The Portuguese archipelago of the Azores is considered particularly attractive. Among the most picturesque islands is the fifth largest island, Faial, also known as Ilha Azul (Blue Island). The island got its affectionate nickname because of the blue blossoms of the hydrangea hedges that characterize the island. From the sophisticated island capital to the beautiful beaches and the volcanic landscapes, the Portuguese island paradise has a lot to offer.
Horta – the island’s capital with international flair
The island’s capital Horta, Image: sarionunes / shutterstock
Faial played a very special role among the Azores islands and this is also reflected in the development of the fashionable island capital Horta. Discovered by Henry the Navigator, the island of Faial was settled in the first half of the 15th century. The city of Horta was shaped by the large landowners who settled here and ensured a townscape befitting their status. This is evidenced, among other things, by the Igreja Matriz Sao Salvador in the center of the city, which catches the eye with its monumental baroque façade. From the In the 19th century, the influence of the American whalers was added and at the beginning of the In the 20th century, the relay station for submarine cables was built in Horta, which was an important communication hub between Europe and America. All this provided the international flair of the city, which still fascinates visitors today.
Today, Horta is the epitome of a picturesque coastal town with its mansions, churches and a charming waterfront. Especially the old town area with its magnificent buildings inspires and surprises at the same time. Beautifully landscaped gardens and parks invite you to linger, the marina provides maritime flair and the colourful displays of the town’s small shops invite you to go shopping, as does the city’s large market hall. Beautiful little cafés and restaurants entice you with specialties of the island cuisine, but also with international specialties.
Faial’s fascinating volcanic landscape
With its bizarre volcanic landscapes, Faisal is particularly worth seeing. Characterized by the volcanic crater Caldeira do Cobeco Gordo, which is located in the center of the island, the island has many special features. The volcanic crater impresses with a diameter of two kilometers. At the western tip of the island there is a particularly bizarre landscape, because a new mountain was built here from 1957 to 1958. This natural wonder dates back to the eruption of a volcano lying under the sea. The visitor centre located here vividly presents the eruption and the emergence of the new landscape.
Caldeira do Faial – the wilderness surrounded by civilization
Nature lovers should not miss the Caldeira do Faial. Here at the crater, which is up to 400 meters deep, there is vegetation untouched by humans. It is particularly attractive to walk around the crater. A corresponding hiking trail leads along the crater rim, so that the circumnavigation takes about 2.5 hours. From the crater, however, you can also enjoy a magnificent view and the Azores island seems to be at the feet of hikers. In good weather, the view extends to the neighboring islands of Pico and Sao Jorge and even to Graciosa.
Tips for carefree beach fun
The beautiful Azores island offers beautiful beaches that invite you to relax. One of the highlights is the Praia do Porto Pim beach, which is located at the foot of Monte de Guia and not far from the city of Horta. Where once the whalers moored their boats, beachgoers can now enjoy carefree bathing pleasures on the bright fine sandy beach.
North of Horta, on the other hand, the Praia do Almoxarife beckons. The dark sandy beach is a good 4 km from the ferry port and looks wildly romantic. The beach of volcanic origin is a great place to enjoy the sun, but the current can be treacherous, so families usually prefer Praia do Porto Pim.
A fantastic natural swimming pool can be found in the former Varadouro spa. Here in the southwest of the island, bathing becomes a nature experience, because the natural lava pools are particularly pleasant and located in a particularly picturesque environment.
Watching whales in their natural environment
Calderia do Faial, Image: Lina Balciunaite / shutterstock
One of the impressive possibilities offered by a holiday in Faial is whale watching. All year round, different species of whales and dolphins can be observed around the island paradise. In the period from February to June, nature lovers can also observe the giants of the seas in the form of humpback whales and blue whales and listen to their distinctive songs. The impressive animals weigh up to 200 tons and impress with a length of up to 33 meters. In addition to boat tours for whale and dolphin watching, the whaling museum with its impressive exhibits and the whale watching posts on land are also recommended.
The archipelago of the Azores, which belongs to Portugal, is not necessarily one of the most visited tourist destinations. That’s exactly her big plus. Because despite a pleasant climate, wonderful flora and fauna, great beaches and excellent food, you can relax here in peace and quiet and also actively relax. The archipelago of the Azores is often visited by tourists in their entirety. This means that a round trip across the islands is often undertaken. If you don’t visit the second smallest Azores island Graciosa, you’re missing out. The name of the island, which is only 61 square kilometers in size, keeps its promise. Translated into German, Graciosa means something like dainty. Like the other Azores islands, it is also of volcanic origin. Graciosa is considered flat and exceedingly green. A perfect place for relaxed walking and cycling trips. Since 2007, the island has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
A visit to the island’s capital Santa Cruz da Graciosa
With just under 1,800 inhabitants, Santa Cruz da Graciosa is not only the island’s capital, but also the largest town on the Azores island of Graciosa. Just like the entire island, the capital Santa Cruz da Graciosa is more rural and looks more like a village than a city. Here, visitors can easily reach all the sights on foot, because Santa Cruz da Graciosa is clearly arranged. The center of the city is the Rossio, i.e. the town square. Here, quaint cafés are lined up and invite you to sit in the sun with a coffee and watch the hustle and bustle. Tall dragon trees line the Rossio and provide shade at lunchtime.
The neat residential buildings in the inner city area come from the 18. and 19th century and give an impression of how the place was laid out in earlier times. The main church of the city, the Igreja Matriz de Santa Cruz, is absolutely worth seeing. It dates back to the early 16th century and has been expanded and rebuilt again and again over the years. Its church tower dates from 1732. There are several other small churches, chapels and monasteries in the city. A little south of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, the city’s local mountain, Monte da Ajuda, can be climbed. Here, on the volcanic hill that makes up Monte da Ajuda, there are three pilgrimage churches with colorful interiors. A walk of about 20 minutes leads from the city center up to the summit.
