos and Larnaca. Temperatures are often determined by hot desert winds and rarely drop below 17 degrees, even in winter, while the Troodos Mountains inland have snow at this time of year. Northeast of the Troodos Mountains begins an extensive, fertile plain where fruits, vegetables, olives, almonds and wine are grown. In the interior of the island, extensive forest areas of cypresses, cedars, oaks and junipers have been preserved. Near Larnaca in the south are two large salt lakes. The island is a stopover for many migratory birds and the beaches in the north and east are used by sea turtles to lay their eggs. Throughout the ages, many peoples have left behind their heritage in Cyprus, which can be admired in museums and important archaeological sites.

4. Corsica

Santa Giulia, Corsica — View of Santa Giulia beach in Corsica, Image: Samuel Borges Photography / shutterstock

Corsica is a French island about 80 kilometers west of Italy and north of Sardinia. There are numerous ferry connections to the south of France, Sardinia and northern Italy, as well as flight connections from Ajacchio and Bastia. The west in particular is characterized by numerous bays, while the interior is dominated by a high mountain range that rises to over 2500 meters and is a paradise for hikers. Large areas are covered by sweet chestnuts and cork oaks, while in the mountains the Corsican black pine reaches a height of up to 50 metres. 40% of the island is designated as a natural park. Wild boars are widespread, but semi-wild domestic pigs also roam freely in the forests. The island is home to numerous species of birds of prey and a stopover for migratory birds. The island is not very developed for tourism, beautiful bays can be found in the southeast near Porto-Vecchio, among other places.

5. Crete

Crete, Chania — The beautiful town of Chania, Image: Georgios Tsichlis / shutterstock

Crete, the largest Greek island, is located about 100 kilometers south of the Greek mainland and is served via the capital Heraklion or Chania in the west. From the port of Chania there is a ferry connection to Athens . From west to east stretches a mountain range up to 2500 meters high, which is interrupted by plateaus and deep gorges. The most famous is the 17-kilometre-long Samaria Gorge, which offers hikers from all over the world a challenging route with fantastic viewpoints. The north side of the island slopes shallower down to the sea, so that most of the holiday resorts can be found here. Towns such as Rethymno and Hersonissos are predominantly touristy. Agriculturally, Crete is characterized by many olive trees as well as wine and fruit growing, while numerous sheep and goats roam the area. The island of the gods is home to important archaeological sites, such as the world-famous Minoan palace of Knossos from around 2000 BC.

6. Euboea

The Greek island of Euboea reaches a length of 175 kilometers, but is only 6 kilometers wide at its narrowest point. It is dominated by a mountain range along its entire length and is connected to the mainland by two bridges over the Gulf of Euboea. The narrowest part of the strait is called Euripos and is located west of the island’s capital Chalkida. Here, only 40 meters separate the island from the mainland and Euripos is known for its unusually strong tidal changes. There are several ferry connections, including to Athens. Many sandy beaches alternate with cliffs. Tourism is not yet particularly widespread on Euboea, rather olive groves, viticulture and marble quarries characterize the island. In addition to picturesque villages, many remains from ancient times determine the image of Euboea. The town of Aedipsos in the north of the island was already known in Roman times for its numerous thermal springs and offers spa and wellness offers

7. Mallorca

Palma, La Seu — La Seu, the impressive cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, Image: Boris Stroujko / shutterstock

Mallorca is the largest island in the Spanish Balearic Group and is located about 170 kilometers south of the port city of Barcelona. The northwest of the island is crossed by the Tramuntana Mountains, which protect the rest of the island from cold winds and rainfall. Here the rocks drop steeply into the sea and there are only a few small bays. This area is considered a paradise for hikers and cyclists, especially in the low season. On the south side, the mountains merge into fertile valleys where olives, citrus fruits, vegetables and wine thrive. To the east is the extensive bay of Palma, where the coasts are almost completely built up and touristy. The island’s capital Palma with its famous cathedral and its old town is the cultural centre of the island. In the northeast of Mallorca, the extensive bays of Pollenca and Alcudia with their fine sand, gently sloping beaches are mainly developed for tourism, while in the southeast there are holiday resorts on numerous bays and smaller beaches. The south around Colonia de Sant Jordi is still largely undeveloped and offers several beautiful natural beaches.

8. Lesvos

The Greek island is located in the north of the Aegean Sea, about 15 kilometers from the Turkish coast. It can be reached by ferry or via the airport of the main town of Mytilene. Lesvos is characterized by steep mountain ranges, extensive pine forests and two deep bays that reach far inland from the southwest and southeast and are lined with fertile plains where mainly fruit and olives are grown. Around the island there are numerous small bays between the steeper sections of the coastlines, as well as longer beach sections at Plomari in the south and Petra in the north. In addition to the production of the well-known ouzo and the production of cheese and salt, fishing and especially tourism are other sources of income. Scattered across the island, hot thermal springs are a reminder of volcanic activity in the past. Important sights are the historic village of Molyvos with its huge castle complex and the petrified forest of Sigri with its 20-million-year-old tree trunks.

