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Holidays in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

Holidays in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

You are looking for a suitable holiday destination in Germany. How about an eventful holiday between the Baltic Sea and the Mecklenburg Lake District? Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania borders the Baltic Sea in the north and the Mecklenburg Lake District in the south, a 600-kilometre-long network of rivers, canals and more than 2,000 lakes. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania can boast 3 national parks, 8 nature parks, more than 100 different nature reserves and numerous old towns, palaces, castles and many other architectural monuments. In the holiday region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, holidaymakers will find relaxation, lots of nature and also cultural activities.

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Sights in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania

Among the numerous sights in the country, there are some that you should definitely have seen. In addition to cities such as Rostock, Wismar and Greifswald, the most famous excursion destinations include the Baltic Sea island of Rügen.

University city of Rostock

Hanseatic City of Rostock, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania — Hanseatic City of Rostock, Image: Oleksiy Mark / shutterstock

The university city of Rostock on the Baltic Sea offers its visitors numerous architectural monuments and sights. The St. Mary’s Church from 1230, which dominates the cityscape, is Rostock’s most beautiful church building. From the outside, the three-aisled basilica with transept and the west building with its mighty tower substructure can be admired. The 86.32-metre-high tower can be seen from afar. A special attraction inside the church is the large 11-metre-high astronomical clock with an apostolic ambulatory. The movement from 1472, which still runs precisely today, is a unique technical masterpiece of medieval watchmaking. Other works of art worth seeing inside are the bronze baptismal font, the late Gothic Rochus altar, the pulpit, the main altar, the baroque organ and, last but not least, unique, colourful windows with lead-framed mosaics and stained glass. Another worthwhile sight is the Alter Strom in Rostock-Warnemünde.

The promenade, which is popular with the locals with many souvenir shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and cafés, is definitely worth a detour. Here, guests can enjoy Rostock’s gastronomy and watch fishing cutters, passenger ships, yachts and sailing boats coming in and out. Other sights in Rostock are the seaport, the university square, the town hall, the Old Mint and the Rostock maritim e.V. In the latter, visitors can expect fascinating exhibitions with many ship models from Rostock’s maritime history. For families with children, a visit to Rostock Zoo is suitable. Around 4,200 wild animals live on the 56-hectare site. There are about 430 different species, including cheetahs, gorillas, orangutans, sloths and polar bears. The public show feedings that are presented here are particularly popular with children.

Wismar

The Hanseatic city of Wismar on the Baltic Sea offers a variety of culturally and historically important buildings and sights as well as first-class gastronomy. Fish lovers in particular will get their money’s worth here. In numerous fish restaurants, such as the Seeperle fish smokehouse or the traditional To’n Zägenkrog inn, hungry guests are spoiled with delicious fish dishes. The annual Wismar Herring Days are also recommended. On 2 weeks a year, tasty herring dishes are offered in the relevant localities. As a special highlight, a large herring roast will take place on the market square in the middle of the old town of Wismar . The historic market square impresses not only with its size of one hectare (10,000 sqm), but also with many buildings worth seeing.

In addition to the magnificent town houses around the square, the town hall, the Old Swede (the oldest town house in the city of Wismar), the former city guard, the Reuterhaus and above all the famous Wismar waterworks are more than worth a look. Visitors to the city of Wismar should also visit the St. Nikolai Church, built in the late Gothic style from 1381. The nave of the church, with a height of 37 meters, is only topped by Cologne Cathedral in Germany . Another attraction of the city of Wismar is the old harbour with its maritime flair. Many surrounding restaurants and quaint pubs invite you to linger here. Fresh fish or delicious fish sandwiches can be bought directly at one of the cutters located on the pier. A special tourist attraction in the harbour is a replica of the Poel cog “Wissemara”. A wreck find from the 14th century was the inspiration for this. During the Wismar Harbour Festival, which takes place annually in June, a trip to the Wismar Bay is also possible with the Poeler Kogge. In addition, harbour tours with a passenger ship are also offered.

Greifswald

The university and Hanseatic city of Greifswald was founded in the 13th century by the monastery of Eldena. It is located in the east of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on the Greifswald Bodden. This 514 km² national park is located between the mainland and the island of Rügen. It consists of shallow waters and lonely islands and is considered a true bird paradise. Every year, thousands of migratory birds rest here on their way to their summer quarters. The unique coastal landscape, characterized by shallow bays and narrow strips of sand, will delight every nature lover. Parts of the nave and the convent buildings of the former Cistercian abbey in the Eldena district of Greifswald have been preserved as ruins. They still give an impression of the once mighty monastery complex.

The landmark of Greifswald, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, is a must for every visitor to the Hanseatic city. The imposing church building has the shape of a basilica. The main structure consists of 3 naves, with the middle one towering over the two outer ones. The copper-roofed central nave has a length of approx. 80 metres and a width of approx. 30 metres inside. The 99.97-metre-high west tower of the church can be climbed via 264 steps. At a height of 60 meters, you finally reach a viewing platform, from which a magnificent view over the city is possible. A visit to the Pomeranian State Museum in Greifswald is also recommended. In the museum hangs the unique Croÿ carpet, a tapestry almost 7 meters long and over 4 meters high. The museum also displays many exhibits on the history of the earth and historical cultural assets, as well as numerous paintings, including works by the famous German painter Caspar David Friedrich.

Rebuke

Rügen in Germany — There are also beautiful beaches in Germany. Here in Binz on the island of Rügen

The final word goes to the island of Rügen. On Germany’s largest island, a popular destination is the legendary Königsstuhl. This fascinating chalk rock formation in the Jasmund National Park has been a tourist magnet for many years. From a height of 118 m above sea level. NN. offers the visitor a wide view of the Baltic Sea and the chalk cliffs in the area. Other sights include the Cape Arkona area monument, the Jaromarsburg temple fortress, the Sellin pier (the longest bridge on the island), the Granitz hunting lodge, the steam-powered narrow-gauge railway Rasenren Roland, the 1,250-metre-long and 4-17-metre-high treetop walk and the Prora, also known as the Colossus of Rügen.

Ilha Grande, a Brazilian island paradise

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Ilha Grande, a Brazilian island paradise

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.

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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

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

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!

Germany

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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

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.

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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

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.

Maui – Pacific island with diversity

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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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.

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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

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

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Holidays in Saxony – a pleasure for everyone

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.

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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

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, 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

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.

Pearls of Nature – three places with wonderful natural attractions

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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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.

Bad Hévíz – the enchanting spa town on the thermal lake

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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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.

Experience Düsseldorf

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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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.

Procida, an insider tip in the Gulf of Naples

Europe
Italy

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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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.

Visa Sri Lanka no longer free

Sri Lanka

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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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.