In addition to the churches, a bullring can also be visited here. If you want to learn about the wine-growing and whale-making tradition of the islanders, visit the Museu da Graciosa after this walk. In earlier times, the islanders lived mainly from whaling. It was banned here in 1982. You can swim at the foothills of the city in natural lava pools, the Piscinas naturais. Here the water is shallow and always warm.
With the courage of discovery to the Caldeira da Graciosa crater
Stunning cliff Ponta da Barca, Image: stefanophotographer / shutterstock
The Caldeira da Graciosa crater is extremely impressive. With a diameter of 1.6 kilometres on one side and 800 metres on the other, it has a depth of 270 metres. The best way to climb is via the designated hiking trail to the Furna da Maria Encantada cave. Or you enter a tunnel, also marked as a hiking trail, which leads you into the volcanic crater itself. The crater is covered in wonderfully lush green. On the way there, hikers pass lush vegetation of sticky seeds and acacias, Japanese sickle firs and fir trees. The sulphur grotto called Furna do Enxofre forms the interior of the volcanic crater. You climb the 40-metre-deep grotto through a brick tower that was built at the beginning of the 20th century. This will take the adventurous to a lake inside the volcanic crater. Furna do Enxofre can be imagined as the chimney of a volcano. This somewhat mystical volcano and cave adventure impresses adults and adventurous children alike.
Relax at the Carapacho Thermal Spring
After the exciting volcano adventure, visitors are probably in the mood for a little relaxation. And that’s what the island of Graciosa also has to offer. The Carapacho thermal spring has been bubbling here since 1750. Not only is it close to Furna do Enxofre, but it is also directly connected to it. The thermal water of the Carapacho spring comes directly from the volcanic crater. It contains numerous minerals that can alleviate rheumatic diseases, for example. In the 19th century, the small town of Carapacho was famous as a spa in circles of wealthy Azoreans and Portuguese. Today, a modern spa house invites tourists and locals alike to enjoy spa treatments. The thermal water has a temperature between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. There is both an indoor and an outdoor area. In the outdoor area, visitors bathe in a naturally created sea bathing facility.
Windmill idyll in the village of Praia
If you travel by ferry to the Azores island of Graciosa, you will land in Praia, because this is where the island’s ferry port is located. On this occasion, you should take a look at the traditional windmills of the village. They are true tourist magnets and have been lovingly restored for this reason. In some of the windmills, tourists can even spend the night. South of the harbour stretches a romantic sandy beach, from where excursions can be made by boat to the uninhabited offshore Ilhéu da Praia. The nature reserve there is home to a variety of rare seabirds.
If you are traveling in the Naples region in the south of Italy, you simply can’t get past the small town. This is characterized by the famous archaeological sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata. The remains of the ancient Roman city at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, which was covered by a layer of ash and stone several meters thick when the volcano erupted on August 24, 79 AD, are among the most famous sights in Italy and captivate many millions of locals and tourists from all over the world every year.
Due to its popularity, you have to be prepared for long waiting times when visiting Pompeii. Since the end of the 1990s, the archaeological sites have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the excavation sites either on your own with an audio guide or as part of a guided tour. Here you will learn a lot of exciting details about life in Pompeii and the end of the former Roman small town. Due to the size of the entire area and the numerous highlights, you should plan a lot of time for visiting the excavation sites. Since the extensive area can only be visited on foot, sturdy shoes should be worn and sufficient drinks should be brought along.
Exciting insights into real ancient life
Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background, Image: muratart / shutterstock
In the 16th century, the excavations of Pompeii began. In the past centuries, large parts of the city in and around Pompeii were gradually excavated again at great expense and made accessible to visitors. Numerous streets, houses, small and large statues or pictures are still very well preserved. Many famous mosaics and frescoes from antiquity are also still very well preserved. In Pompeii, you get an extremely exciting insight into Roman life more than 2000 years ago.
Among the most spectacular buildings on the entire site are the Temple of Apollo and the large Forum, which served as a marketplace and center of all public life in Pompeii for a long time. The well-preserved large amphitheater for up to 20000 people should not be missed. The numerous small shops, bars and taverns in the large main street Via dell’Abbondanza also give an extremely exciting insight into daily life in Roman antiquity. To make your visit to Pompeii a pleasant and unforgettable experience, there are numerous small and large accommodations for all tastes throughout the region. From here you can easily start the excursion to Pompeii. If possible, a visit to the excavation sites should also be combined with a trip to Vesuvius. The volcano should not be missed.
The small town of Pompeii, which today has about 25,000 inhabitants, is also always worth an extra visit. The most famous sight of the city is the impressive pilgrimage church of the Rosary. From its bell tower you have a sensational view over the entire region with the huge excavation sites to the idyllically situated Gulf of Naples. About 16 kilometers from Pompeii, the small town of Amalfi is located directly on the west coast of the Gulf of Salerno. On the Amalfi Coast, which is known far beyond Italy’s borders, lies Strada Statale 163 Amalfitana, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Europe.
Best time to visit Pompeii: June to August
The best time to travel to Pompeii is during the summer months from June to August. During these months, pleasantly warm temperatures of about 30 degrees Celsius and plenty of sunshine are to be expected. Precipitation is very rare during this time. But if you want to avoid the large number of tourists during this time or if the summer temperatures are simply too warm for you, you should rather go to Pompeii in spring or autumn. Especially in autumn, there are still pleasant temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. However, some rain showers are to be expected again and again during this time. The archaeological sites of Pompeii can be reached via Piazza Esedra, which is located a few meters from the Pompei Villa dei Misteri train station, or Piazza Anfitetro, near the Pompei Santuario train station. If you arrive by car, you can reach the excavation sites, which are only closed three days a year (on 1 January, 1 March and 25 December), via the A3 motorway.