9. Rhodes

Lindos — Rhodes is a beautiful island and can be explored in two weeks, Image: Katvic / shutterstock

The Greek island of Rhodes is located in the southeast of the Aegean Sea, about 17 kilometers from the Turkish mainland. It can be reached via Rhodes Airport. From there there are ferry connections to other Aegean islands and towards Turkey. The island is mountainous and lined in sections with cliffs in the west and east. Herds of sheep and goats roam the island and provide the basis for the production of cheese. In addition to the cultivation of wine and olives, tourism is an important source of income. It is mainly concentrated in the north and northeast of the island. Rhodes Town was heavily fortified from the 14th century onwards by the Knights of St. John. Among other things, the Grand Master’s Palace is worth seeing. East of Rhodes, lively holiday resorts are lined up around Faliraki . The old town of Rhodes Town and the Acropolis high above the town of Lindos in the east are particularly worth seeing on the island. In the Valley of the Butterflies in the northwest there are millions of butterflies, which are magically attracted by the smell of the oriental sweetgum tree.

10. Chios

Chios, Greece — A holiday on the Greek island of Chios promises relaxation in a relaxed atmosphere, Image: Stamatios Manousis / shutterstock

Chios is the tenth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea in the north of the Aegean Sea. The mountains in the north of the island merge into agricultural plains in the middle of the island, which are characterized by olive groves and vineyards. The south forms a plateau where the traditional natural resin mastic is extracted from pistachio trees. There are numerous fortified villages here, whose houses are decorated with geometric patterns. The ferry port in Chios Town offers numerous connections to the Aegean Sea and a ferry to nearby Cesme on the Turkish mainland. The four historic windmills near the bustling harbour promenade are the island’s landmark. The tourist center with several beaches is located a few kilometers south of Chios town. The island is characterized by numerous monasteries, of which Nea Moni with its octagonal cathedral is the most famous.

The most important utensils when camping

PatrickJullien

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31. March 2020

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The most important utensils when camping

Simply getting out, enjoying nature and being close to the destination in a personal way – all this is possible on a camping holiday. No other way of traveling allows such freedom. Whether on a supervised campsite with running water and electricity or on a remote campsite without mobile phone reception, camping still carries the adventure of travel. But the same applies to camping: a successful trip needs to be well prepared and there is hardly any other type of travel where equipment is as important as when camping. Here is a compilation of the utensils that should not be missing on a camping holiday.

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Accommodation

The most important thing about camping is? Of course, the accommodation. This can take very different forms depending on personal taste. If you want to be particularly mobile and well protected from the elements during your holiday, a motorhome is recommended. These are available in a wide variety of sizes and equipment variants, depending on personal preference. As a rule, rental motorhomes have all the necessary cooking and hygiene utensils, so that you only have to worry about personal equipment with this form of travel. For all those who want to get particularly close to nature on holiday or want to set up camp in places that are inaccessible to vehicles, an overnight stay in a tent is unavoidable. Particularly important: if the tent is to be used for multi-day hikes, be sure to use an ultralight tent, as every gram more counts to carry. In addition, it is advisable to “test lie” for at least one night before the camping holiday. This can happen in your own garden or in the living room. This way you get an impression of the size of the tent before the trip and can familiarize yourself with it without being exposed to the true forces of nature.

Nutrition

Cooler — The cooler is an important tool when camping, Image: Monkey Business Images / shutterstock

You are what you eat, even on a camping holiday. Depending on where you ultimately spend the night, your diet must also be prepared accordingly. There is great flexibility in the caravan and with the built-in kitchen, all common dishes can be prepared from home with or less effort. Nevertheless, it is advisable to carry a cool box with you. The cooler acts like a refrigerator and keeps perishable food fresh for longer. You can find more information about the cooler here. The situation is different when camping in the wilderness. Here, the diet should be planned before departure and appropriate rations should be purchased. Important: the weight. Stay away from canned chili con carne and other moist foods. Professional camping food is usually dry and thus saves valuable weight. Nevertheless, it should be important that only food that tastes good comes along. A camping gas stove helps to heat up, reusable camping dishes to take the food. A nutrition tip from the professionals: always carry an additional ration of your personal favorite candy with you. This provides a quick boost of energy and motivation when needed.

Clothing

Another important category is clothing. It is advisable to pack particularly weatherproof clothing for a camping holiday. Special outdoor clothing usually scores with rain protection and quick-drying properties. It is recommended to always carry at least a few dry changes of clothes. Underwear made of merino wool keeps you warm and remains odorless for several days. Particularly impregnated hiking boots protect against wet feet and also provide important support on demanding hikes. As an airy alternative, especially in summer, trekking sandals can also be carried. Nature lovers swear by barefoot shoes.

Hygiene

Here, too, personal hygiene can usually be handled almost like at home in the caravan. Large tent pitches also have sanitary areas for showering and toilet use. On rudimentary campsites, the situation is somewhat different. Here the shower sometimes has to wait. Nevertheless, a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant if necessary and dry shampoo should be carried along. Toilet paper should also not be forgotten at home. When going to the toilet in the absolute wilderness, please also pack a shovel, because the toilet should be buried at least 20 centimeters deep. Bathing with soap in lakes and streams is also a no-go, because the chemicals can cause great damage to nature.

Personal

Camping is a holiday and of course a few personal items should not be missing. First of all, the most important thing: as with any trip, copies of important documents should be carried with you when camping. These include passports, health cards and driver’s licenses. When traveling to risk areas, a copy of the vaccination certificate cannot hurt either. Tip to save weight: simply carry the copies in digital form on your smartphone. This also protects the environment. For personal comfort, other personal belongings can also be carried. For example, a notebook to record the impressions of the trip on the spot. Or a good book that can be enjoyed in the silence of nature and become a pastime in the accommodation when it rains.