Escaping the stress of everyday life for a few days is totally trendy. The short trip offers range from a wellness weekend at the North Sea to hiking tours in the Harz Mountains to a shopping tour to Paris. Families with children or dogs and masters also rely on relaxation on a short trip.
If you want to book a short break today, you can fall back on numerous offers. Luxurious hotels entice you with a champagne breakfast in the suite and an exclusive candlelight dinner in the evening. During the day you can book numerous wellness treatments. Pure wellness hotels score with all-inclusive offers such as massages, heat treatments and water aerobics. A camping weekend on the Baltic Sea offers a high level of comfort at a low price. Families with children are drawn to a nearby holiday park. While the little ones are looked after in the kids’ club, mum and dad can go on tour on their own. City trips are also in vogue.
Here, the offer ranges from middle-class hotels with breakfast, to exclusive apartments with roof gardens, to simple Pension Garni. Holidaymakers can determine the type of journey themselves. The most convenient way to get there is by car. However, some hotels also offer cheap train packages and pick up guests at the train station. If you decide on a city trip, you can book cheap flight packages or take advantage of a package deal. In the cities, you can get around by bus and train and use discounted day tickets. Guests who also want to get to know the surrounding area can simply rent a car.
Short break on your own doorstep
The Speicherstadt in Hamburg, Image: foto-select / shutterstock
When it comes to short vacations, Germany has a lot to offer. The north scores with beautiful islands, miles of sandy beaches and an inexhaustible range of active holidays. The low mountain ranges attract visitors with idyllic small towns steeped in history and offer ideal conditions for hiking and cycling tours. The Alps are a popular short travel destination in summer and winter. In the cold season, holidaymakers are drawn to the ski resorts with numerous downhill runs and groomed cross-country ski trails. In summer, hikers and mountaineers usually come here and families with children enjoy carefree hours in nature.
German cities also attract holidaymakers from distant countries. This is not surprising, because centuries-old cultural monuments and interesting museums await you everywhere. The cultural offerings are also first-class. Musical performances, concerts and readings are on the programme as well as folk festivals and traditional events. If you like it sporty, you can combine a city trip with a Bundesliga match or take part in a stadium tour. Short trips by bike are also inspiring more and more people. In rural areas, you can spend the night in special bicycle hotels or individually in hay. Germany has thousands of kilometres of well-developed cycle paths. A visit to tropical bathing areas can be wonderfully combined with a short holiday at a holiday park.
European Metropolises and Holiday Areas
Nyhavn, the “New Harbour” in Copenhagen, Image: Nattee Chalermtiragool / shutterstoc
Europe’s metropolises are among the most visited cities in the world. This is no wonder, because superlative tourist attractions await you everywhere. Scandinavian cities are a guarantee of cosiness and free of any hustle and bustle. Copenhagen is Europe’s number one cycling city and Helsinki can be easily discovered by tram. The cottages along the fjords and skerries are ideal for a few days to escape the noise. The Netherlands and Belgium have great offers for camping enthusiasts. Here you can rent a caravan or a mobile home for the weekend and let the rough wind of the North Sea blow around your nose.
France is very much in vogue with German holidaymakers. Normandy and Brittany can also be discovered in parts in a short time. Even more popular are stays in the wineries in Provence or Burgundy. These can be ideally combined with a wine seminar or wine tasting. The beaches of the Mediterranean can be easily reached in no time by plane. A weekend trip to Mallorca or Sicily is also worthwhile. If you want to go on a shopping tour, you can travel to Milan or Paris. In Barcelona, Nice and Genoa, you can not only go on a shopping tour, but also relax on beautiful beaches. Europe is the epitome of historic buildings and is also home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On a short trip, you can experience the historical sites very intensively. Tuscany and Provence combine history and modernity and also entice with culinary highlights. Culinary short trips can be booked to many European destinations and take part in a cooking class or learn how to brew beer or make cheese.
A short trip to the most beautiful cities in Europe
Europe is packed with fascinating cities and glittering metropolises. The choice of accommodation options is also almost inexhaustible and almost every city can be reached quickly by train, car and plane. If you want to experience a metropolis of millions for a few days, you can travel to London or Rome.
The English capital is packed with world-renowned sights and has an exciting nightlife. Rome , on the other hand, attracts with historical monuments and southern flair. Barcelona is shaped by Gaudi’s architecture and Odense is all about Hans Christian Andersen. Not only the big metropolises are an attraction for short trips, but also the small towns are fascinating in their own way. Manchester is Europe’s number one football capital and the Beatles are still omnipresent in Liverpool. Aachen is the cultural city in the border triangle and the cathedral is the tourist attraction of an entire region.
The Ruhr area is a guarantee for evening entertainment and the old colliery buildings are now cultural palaces. The Rhine cities of Cologne and Düsseldorf are scheduled for 11.11. to Ash Wednesday is all about carnival and the Munich Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world. The Roman cities of Trier and Speyer are just as steeped in history as the papal city of Avignon and Roskilde with its beautiful fjord, which is besieged by Vikings.
Spend the weekend actively
Short trips over the weekend are not always about rest and relaxation, but also about a variety of activities. At the top of the wish program are guided bike tours, either along rivers or through fascinating nature areas. Short hiking tours from city to city or around a tourist destination are also very much in vogue. Recently, unusual activity offers are also attracting short vacationers. At the North Sea, you can experience a tea weekend and mix your own tea blends from self-collected herbs.
If you want to experience something very unusual, you can book a tour with a hot air balloon or get into a glider. Men who sit at their desks all week can drive an excavator or have fun with a jackhammer on a weekend vacation. Classic Nordic walking tours are also still very popular. If you want to combine sporting activities with wellness, choose a detoxification weekend with massages and drinking cures. Taster sports offers are the right thing for people who want to get to know different sports offers. These range from Zumba to spinning to yoga. Families with children can also book active weekends and experience adventure trips into nature or enjoy social sports such as volleyball or football. All activity offers are coupled with the appropriate overnight stays and travel packages.
A child-friendly and exciting getaway
The Alpsee in the Allgäu Alps, Image: Umomos / shutterstock
Even families with children are increasingly opting for a short trip. The travel industry has long since reacted to this and even lures with special children’s hotels. Here, the little ones are looked after throughout the day and can take part in numerous activities. A separate wellness and sports programme awaits parents. Parents who prefer to experience a short holiday together with their children will find excellent offers in the holiday hotels on the North Sea and Baltic Sea and in the Allgäu. Here, families can go on the slopes together or go on a mudflat hike.
The accommodation options are completely tailored to the needs of families. Many rooms have a connecting door or a folding sofa that can be converted into a cot in the evening. Some hotels even provide baby cots free of charge and it is not uncommon for children to stay in their parents’ rooms for free. If parents book breakfast, there is often a free breakfast for the children. In city hotels, you can often rent a buggy or a child seat for tours. Holiday parks and camping parks offer a great programme of fun and games for children during the holidays and at weekends. Families can also make a bargain on arrival. Babies usually fly free of charge and airlines offer cheap packages for children. The railway also has bargains for families on offer. In the cities, local transport offers discounted day tickets for families.
Short trips for dog and owner
Winter holiday with animals, Image: Soloviova Liudmyla / shutterstock
Pets are part of the family and are now taken on holiday as a matter of course. Short trips especially for dogs and their owners are also becoming increasingly popular. There is nothing better than playing and romping with your dog on the beach. Fantastic dog beaches can be found, for example, on Sylt or in Brittany. Here, the accommodations are also adapted to the transport of pets. In England, you can even take the dog with you to the beach everywhere and he is even allowed to go to the restaurant in the evening.
Denmark also attracts with pet-friendly holiday apartments. Here you will also find short trip accommodations for cats or birds. Some apartments also allow you to take several pets with you. If you want to go on a weekend hike with your dog, you are in good hands at the North Sea or in the low mountain ranges. Rooms on farms are ideal for an overnight stay, as the landlords are used to dealing with animals. In Scandinavia, many holiday homes are located in the immediate vicinity of fenced-off dog forests. Even city trips are no obstacle for master and dog. In many cities, the parks have special exercise areas for dogs and the local recreation areas are also adapted to the visit of pets.
Until the Industrial Revolution, Angkor was the largest city in the history of mankind. The restored temples of the former megalopolis are now considered a landmark of Cambodia. The most famous temple is Angkor Wat. The central tower of this building rises 65 meters. Many visitors don’t realize that lesser-known ruins in the temple area are similarly spectacular.
The decorations and reliefs in the ruins tell the story of the Khmer. In addition to Hindu and Buddhist religious motifs, depictions of immense battlefields are carved into the stone walls. Angkor Wat means “temple of the city” in German. The temple was built in the 12th century by Emperor Suryavarman II. Several wars have shaped Angkor’s thousand-year history. One of the biggest enemies was the Kingdom of Cham (today’s Vietnam), which conquered the city in the meantime. In addition, towards the end of the 12th century, the main religion was changed from Hinduism to Buddhism. The changes in power and religion led to the region being shaped by many different cultures.
Although the temple area can be visited without a tour guide, a guided tour is worthwhile. Information boards have been set up at the most important sights. However, interesting anecdotes about the history and architecture of Angkor are only told by the local tour guides.
The temples
The temple area covers 400 square kilometers. If you don’t just want to see the buildings near the entrance, you have to be mobile. Drivers are easy to find in Siem Reap and near the temple area. A chauffeur is also worthwhile to avoid the largest streams of tourists. It is best to start the day outside the main temple and visit it towards the end. There are plenty of spectacular temples to see. Below are the five most important sights.
Angkor Wat
Near the main temple Angkor Wat, visitors gather even before the gates of the park open in the morning. The sunrise tours are popular. The sight of the temple is spectacular. The temple structure comprises three levels and five towers and is one of the largest religious structures in the world. The ascent to the top offers an impressive view.
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom, Image: karinkamon / shutterstock
Angkor Thom is a temple complex located about 10 minutes drive from Angkor Wat. After the change to Buddhism, it became the center of the city. Here you can see impressive buildings such as the Elephant Terrace (former parade ground) or the five stone gates.
Bayon
Bayon is a special temple in the Angkor Thom temple complex. Its unique selling point is that some huge faces were carved into the stone. In total, the temple comprises 54 towers and 216 faces of different sizes.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm, Image: DeltaOFF / shutterstock
What is special about Ta Prohm is that the temples here are overgrown by jungle. Giant trees with mighty roots sometimes stand in the middle of the stone buildings on them and make for an adventurous sight.
Banteay Srei
The Banteay Srei area is an emerging tourist region in the temple area. Here you will find the “Temple of Women”, which is characterised by its filigree decorations. It is also worth visiting a flower garden or viewpoint nearby with a view over the Kbal Spean National Park.
The city of Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the nearest city. Their international airport is the starting point for all domestic and foreign tourists coming to Angkor Wat. From Siem Reap it is just under an hour by tuk-tuk to the temple area, a little less by taxi. Tuk-tuks are small two-wheeled carriages that are pulled by a driver on a motorcycle. A trip is worth it just for the experience. For inexperienced visitors, however, the hectic and bumpy streets of Siem Reap take some getting used to.
In Cambodia , it is customary for the price to be negotiated. Anyone who directly accepts the first offer when taking a taxi risks paying too much. With a little skill, price reductions of up to fifty percent of the initial price can be negotiated. Bicycles or motorcycles are also rented in the city. The functionality of the machine should be checked before taking over.
In addition to the temple cities, there is more to see in Siem Reap. The city is home to a circus, the National Museum, several shopping malls and many massage studios. While strolling through the streets, you will encounter the aromas of Asian cuisine and incense sticks from the restaurants and shops. Everyone has the chance to try a fried tarantula or crocodile meat from the Dutch oven. These are tourist attractions. If you are looking for traditional food, it is better to order beef lok lak or fish amok.