Relax on your skiing holiday with the ski roof box

PatrickJullien

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30. March 2020

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Relax on your skiing holiday with the ski roof box

Skiing holiday. These are sugared mountain peaks, freshly groomed slopes, glittering fresh snow and hot chocolate after powerful turns on the mountain. Whether alpine, in deep snow, on the cross-country ski trail or on the toboggan run – a skiing holiday is winter relaxation in nature. But if you have the appropriate equipment yourself, you first have to get the bulky skis, snowboards, poles and toboggans to their destination. And depending on the car, this can become a real challenge. This is because the popular winter sports equipment is often 1.90m long and, with its bulky bindings, is usually difficult to place in the interior of the car. If several family members want to go on holiday with you, you are quickly faced with the challenge of who to leave at home: skis or family? To avoid exactly this stress, a roof box, e.g. from TEILE-direkt.at , can quickly remedy the situation.

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The roof box – space miracle at height

A roof box is a true space miracle at the lofty height of the car roof. Instead of packing bulky winter sports equipment such as skis, snowboards and sleds into the interior of your own car with precise precision work or on a car luggage rack.

They can be conveniently and easily stored in the roof box. There, they do not scratch high-quality leather seats and are also exposed to their natural temperature. This has an advantageous and gentle effect on the material. This leaves enough space in the interior for the essentials – so that the journey to the holiday destination can already count as a holiday.

From foldable to hardshell – the different models

But there are also different versions of the roof box, which are best suited depending on your needs. If you also have a good and generous storage space at home, the traditional hardshell box is a good choice. It is stable, durable and offers plenty of storage space for boards, poles and sledges. It usually has already integrated ski holders that attach the devices. This ensures safety while driving. If you opt for a more common roof box without brackets, you should make sure that the roof load is evenly distributed. For all those whose garage does not have year-round space for a two-metre-long box, a foldable roof box is a good choice. This can be conveniently folded away throughout the year. When unfolded, it still offers just as much space as a traditional hardshell box.

Easy installation for more flexibility on holiday

No matter which roof box you choose. The installation is usually simple and uncomplicated. If the car already has a roof rack, the box can be quickly attached to it using a quick release. If you load them evenly with the popular winter sports equipment and bulky winter clothing in accordance with the regulations, you can start right away. But don’t forget: With the roof box, your own car is a few centimetres higher! This should be particularly important when entering the underground car park of the mountain station. Otherwise, the first day on the slopes will quickly turn into a day in the valley.

Versatile – roof box a real plus even in summer

Of course, the roof box is not only a relief for space and nerves for a skiing holiday, but also in summer. Especially then, bulky items such as hiking poles, air mattresses and sand toys for the little ones often have to be taken along. After two weeks in the sand, you are happy to leave the beach in the resort and the sand in the roof box.

Indonesia: Islands of wild beauty

Dr. Daniela Egert

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24. March 2020

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Life is a long, calm river, or is that Asian serenity? For three hours, the bamboo raft, which was put together the day before, has been gliding across the Amandit River. On board the improvised water vehicle: the current “Miss Tourism” of the region, Raisa Nurtanziliana, and me. The narrow vehicle rocks above the waves, gently we glide down wave after wave. Raisa sings: A traditional Indonesian lullaby with which she almost puts me to sleep in the middle of the day. Everything moves, some things turn, everything is good.

Rafting trip Indonesia — Rafting trip with the current Miss Tourism of the province, picture: Dr. Daniela Egert.

Next to the river, the landscape drifts lazily by, trees, wooden huts, people who devote themselves to their day’s work. A calming world in green, now unfortunately attacked by the achievements of civilization: trees, bushes, bamboo – a refreshing, magnificent triad that lines the gentle banks next to the raft. Every now and then a larger stone, which our ferryman skillfully curves around, stands out of the water. The young man is helped by a long stick, which he lifts into the floods. And Raisa sings…

Behind us lie two nights in a camp, without comfort, only a mattress separates the sleep-seekers from the bare wooden floor in the small, lined up huts. The climb up here was so steep that our bus ran out of power several times and just stopped just before reaching the next hilltop; before it could finally go on again at some point: As if the car first had to gather strength and then fight the slope again. When we finally arrived at the camp, our group quickly felt like the scouts. The conditions at Resort Amandit seem to have been lovingly improvised. So the often all-covering comforts of the Western affluent countries fall away here – at least as far as food is concerned. Morning, noon, evening, the same thing always ends up on the plate of the camp community: cold chicken, rice and an unidentifiable vegetable addition. “You have to finish eating, otherwise you won’t have the strength for rafting,” our experienced guide advises those who hesitate to have their tin bowl filled with the same thing over and over again. Sigh. All right, “then chicken with rice again, please. And later I’d like to have a tea.” Young, veiled, Muslim women fulfill the request with a smile. Standing behind a camping table, they reach for a huge ladle and add to the overnight guests they don’t know.