Result: A holiday in Siem Reap promises a vibrant city and fabulous temple ruins in the heart of a multicultural multiculturalism.
Cities full of cultural treasures, picturesque landscapes and vineyards or rather Caribbean feeling in Sardinia? Italy makes the hearts of a wide variety of holidaymakers beat faster. Here are the most popular destinations for the pearl of holiday destinations in southern Europe:
Rome, the capital of Italy, can confidently be described as the only large open-air museum. No wonder, since an empire was once ruled from here. Of course, the Colosseum must be on the to-do list. The monumental structure once hosted gladiatorial competitions and other events for the amusement of the Roman people – the sheer size of the amphitheater is breathtaking. But the Pantheon with its impressive architecture, the ruins of the Roman Forum or Castel Sant’Angelo are also on the bucket list in the Eternal City. Other highlights include climbing the Spanish Steps and taking a selfie in front of the Trevi Fountain.
The Vatican
It is located entirely within Rome and yet is even a small state in its own right – the Vatican, the hub of the Catholic Church and the official residence of the Pope. The sights of the small country bear witness to the richness of the church and make Christians and non-Christians pause in amazement. St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest sacred building in the world and impresses with its magnificent interior. From the gigantic dome, there are views not only of St. Peter’s Square. For art lovers, the Vatican Museums are more than worth a visit. In the palace with the treasures from the Renaissance there are Raphael’s rooms. But the Sistine Chapel, designed by Michelangelo, is also one of the most famous works of art in the world.
Dreamlike Venice
Grande Canal in Venice, Image: Adisa / shutterstock
The lagoon city of Venice is considered a true destination for lovers and honeymooners. But hardly anyone else can resist the charm of the city built on water. Sailing through the canals in a gondola takes you under the Rialto Bridge or the Bridge of Sighs, and among the architectural highlights the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica stand out. At St. Mark’s Square with its countless pigeons, visitors soak up the flair of Venice.
Florence – Masterpiece of the Medici
View of Florence and the cathedral, Image: RastoS / shutterstock
Florence was once the cradle of the Renaissance and the richest city in the world. The most famous building is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its gigantic dome, which was considered impossible to build back in the 14th century. In a total of 50 halls in the Uffizi Gallery, culture lovers can walk in the footsteps of Italian artists: Da Vinci, Boticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo are represented here. On the famous Ponte Vecchio, guests can browse through small gold and jewellery shops and the Palazzo Vecchio with its slender tower should also be visited.
Pisa – Snapshot included
The city attracts countless visitors with its famous landmark – the Leaning Tower of Pisa with its impressive inclination is a must on a trip to Italy. Who can find the best spot to take a funny holiday photo?
Tuscany – for connoisseurs and nature lovers
Pisa and Florence are both located in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy – the name Tuscany alone awakens longings. Gentle hilly landscapes, olive groves and, of course, vineyards characterize the picturesque picture. A visit must include the enjoyment of a glass or two of Chianti wine. The Etruscan Riviera offers relaxation on miles of beaches and the Parco della Maremma nature reserve invites you to long hikes.
Elba – Tuscan Island
Elba – About 10 kilometers from the mainland, the former exile of Emperor Napoleon is ideal for a day trip. From the summit of Monte Capanne, travelers look out over the shimmering turquoise Tuscan archipelago with its many small islands, and pure relaxation beckons on the beaches.
Cinque Terre – the famous five villages
Vernazza, Image: Whatafoto / shutterstock
A picture straight out of a book awaits holidaymakers with the Cinque Terre, which are one of the most sought-after destinations in Italy. The small villages are built directly on and on steep cliffs on the Italian Riviera and the houses inspire with their beautiful colors. The 5 Ligurian gems are connected by a hiking trail.
Pompeii – unique archaeological site
The most famous eruption of a volcano in the history of mankind took place in 79 AD. The ash clouds of Mount Vesuvius hit the ancient city of Pompeii with relentless force, burying the thriving place under ash and lava for centuries. Today, guests can once again walk the streets of the city and immerse themselves in the fate of the people of the Gulf of Naples at that time.
Capri – glamour and jet set
View of the coast of Capri, Image: S-F / shutterstock
If you have been to Pompeii, you should definitely plan a trip to Capri afterwards. The island in the Gulf of Naples is considered a center of attraction for the rich and famous. With a bit of luck, you can meet one or the other celebrity here and admire yachts in the harbor. If that doesn’t appeal to you, you can sail to the fascinating blue grotto in a small boat.
Lakes of Northern Italy
A sought-after destination in the far north of Italy are the Upper Italian Lakes with their Mediterranean flair. Lake Maggiore, Lake Como or the famous Lake Garda – bathing fun with a view of the peaks of the Alps and water sports are among the preferred activities here. But the region is also a true Eldorado for hiking enthusiasts and mountain bikers.
Sicily – Italy’s largest island
Isola Bella off Taormina in Sicily, Image: IgorZh / shutterstock
The largest Italian island has something for everyone. Families can spend relaxing days here on beautiful sandy beaches, and water sports such as diving and surfing provide variety. Active holidaymakers go on a hike in the interior of the island and sightseeing is not neglected in Sicily . Walks through the alleys of the old town of Palermo are just as charming as visiting the ancient theatre of Taormina or archaeological sites of Agrigento.
Sardinia – the Seychelles of Europe
Sardinia more than lives up to its reputation! On the Emerald Coast, the Mediterranean Sea glistens in all shades of blue and turquoise, and the coral reefs of the La Maddalena archipelago can easily compete with diving spots like the Seychelles . Another natural jewel of Sardinia is the famous Neptune Grotto.
Lake Constance, which marks the border triangle of Switzerland, Austria and Germany, is a popular destination for holidaymakers. In addition to Constance in the east, Friedrichshafen is also located on the German side of the lake, making it the second largest city in the area. Friedrichshafen belongs to the western side of the lake and thus to the state of Baden-Württemberg. It became a large district town as early as 1956. Since 2011, Friedrichshafen has also been a university city. About 60,000 people call it home and appreciate their city for its many possibilities.
Zeppelins are omnipresent in Friedrichshafen, Image: AVC Photo Studio / shutterstock
Friedrichshafen is known as the city of zeppelins. The Württemberg Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin founded the construction of rigid airships here at the turn of the 20th century. The “Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH” and the “Zeppelin Foundation” still exist today. In 2001, the Zeppelin experienced a renaissance in the air in Friedrichshafen. Since then, visitors have been able to book a sightseeing flight from Lake Constance Airport with the Zeppelin NT and take to the air. And if you don’t want to take off, you can experience take-offs and landings of the unusual vehicle from the terrace of the airport restaurant.
No wonder that the Zeppelin is an integral part of the cityscape of Friedrichshafen given its history. In the city garden there is a 13-metre-high bronze column as a monument to the airships. In 1909, the Zeppelin fountain was built, which awaits visitors in the city center. And of course, a museum in honour of the Zeppelin is not to be missed. It shows the largest collection in the world about the airships and their history. The centrepiece and highlight is a partial reconstruction of what is probably the most famous airship, the Hindenburg. Visitors can feel in the walk-in replica, as the passengers did on their flight. If you love art, you should make a detour to the second exhibition of the Zeppelin Museum. Well-known, avant-garde artists are part of the art exhibition, as well as works from the Baroque and Middle Ages. The museum offers interesting guided tours through the exhibitions and other events to participate and listen.
Cultural enjoyment in Friedrichshafen
The more than 6,000 square metre “Dornier Museum” directly at the airport also deals with flying. This is about pioneering work in aviation and the following 100 years, in which not only aerospace but also space travel developed at a rapid pace. A good 400 exhibits such as a flying boat and many other replicas and originals of aircraft by Claude Dornier await the curious in this museum. A tour with a museum guide also offers interesting insights into facts and anecdotes from aviation and the Dornier company. The school museum on the shores of the lake goes in a completely different direction. Here, the history of the German school from the Middle Ages onwards comes alive and tangible. Young and old visitors can understand everyday school life in times gone by in three classrooms. The years 18050, 1900 and 1930 have been reproduced here in the original. Curious exhibits complement the “School Day”. If you don’t want to go to school, you can also visit the Fire Brigade Museum. The old equipment shed is located in Waltenweiler and served the Ettenkirch fire brigade as a fire station for almost 50 years. Since 2002, the museum has been located here with its small but fine collection of old equipment and historical uniforms. This makes it easy to understand how life and equipment in the fire brigade have changed over the years.
Friedrichshafen is located a good 30 kilometers from the border with Austria. The Austrian city of Bregenz with its famous Lake Festival can be reached within 30 minutes. In the immediate vicinity of Bregenz is also the mountain “Pfänder” with a height of over 1,000 meters. Visitors to Friedrichshafen should take the opportunity to visit Bregenz’s local mountain by cable car, as it offers great views over the Lake Constance region at the eastern end of the lake and to more than 200 peaks in the Alps.
On tour by boat
The shipping lines of Lake Constance make it easy to reach other cities and sights on the lake without a car. A catamaran connects Friedrichshafen with Constance on the opposite shore of the lake every one hour. In addition to car ferries for practical transport, the ships of the “White Fleet” are also waiting to bring visitors closer to the surroundings with their mountains and nature on round trips. Special and quite romantic experiences are offered by the steamship Hohentwiel and “St. Joduk”, a cargo sailing ship.
(Cycling) Wander
If you like to ride your bike or your own feet, there are plenty of opportunities to do so around Friedrichshafen. Of course, a “Zeppelin City” also includes a suitable “Zeppelin Path”. It is 14 km long and starts on the southern edge of the city. From there, it goes via the former test site for the Zeppelin flight over the city center with the shipyard site and the Zeppelin village via today’s airfield to the airport, which is located in the northeast. Another theme trail is the history trail, which leads through the city over a length of 3 kilometers with 50 information boards.
Interesting buildings with history are highlighted here and informed about them. The surroundings can also be explored well by bike. Local bike rental companies provide visitors with the right bike and have maps of the area ready. Swimwear should never be missing on such a tour, whether on foot or by bike. Around the lake there are countless opportunities to go swimming. Most places offer lidos where sunbathing and splashing around are possible for little money. Lovers of art, culture, aviation and worldly pleasures will find opportunities to enjoy their vacation around Friedrichshafen.
More and more holidaymakers are opting for a holiday in Świnoujście at the very top of the north on the island of Usedom. In the seaside resort near the German-Polish border, the tourist infrastructure has improved extremely in recent years. Poland’s largest seaside resort has much more to offer than sun, sea and beach. Of course, the beach is one of the main reasons for many tourists to spend their holidays in Świnoujście. Many shops and elegant boutiques invite you to shop. The restaurants, some of which are also classy, are a wonderful place to feast. The amusing nightlife is provided by cosy bars and pubs. Here, people often party until the early hours of the morning. In the summer months, musicians can often be seen and heard on the Promenade Open Air.
Holidaymakers can look forward to an approximately 3-kilometre-long stretch of coastline with light, fine sand. It is not for nothing that the city beach of Świnoujście is the most beautiful beach in Poland. For wheelchair users and prams, there is a dune path parallel to the coast, with which even holidaymakers who have difficulty walking have access to the Baltic Sea . Several coffee stalls, coffee carts and small snack bars on the beach provide for the physical well-being on a beach day. Beach chairs are available for leisurely lingering, which can be rented out by the day or week. Here, holiday guests can relax and unwind. Showers, changing rooms and a Polish Baywatch in season complete the offer on the beach. Of course, the beautiful beach in the seaside resort of Świnoujście is not only an attraction in the summer season. In the cooler seasons, long walks on the beach along the Baltic Sea are almost a must.