Every year in November, this place in the Indonesian mountains hosts a remarkable festival, which includes local dances, singing and a cooking competition. The women of the area serve up what has been served in this part of the world for centuries: especially chicken, spices and vegetables cut into pieces. Everything is stuffed into hollow bamboo canes, which the competitors from the various villages immediately cook over smoldering campfires. It is a good 30 minutes to wait, then those present can eat their way through traditional Asian cuisine. Beauty queen Raisa, who has put on her sash with the inscription “Daughter of Tourism” for the occasion, helps to select the winners: “We not only evaluate the taste of the food, but above all the presentation and how much effort the women have put into the presentation. This competition is of great importance to us.”

Indonesian Tea Field — Indonesian tea field, Image: Dr. Daniela Egert

The camp is part of the small village of Loksado, which in turn belongs to the province of South Kalimantan. We have been here for days now, in the southeast of the island of Borneo; the capital is Banjarmasin. Fruit, vegetables and other delicacies can be purchased here from boat to boat at the “Lok Baintan Floating market”, which is a very special experience for Europeans and other well-travelled people, but is everyday life for locals. The women of the area often laugh as they advertise their wares and chat in the middle of the Barito River. In between, the few tourists who have been driven to the river at dawn are offered their own products. Above all, these are bananas, oranges, the exotic soursop (soursop), exotic-sweet cherimoyas. Action is mandatory, as the guide explains to us. One of the villagers’ duties is to provide visitors on the guest boats with samples of local culinary delights, including coffee. And so mini bananas and a lot of other delicious bites will soon land in our vehicle. The prices are more than affordable even without the obligatory haggling, the weather is nice and warm as always, so we grab it in a good mood. Souvenirs are advertised from some barges or Indonesian pointed hats, shirts and trousers. An entire shopping center on boats, in other words. The way back to the hotel takes another whole hour, past countless huts that are enthroned on stilts above the river. Their owners wash their clothes in the sluggishly flowing Barito River from five o’clock in the morning. They themselves and their little ones usually jump in themselves, they scrub themselves thoroughly, submerge briefly.

Indonesian diamond mine — Diamond prospectors at work, Image: Dr. Daniela Egert

Unfortunately, the area is massively endangered by the deforestation of the rainforest; gold mining with the help of the amalgam process is also still practiced in Indonesia . In the process, toxic mercury enters the soil and the air – a practice that massively threatens the health of the workers who use it. In view of the bristling nature of the world’s fourth-largest state, however, these thoughts are lost for the time being. It is green, it is still blooming in this part of Asia. The floral splendour is due to the abundant rainfall and the generally humid climate on the islands of this state.

One “green” inhabitant in particular, the giant flower Rafflesia, appreciates this circumstance. If you are lucky, you will experience the plant with its gigantic diameter, up to one metre, during its flowering period. This is only a manageable four to seven days until the bombastic Rafflesia disintegrates into viscous black mucus. Thanks to the size record, the mega plant can still be found on the “bucket list” of numerous tourists. In addition, Americans or Europeans also like to visit Sumatra’s tea and pepper plantations. Sometimes the visitors fight their way through dense rain, which admittedly has a few downsides in addition to its usefulness for the fauna. The Indonesian capital Jakarta , for example, is flooded by floods from time to time. Namely, when the rainy season breaks over this zone, which is mainly inhabited by Muslims. Endless floods then seem to break over the area.

Are you also interested in a trip to Indonesia?

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On the other hand, elephants benefit from the general abundance of water, which can be found in the wild in Sumatra , for example. They like to stay near rivers, where the clean animal giants can take a relaxing bath if necessary. “If they want to escape the sun in this way at noon, they can hardly be stopped,” explains the keeper responsible for the cozy giants at the “Seblat Elephant Conservation Center” in English. “Every day they treat themselves to at least ten minutes in the floods, sometimes much more.” Just like in the Disney movie, the Greys then pump water into their trunks and let it rain down on their broad backs. A blessing. The elephants are also not bothered by the fact that tourists make themselves comfortable on their necks from time to time. With the load on their backs, they then pile straight into the River Seblat, take a full bath and then make their way back up. They are the undisputed kings of the jungle, lords of the beautiful Indonesian rainforest. You just have to be an elephant in Sumatra .

Pearls of Nature – three places with wonderful natural attractions

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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9. March 2020

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Pearls of Nature – three places with wonderful natural attractions

Nature surprises us at every turn, although it seems to us that we know it very well. The works of nature stimulate our imagination and constantly arouse enthusiasm. They amaze us so much that we want to visit them immediately. If we are planning a longer vacation or just a city trip, it is worth finding a cheap flight to a place known for its surprising nature with the help of a good search engine. Below we put three ideas on the most interesting destinations in the world.

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A trapped boulder in Norway

Northern Europe is not so often chosen as a holiday destination. But for sure we will find cheap flights to the largest airport in Norway Oslo-Gardermoen. Although we don’t associate the capital of this Scandinavian country with the natural attractions, the immediate surroundings are rich in pearls of nature.

Oslo Downtown — Downtown Oslo, Image: Kiev.Victor / shutterstock

From Oslo we can take a trip by car to the west along the coast and admire the fantastic fjords. After a few hours of breathtaking scenery, we reach our destination – Kjerag. Kjerag is known for being one of the most popular stones in Europe or even around the world. Why is he so famous? Thousands of years ago, it was wedged between two rock faces over 1,000 meters above the abyss. It is interesting that you can walk on the stone. The photos are an achievement and an interesting souvenir from Norway.

The Balkan Bay lined with mountain flanks

The mountain peaks that flow directly into the sea are a very characteristic landscape of the Balkan coast. Every year they attract millions of tourists looking for unforgettable impressions and views. The Bay of Kotor looks extraordinary. When you look at the bay from a bird’s eye view, you feel a lot of respect for the power of nature. The bay consists of four individual basins connected by narrow sections. In addition, the whole bay is lined with steep mountain slopes.

There is a path along the coast and we can go around the bay. The breathtaking landscapes as well as the small towns that were built in the Middle Ages await us.

We will visit the Bay of Kotor if we choose the plane tickets of the airline Tivat. Our flight search engine finds this place under the symbol TIV, which is used in the international IATA airport code. Thanks to Montenegro’s airline Montenegro Airlines, this international airport serves many flights from Western Europe. With this airline we also have the opportunity to book cheap flights to the Balkans.

Mesa

The last place on our map is the cradle of humanity – South Africa. We focus on Cape Town, where the traces of prehistoric man were discovered over six hundred thousand years ago. The most interesting place in this area is Table Mountain. The mountain, with its almost flat summit, covers a total area of around three square kilometres. The characteristic silhouette and the neighboring peaks became the symbol of Cape Town. Nowadays, they are also on the flag of the city.

Table Mountain is recognized as a wonder of nature. They say it’s the flattest mountain in the world. It can be reached by cable car or on foot. While hiking, we will have the chance to admire the plant and fauna species typical of this region.

If we book the tickets early, we have the chance of cheap flights to Cape Town. The airport serving this city is the second busiest airport in South Africa. Thanks to the cooperation with British Airways (BA) and Lufthansa , London and Munich will be served.

The places mentioned above are just a few examples of the pearls of nature that can be found all over the world. It is worth using cheap flights and a search engine and visiting destinations that are not yet so well known.

Experience diversity on Gotland

PatrickJullien

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6. March 2020

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The Swedish island of Gotland, which lies northeast of Öland, is the second largest island in the Baltic Sea and is considered a historic province. The province of Gotland is made up of Gotland and some neighbouring islands, which also form the municipality of Gotland.

The island has a mild climate, which is perceived as pleasant for many tourists. Gotland is particularly popular with bicycle tourists and young people who want to get to know the culture of Gotland better, as well as its sights and the diversity of flora and fauna.

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Extraordinary stone sculptures – the Raukar

Raukar, Gotland — Raukar, the limestone pillars on Gotland, Image: Olga Miltsova / shutterstock

A frequently sought after and often visited tourist destination are the Raukar. These are unusual and distinctly shaped limestone pillars, up to ten metres high, which can be found on the stone beaches of Digerhuvud and Langhammars, as well as in the forests near Lickershamm. They are reminiscent of sculptures made of stone, which consist of a wide variety of appearances.

Varied experiences in Visby

The medieval town of Visby, formerly known as the Hanseatic city of Visby, also has a lot to offer. One of the largest medieval festivals takes place there annually in the 32nd calendar week and invites visitors to travel back in time to 1361 and experience what life felt like back then. The atmosphere is positively enhanced by costumes, music, theater and jugglers, creating a festive ambience.

Furthermore, the Gotland Olympics take place every second weekend in July in the city of Stånga. In addition, every year on the first weekend in November, around 2200 participants take part in the largest enduro event in the world; the so-called “Gotland Grand National”. This takes place equally on Gotland and attracts many interested people.

“I have a house, a motley house”

The world-famous work “Pippi Longstocking”, written by Astrid Lindgren, is also immortalized on the Swedish island. There you can find the “Villa Kunterbunt”; the original building from the film series “Pippi Longstocking”. All these films were shot on Gotland, and in the “Villa Villekulla” you can see film props, such as the jacket of Mr. Nilsson, Pippi Longstocking’s monkey, and even Astrid Lindgren’s original typewriter. The “Villa Villekulla” is located near the city of Visby and is therefore well suited for a day trip with the whole family or friends.

Close on the trail of crime novels

Limestone Coast Gotland — Dreamlike limestone coast, Image: Niar / shutterstock

The home of director Torbjörn Axelman can also be visited as an artist’s museum. Many of his films are set on the Swedish island of Gotland. However, not only his films were shot on Gotland, but also various crime series, such as “Maria Wern”, “Kripo Gotland” and “Der Kommissar und das Meer”. Viewers and fans can visit the various filming locations of these films and series on the island and thus get an insight into the Swedish film industry.

Diversity in art

The island of Gotland offers its visitors much more. Among other things, Gotland has all the museums, such as the Bunge open-air museum and the Brucebo Artists’ Museum. Frequented are Gotlands Museum in Visby, which is an art museum, and Gotlands Fornsal, also in Visby, which depicts and illustrates the prehistory of the historic island. There are also numerous other museums on Gotland to discover.

The art museums, as well as art on Gotland in general, are characterized by the early medieval art phase of the Viking style, which is called the “Broa Phase”. Interested visitors gain an insight into the development of this art phase. In addition, the influence of Gotland culture due to the “Broa phase” becomes clear.