The city of Świnoujście
Lighthouse in Świnoujście, Image: Radoslaw Maciejewski / shutterstock
The beautiful promenade of Świnoujście is an endless 800 meters long. Here you can take a wonderful stroll. Again and again, comfortable seating invites you to take a break. Separate footpaths and cycle paths leave plenty of space for everyone. There are also plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants to stop for a bite to eat right on the promenade. The sights in Świnoujście are diverse and very interesting. If you don’t want to explore the city on foot, you can make yourself comfortable in a horse-drawn cab and feel like you were in imperial times.
One of the many attractions in the city is the historic lighthouse in the port of Świnoujście. (Not to be confused with the white mill beacon on the beach) The lighthouse is considered one of the most beautiful and tallest beacons on Poland’s Baltic coast. Those who dare to climb the 308 steps to the lamp house will be rewarded with a fabulous view. The windmill lighthouse is located on the west pier directly on the Baltic Sea. This photogenic white beacon is a signal for shipping traffic towards the port. With its aesthetic windmill wings, the lighthouse is a real visitor magnet not only for photographers. Not only holidaymakers, but also many day tourists are drawn to the so-called Polish Market for shopping. Every day, you can shop to your heart’s content at densely packed market stalls and in small shop stalls.
The Polish shopping mile stretches endlessly and the range of cheap cigarettes, clothing, basketry and many other things is huge. Payment is made in both zlotys and euros, as in most shops and restaurants in the city. Those who want it a little quieter can enjoy beautiful nature with an old, species-rich tree population in the Świnoujście spa gardens. On about 60 hectares of land with small ponds and streams, tourists can take beautiful quiet walks here.
Accommodation and arrival
Sunset in Świnoujście, Image: marcinjozwiak / shutterstock
There are countless hotels and guesthouses in the seaside resort of Świnoujście. Whether star and wellness hotels or cheap accommodation with breakfast are desired, in Świnoujście every guest is sure to find the right accommodation according to taste and budget. Spa hotels with swimming pools, saunas and other wellness offers are often booked by guests who want to take a cure in Świnoujście. The mild, stimulating climate of the Baltic Sea region is very valuable in terms of health. Many hotels are located in older villas that have been lovingly renovated.
The villas are adapted to the style of the seaside resort architecture and shine invitingly with their white facades. Families with children or couples who prefer to be independent of a hotel business have a large selection of holiday homes and apartments to spend their holidays in. Travelers who cannot or do not want to drive to Świnoujście in their own car have the option of taking the train. There are train stations at the harbour or in the city centre. Comfortable bus trips to Świnoujście are also offered from Germany . Whether you travel to Poland with a partner, with your family or in a group. It will always be an interesting, relaxing and usually cheap holiday or day trip.
The view of the colourful gabled houses of the historic “Handelskade” waterfront is breathtaking. Willemstad is the capital of the Caribbean island of Curaçao. If you’ve never been there, the city of 140,000 inhabitants is best imagined as a mini Amsterdam – only much more colourful. The town is located around the natural harbour Schottegat. Many of their old town houses are built in colonial style. This gives the place a touch of exoticism in addition to its eternal summer temperature.
The island of the southern Lesser Antilles – also known as the “Leeward Islands” – is located north of Venezuela. It was once a slave market and Dutch colony. That is long history. Curaçao is now an autonomous state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is “associated” with the EU. Its citizens have a Dutch passport. Willemstad is a paradise for tourists: As a free port, the city is ideal for inexpensive shopping, it has architectural and other cultural treasures and an extraordinary flora and fauna. It invites beach fans to the white bays for water sports and dives on the turquoise sea. Visitors can expect European standards. This applies to medical care or drinking water, which can be enjoyed from the tap without any problems.
UNESCO declares historic districts a World Heritage Site
Visitors communicate in Dutch, Spanish or English, although the native language of most residents is the Creole language “Papiamentu”. The majority of the locals are descendants of former slaves. Descendants of persecuted Jews maintain their religion and traditions to this day. They had to leave Europe in the 17th century and played a major role in the construction of Willemstad. In 1997, districts of Willemstad were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which triggered a restoration boom of the historic buildings from the colonial era. But modernization also has its downsides: by increasing rents and real estate prices, it leads to an expulsion of the poorer population from the somewhat run-down neighborhoods, which are gradually being polished to a high gloss.
For ships, the Queen Emma Bridge will be swung to the side
On the road in Willemstad, Image: Studio Barcelona / shutterstock
Cruise ships and tankers reach the port of Willemstad through St. Anne’s Bay. This is not a bay, but a strait with the function of a canal. Two famous bridges span over it – the pontoon crossing “Queen Emma Bridge” for pedestrians – swinging to the side and passable for ships – and the Queen Juliana Bridge, which takes cars over the water at a height of 490 meters. The bridges connect two historic neighborhoods on the Atlantic shore: Punda in the east and Otrabanda in the west.
On the Waaigat inlet, the floating market in Punda tempts you to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and seafood. Also worth seeing is the old market hall “Plasa Bieu”, where you can eat well. Souvenir hunters will find interesting pieces of ceramics, carvings, straw braids or handmade kites in Punda. The nearby Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue from the 17th century is worth a visit, as is the simple Protestant Fortkerk in Fort Amsterdam, which was once built to defend the city and harbour.
The slave market used to be located in the Otrabanda district
Otrabanda is more rustic than Punda with its small alleys, but a little less chic. This used to be the district of the great slave market. In the dark, you should avoid its dark alleys, tour guides warn. Otherwise, Curaçao is considered safe. Beautiful colorful houses can also be seen in the Pietermaai district, which is also protected. Many galleries and studios can be found here. Where old houses have not yet been restored, artists are helping to beautify them provisionally with graffiti and murals. The Scharloo district is also all about creative people – now a real trendy district with co-working spaces, pretty apartments, trendy boutiques, cafés and restaurants. However, night owls will find most bars and restaurants in the Salina district. From the end of January to mid-February, Curaçao celebrates one of the largest carnivals in the Caribbean every year with street parties, music and large parades.
Delicious goat goulash from the many food stalls
In all parts of the city there are numerous food stalls or restaurants of all price ranges. The island’s cuisine features Spanish-Dutch, Southern, and Creole influences. Holidaymakers can’t get past rice, beans, plantains, cornmeal rolls, fish and seafood. Unless they insist on burgers with fries like at home. You should try specialties such as the cactus soup Kaduschi with meat or fish or Keshi Yena, cheese pockets filled with meat. The goat goulash Kabritu Stöba is delicious. Visitors can certainly easily do without the iguana soup, which is popular with locals.
A blue liqueur makes the island world famous
In the east of Willemstad, the Chobolobo country house on a former plantation is waiting for tourists to visit. Here you can learn everything about the liqueur that was created on Curaçao and has made the island world famous. However, the drink, which is made from the peel of bitter oranges and sugar, is unexpectedly colourful in typical island style: the liqueur is available in clear, green, blue and red. The blue color is said to have been created during production by a chemical reaction with a copper barrel. Today, food coloring is used all over the world.
Iguanas, turtles and a colorful bird life
Curaçao is also a destination for nature lovers, who get to see rare things on the island: iguanas can be observed in some bays. The bird world is colorful. Green parakeets with yellow heads, green-blue hummingbirds, the black and orange Baltimore rockets, the bright yellow sugar birds and the elegantly stalking flamingos in bright pink are striking. Visitors to Willemstad should not miss the “Seaquarium” and the “Zoo & Botanical Garden” to see dolphins and turtles as well.
The West African country of Namibia is predominantly characterized by countless natural attractions. If you are looking for African flair, you will definitely find it in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The largest nature reserve in the African country and the largest wildlife park on the entire continent is located in the west of the country directly on the Atlantic coast and covers a total of almost 50,000 square kilometres.
Together with the Skeleton Coast, the Dorob National Park, the Meob-Chamais Marine Protected Area and the Fish River Canon, the Namib-Naukluft National Park has been forming the huge Namib Skeleton Coast National Park, the eighth largest protected area in the world, for several years. The Namib-Naukluft National Park offers a breathtaking African wilderness in all possible facets. In order to be able to explore the numerous small and large attractions of the national park extensively, you should definitely plan enough time. A safari lasting several days or a round trip is particularly suitable for this. In the national park, numerous lodges with different facilities offer welcome overnight accommodation.
With many tour operators, you can even book the different tours in advance. But there is also the possibility to opt for one of the tours with different levels of difficulty on site. To capture the many breathtaking impressions of the national park, you should always have a camera with you.
Largest dunes in the world, Spectacular climbing tours in the Naukluft Mountains
Most of the national park is dominated by the Namib Desert. However, large parts of the extensive grounds are not accessible to humans. After all, the huge desert extends far beyond Namibia’s borders to the neighbouring countries of Angola and South Africa. Only the area north of the Kuiseb River, the Sossusvlei and the Naukluft Mountains can be explored by humans. Nevertheless, the national park also has a lot of variety in store for tourists from all over the world. The 500-kilometre-long and almost 200-kilometre-wide Namib Desert in the west of the national park is the oldest desert in the world.
Among other things, you will also find the highest dunes in the world here. The Sossuvlei, a salt-clay pan framed by several 300-metre-high dunes, is not only one of the most spectacular attractions in the entire national park, but has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for several years. Climbers and hikers from all over the world, on the other hand, get their money’s worth in the almost 2,000-metre-high Naukluft Mountains in the east of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. To explore the mountains, visitors have several hiking and climbing tours at their disposal, some of which are also led by experienced tour guides and guides.
Stunning flora and fauna in the Namib-Naukluft National Park
Breathtaking scenery in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Image: meunierd / shutterstock
Of course, you will also find what you are looking for in the huge national park in search of native animals and plants. A popular attraction for tourists from all over the world is Sandwich Harbour in the north of the park. More than 200,000 birds – from pelicans to cormorants to a wide variety of small and large seabirds – have found a home in the approximately 10-kilometre-long lagoon. The picturesquely situated lagoon can only be reached by off-road vehicle with all-wheel drive. Characteristic of the specific vegetation of the national park is above all the plant Welwitschia; which can live up to 2,000 years.
The plant, which is particularly widespread in the gravel desert north of the Kuiseb River, is so characteristic of Namibia that it can even be found in the country’s coat of arms. Occasionally, large acacias, camel thorn trees or dune grass grow in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. With a bit of luck, you can also observe zebras, baboons, jackals, roads or springboks in their natural habitat while exploring the park – including in the fertile river valleys. In the Meob-Chamais, a large and popular marine and island reserve, you can even see large African penguins in their natural habitat. The Namib-Naukluft National Park can be reached in the south via the B4 national road in the direction of the 12,000-inhabitant town of Lüderitz.
Best time to travel from April to June
The climate in the Namib-Naukluft National Park is characterized by hot temperatures of almost 50 degrees Celsius, especially in the summer months – especially in the extensive desert regions. There is only some rain here in the months of January and February. Due to the severe drought and high temperatures, it is essential to take plenty of water with you when exploring the national park. In contrast, it rains much more often in the Naukluft mountains. That’s why the vegetation here is much more varied than in the desert regions. The best time to visit the park is spring. Between April and June, pleasant temperatures of about 25 degrees Celsius prevail here. Even in the winter months, the temperature is still around 20 degrees Celsius during the day. However, night frost is always to be expected at night.