Gotland – Fascinating flora, fantastic fauna

Gotland’s diversity is reflected above all in the flora and fauna. The island in Sweden has a species-rich natural landscape, in which many rarities can be found. These include, for example, Spitzel’s orchid, a special and unusual plant. The bird species and the variety of orchids are considered particularly diverse; that’s what Gotland is known for. Not only those interested in nature, but also those interested in travel in general, describe the diversity of flora as outstanding and interesting to explore. One of the most famous nature reserves on the island is the “Uppstaig Reserve”, which protects the island’s biodiversity and makes it visually visible for future generations.

Characteristic Gotland

Particularly typical of Gotland are the fishing villages. At present, there are still up to 150 of these villages on the island in various sizes. In the past, they were mainly used by farmers; nowadays they are considered a sight on Gotland. Eleven of them are listed as historical monuments.
Various regional churches, which date back to the Middle Ages, can be found and visited on the Swedish island. Almost a hundred of them are still in good to very good condition. In the church of Öja there is one of the very famous Gotland triumphal crucifixes. It dates back to the 13th century and is considered unique in all of Scandinavia.

The Swedish island of Gotland is characterized by its diversity and thus allows its visitors to gain varied and new experiences. There is an extraordinary experience for every interest group and also for every age group.

Bad Hévíz – the enchanting spa town on the thermal lake

PatrickJullien

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3. March 2020

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Bad Hévíz – the enchanting spa town on the thermal lake

Located on the Hungarian spa road, the spa town of Bad Heviz is a very special destination. The city is located on the largest natural thermal lake in the world. Characterized by historic spa facilities and embedded in a particularly picturesque landscape, the small town offers the opportunity to experience Hungary from its most beautiful side.

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Cures not far from Lake Balaton

The history of the town is closely linked to the importance of the thermal lake. Even the Romans appreciated the healing effects of the world’s largest thermal lake. Haviz became one of the most famous seaside resorts in the country towards the end of the 18th century. In 1795, the first bathhouses and spa facilities were built by Count György Festeticx, after the therapeutic effect of the thermal water was scientifically proven.

Bad Hévíz — Image: Gabor Tokodi / shutterstock

With increasing demand, more spa facilities were built in the 1960s and the number of spa guests rose steadily. Today, the Hévíz is an attraction for nature lovers, wellness seekers and people with chronic and degenerative joint diseases.

The healing lake invites you to swim all year round, because the approximately 4.4-hectare lake is fed by a thermal spring from a crater. In summer, the lake offers bathers a water temperature of 33 to 36 °C and in winter around 25 °C. Rich in sulfur, carbon dioxide, calcium, magnesium and hydrogen carbonate, the lake is perfect for achieving physical relaxation. Accordingly, bathing in the lake is particularly indicated for rheumatic and motor complaints. The sea mud is also used in the field of physiotherapeutic measures, which are offered in the town’s spa houses. The water can also be used as part of a drinking cure to counteract stomach problems and digestive problems.

Relaxation and activity according to personal preferences

Even though the wide range of spa and wellness facilities in Bad Heviz invites you to relax, there are numerous opportunities for varied leisure activities in and around the town. A balloon ride is a special experience. This allows you to explore Lake Balaton from a new perspective, with its rolling hills, lush vineyards and authentic villages. In addition, Lake Balaton is considered a paradise for anglers and birdwatchers. In addition, Lake Balaton is ideal for a variety of water sports activities. Particularly attractive is a promenade boat trip starting from the port of Keszthely with the nostalgic ship Csobánc.

The charming region also invites you to take long walks, hikes and bike tours. In addition to Bad Heviz, there are wonderful Hungarian towns such as Keszthely, Gyenesdiás, Zalakaros, Balatongyörök and Vonyarcvashegy, each with its own unique charm. Such excursions can also be combined very well with a wine tasting in one of the numerous wineries.

If you want to get active during your stay in Hévíz, you can visit the Imperial Golf Club on the north-western shore of Lake Balaton, work out with squash, clay pigeon shooting, water sports, play tennies and much more.

Sights and excursion destinations in and around Hévíz

A stroll through Hévíz is an experience in itself due to the numerous historical buildings. A very special eye-catcher is the Holy Spirit Church in the city center. The church building, which was built between 1998 and 1999, impresses with its unusual architecture. Due to the very good acoustics, chamber music concerts are regularly held in the church. Directly next to the church is the “Nymph” fountain, which is considered the landmark of the city. If you are interested in the history of the city, a visit to the Heviz Museum Collection should not be missed. In addition to the interesting permanent exhibitions about the history, the well-known inhabitants and the traditions of the city, this museum also offers small art exhibitions.

A visit to the town of Kestzthely, only 8 km from Hévíz, is also highly recommended, as it is home to the palace of the Festetics family, built in the 18th century on the shores of Lake Balaton. The historic building is characterized by its French architecture. An extensive weapons exhibition, a large library and the unique architecture are extremely worth seeing. Readings, exhibitions and concerts are regularly held in the rooms, so it is worth taking a look at the region’s calendar of events. The palace visit can be combined with a detour to the Balaton Museum in Keszthely, which sheds light on the nature, history and traditions of the region.

One of the important sights of the region is Sümeg Castle, which is located in the small town of the same name. The castle from the 11th century is the oldest castle in the country. In the rooms of the lavishly restored castle, not only old knight’s armour and an extensive collection of weapons can be admired, but archaeological finds are also exhibited here. A special highlight are the knights’ tournaments that take place annually in August.

Procida, an insider tip in the Gulf of Naples

Europe
Italy

PatrickJullien

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29. February 2020

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Procida, an insider tip in the Gulf of Naples

The island of Procida is picturesquely located in the Gulf of Naples and belongs to the metropolitan city of Naples. The main town of this small island is named after the island itself and is also the only place. It has a population of 10,486, making it the most densely populated island in the entire Mediterranean.

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Procida, the original Italy

The smallest island off Naples is not yet overrun by mass tourism. There are only small hotels and a few holiday apartments that revive the original Italy .

Procida is of volcanic origin and therefore has an unmistakable nature. The coastline is very irregular and has very high rock walls. The beaches are very narrow and consist of black volcanic sand. There are six crater remnants on the island. One of these craters can be seen in the harbour circle of the Corricella and the Marina di Chiaolella.

In addition to this incomparable landscape, the flora is also beautiful. Lemon groves and many wildly overgrown gardens stretch across the island.

The sister island of Vivara

Vivara, Procida — Vivara, Image: Francesca Sciarra / shutterstock

Prociada has a sister island, the island of Vivara. It is very small with a size of 0.32 km² and is connected to Procida by a bridge. Vivara has been a nature reserve since 1974 and is part of the Area naturale marina protetta Regno di Nettuno. Many rare plant and bird species can be found on the small island.

The highlights of Prociada Island

As small as the island may be, it offers many other sights in addition to nature and Italian flair.

The Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo (L’Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo)

The abbey is located on the Terra Murata. This is the highest elevation on the island and is home to a medieval fortress. This is where the oldest settlement core on the island is located.

San Michele Arcangelo is the most famous attraction on the island, dating back to the 16th century.

The convent has its origins in the 7th century AD and was destroyed again by the Saracens. However, the residents kept rebuilding the convent. During an attack by the Saracens, San Michele suddenly appeared and repelled him. The tribe, which is native to the Arabian Peninsula, left full of fear of the patron saint of the island, leaving all its belongings and an anchor on the island. This anchor is still on display in the convent today.

From the abbey and thus the highest point of the island you have a beautiful view over Procida to Naples.

The Library of the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo (Biblioteca abbazia)

On the first floor under the abbey is the monastery library. Here are old books and writings and the figures of saints that are used in the Easter procession. The second floor houses a chapel. Here the altar is decorated with a picture showing the Archangel Michael.

The Marina Grande

Procida Port — Procida, a truly colorful island, Image: Francesca Sciarra / shutterstock

The port of Procida, Marina Granda, is the place to moor when you come to the island. It is a classic and very characteristic fishing port with small pastel-colored houses. This small port shows right from the beginning of the trip that the island is the epitome of Italian life. Here you will find many restaurants and bars that process the fresh catch of the local fishermen into delicious menus. Holidaymakers who prefer to cook for themselves can buy the fruits of the Mediterranean from the fishermen.

The Castello of the Island (Palazzo Reale)

The palazzo was built by the Cardinal d’Avalos in 1563. Before the castle became a dungeon, it was inhabited until 1800. A new and modern prison building was added to the old building, which served until 1988. Until this year, the prison was considered the safest in all of Italy.

Good Friday procession worth seeing

The Easter procession of the Misteri is the most famous in Italy. It begins in Piazza d’Armi and dates back to 1627. According to a Spanish tradition of misteri (mysteries), religious reliefs depicting the suffering of Christ are carried through the streets of the city. These depictions are elaborately handcrafted by the inhabitants of the island. On Good Friday night, a wooden statue of Christ is carried by believers on their backs to the highest elevation of the island. From here, the funeral procession begins in the morning, accompanied by trumpeters and during which relics and crosses are carried through the small alleys.

Tips for getting to Procida

The island of Procida can only be reached by boat. These depart regularly from Naples, Ischia and Pozzuoli. These include car ferries (“Traghetti”) and the fast hydrofoils (“Aliscafi”), which only operate between Marina Grande, the island’s port, and Naples or Ischia. These are significantly more expensive than car ferries and no longer run after a certain sea state. Naples is very easily accessible by plane from many cities.

Experience Düsseldorf

PatrickJullien

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28. February 2020

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The city of Düsseldorf in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia has often been voted one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world – and not without reason, of course. In the metropolis on the Rhine, architecture, fashion and culture play an important role. The new Competence Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries has recently also successfully implemented some creative and innovative ideas.

However, many travelers also use their departure from Düsseldorf Airport to explore the city more closely. So you can arrive early and park your car at Düsseldorf Airport – then you can use the S-Bahn to explore the city in a relaxed way.

During the day, the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia has a lot to offer, whether shopping tours or leisurely strolling in a modern ambience. In the old town, there are numerous opportunities to end a day full of events comfortably in a cool bar. If you prefer to be pampered in a nice restaurant, you will also get your money’s worth in Düsseldorf. You will also find many hip clubs where you can party until the early hours of the morning. So one thing is certain – a short trip to the modern city with a special flair is definitely more recommended.

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Sights in Dusseldorf

Benrath Palace

Benrath Palace, located in the south of Düsseldorf, is definitely worth a visit. It is the most important work of art in the city and also includes a magnificent complex consisting of the palace building and a large park. The castle originally served as a pleasure and hunting lodge and consists of a main building, an eastern and western cavalier wing and two gatehouses. It’s perfect for getting some fresh, electoral air! In the castle there are original furniture, paintings and porcelain pieces that shine in their beauty. You can also visit the only garden art museum in the world.

Königsallee

Königsallee is the right place for you if you want to expand your wardrobe with trendy pieces. Here there is one so-called flagship store next to the other and small boutiques can also be found in abundance. The boulevard, which is also called “Kö”, is also one of the leading luxury shopping streets in Europe and is considered the flagship of Düsseldorf. In the middle of the Kö, the Düssel makes its way and gives the street a great atmosphere with an impressive avenue of trees along the shore, which encourages strolling. The cosy cafés along the avenue invite you to relax and enjoy after strolling.

Media Harbour

The Media Harbour has established itself as an architectural highlight and an important sight in the city. Since the old Rhine port was renovated, the Media Harbour has been transformed into a hip and cool trendy district. Star architects such as Frank O. Gehry or David Chipperfield have given the port a very special appearance with their great buildings. Above all, the Old Zollhof, planned by O. Gehry, shows a lot of character. Large media groups and companies are based here and develop innovative ideas at the chic harbour.

Rhine Tower

From the Rhine Tower you have a fascinating view over the city of Düsseldorf. The tower is 240 meters high and has a great open-air viewing platform. From here you have a unique view of the Media Harbour, the old town, the Hofgarten and the Königsallee. On a sunny and clear day, you can even see Cologne Cathedral in the distance. Fun fact: Along the column of the TV tower, 39 of 62 portholes glow in the darkness and thus form the largest decimal clock in the world.

Old town

The old town has some insider tips as well as quaint pubs to offer. The well-known part only stretches over half a square kilometre, but as the well-known saying goes: Small but nice! A total of 260 bars are lined up closely followed by clubs – perfect for turning night into day. Düsseldorf’s old town always offers the perfect location, whether to celebrate exuberantly, to spend a cozy evening with friends or to celebrate a festive occasion in a chic ambience. For those who like to drink beer, this district is even a real treasure trove. Here, a freshly tapped Altbier can be enjoyed in the house breweries. On the so-called Brewery Trail, you can learn more details and exciting stories.

Carlsplatz

On the famous Carlsplatz, there is a lively hustle and bustle six days a week. While farmers used to offer their goods here, the oldest market still in operation has now been transformed into a true paradise for gourmets. The motto here is: freshness, variety and quality. From fresh fish, specialties from India or Italy, Dutch cheeses to sweet temptations, everyone gets their money’s worth here. But you can also enjoy a fresh coffee from a market’s own roastery or let yourself be tempted by the delicious lunch offer.

Rhine Fair

The Rhine Fair is the right place for you if you are a fan of thrills. Düsseldorf’s Oberkassel festival meadows are known for the largest funfair with more than 300 showmen on the Rhine. It takes place annually in the third week of July, lasts 10 days and is one of the largest folk festivals in all of Germany. Fun for the whole family is guaranteed here, whether on rides on crazy roller coasters or during the round trip on the Ferris wheel. In addition, the funfair is a paradise for connoisseurs and those with a sweet tooth. From potato pancakes, tarte flambée and Mexican specialties to churros, crepes and fruit covered with chocolate, everyone will find something delicious here. At the end of the fair days, a fascinating fireworks display is organized.

Visa Sri Lanka no longer free

Sri Lanka

PatrickJullien

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28. February 2020

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After the attacks last year, the Sri Lankan government decided to make the visa for Sri Lanka temporarily free of charge for tourists. Travelers could therefore receive both the Visa on Arrival at Colombo Airport and the e-Visa for free. After some time, the duration of the visa-free visa was extended and the travel industry had expected that Sri Lanka would maintain the free visa for Sri Lanka for a long time due to the apparent success of this measure.

Unfortunately, at the beginning of February 2020, the authorities of Sri Lanka decided to charge fees for the Sri Lanka visa again and did so quite surprisingly. From one day to the next – without warning or advance notice – costs were charged again.

Although the Sri Lanka visa can be obtained as a visa-on-arrival on arrival at the airport, the Sri Lankan immigration authorities themselves recommend applying for and obtaining the visa before departure to avoid potentially long queues at the visa counter.

Sri Lanka, Elephants — Elephants in Sri Lanka, Image: givaga / shutterstock

The annoying thing about the eVisa application on the website of the Sri Lankan immigration authorities is that it says that you can also fill out the visa application in German (there is a nice button “German”), but if you click on the button, only the introductory information is displayed in German. The form itself remains in English, so it is not always clear what is actually being asked. (Also, the date format used in this Sri Lanka visa application form is not the same as what we usually use in Germany or Austria).

There are visa agencies that offer the Sri Lanka visa application for an extra charge with a German-language application form and also offer more payment options (such as B. eps and instant bank transfer) than the official website of the immigration authorities. However, if you use the services of a visa agency, make sure that you use a reliable visa agency to apply for a Sri Lanka visa . You can recognise them, for example, by the fact that they are based in the EU (preferably in Germany or Austria, because then there are no language problems), so that EU consumer law applies, the visa agency is available for questions (unreliable agencies do not answer calls and do not respond to e-mails) and, in the best case, even have a seal of approval from a buyer protection organization, such as Trusted Shops.