Summer vacation: Six European cities are real insider tips – two are in Germany
It’s time to plan your next vacation. But the usual destinations on the North Sea, on the Ballermann or in the mountains don’t appeal to you this year? Then take a look around at our neighbors. FOCUS online has six insider tips for you.
In summer, German households prefer to stay in their own country or go to the Mediterranean Sea. This is shown by the results of the German Tourism Analysis 2023, for which 3,000 people voted on their most popular holiday destinations in an online survey.
Sunny countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain follow in fourth or second place. By far the most important thing is vacationing in your own country. Classic travel destinations such as Athens, Rome, Mallorca or the North Sea are usually overcrowded.
If you don’t want to deviate from your favorite destinations, you should take a closer look at these six travel alternatives.
1. Greek Wine in Nafplio
This place is a work of the gods: the beautiful coastal settlement of Nafplio is said to have been built by a son of Poseidon.
But even those who doubt the truthfulness of Greek mythology will be welcomed by a picturesque landscape and an impressive port city less than two hours from Athens. Nafplio at the northern end of the Argolic Gulf.
Climbing the 999 steps of the Palamidi Fortress here will reward you with an unforgettable view over the Peloponnese, crowned by a panoramic view of the city framed by crystal clear waters.
The small streets of the city offer enough space to let your soul dangle, and the beaches invite you to swim and laze around.
2. “Ciao bella Bracciano” (Hello, beautiful Bracciano)
Not only the Trevi Fountain or the Colosseum are worth a visit.
Anyone visiting the Italian capital should not miss the medieval mountain village of Bracciano. It is embedded in the hills almost 55 kilometers north of Rome directly on the volcanic lake of the same name. Here you can expect indescribable peace and untouched nature, which bears witness to the more than thousand-year history of the region.
Small streets in Bracciano invite you to stroll, dream and take pictures. A trip to the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is worthwhile here – a castle that has been expanded into a castle, whose visit feels like a journey back in time.
3. Passeggiata a Lucca (Drive to Lucca)
A walk through the Italian city of Lucca – Tuscany can be so beautiful. If you are interested in picturesque and rustic Italian cities, Lucca is the place for you.
Just a short train ride from Florence, visitors will find wide squares, narrow streets and clay tile roofs surrounded by 12 meter high walls. The architecture, which is more than 700 years old, is best admired from the Torre delle Ore bell tower.
4. Viva Spain, viva Costa Brava
The Spanish mainland not only has colorful and vibrant cities to offer. Here you will also find crystal clear water in small bays with fine sandy beaches, lined with green forests and whitewashed houses.
What sounds like a movie set is reality on the beautiful Costa Brava. The coastal town is north of Barcelona and is a real insider tip for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Spanish culture. Here you can relax, hike or cycle – with a view of the sun, the sea or, for a change, of pine forests.
Attention Game of Thrones fans: If you are driving from Barcelona towards the Costa Brava, you should definitely stop in Girona halfway – you might recognize one or the other film location here.
5. German city tour – it doesn’t always have to be Berlin
Berlin is the beating heart of Germany – but those who find it too colorful between Alexanderplatz and the Brandenburg Gate should go to Potsdam.
Located southwest of Berlin, things are a little quieter in the state capital of Brandenburg, despite the almost 5 million inhabitants. Impressive castles, numerous lakes, more rivers and canals than you think and gardens that have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO await here.
You should not miss the Sanssouci Palace in particular and stroll through the royal summer residence. You will see: It is not for nothing that this marvel is called the “Prussian Versailles”.
6. A journey through Regensburg
The Bavarian city of Regensburg lies dreamily and mysteriously on the Danube. Everywhere you can embark on a little journey through time to the Middle Ages or Roman times.
Here you can walk over an imposing old stone bridge from the 12th century, visit St. Peter’s Cathedral or stroll through the dreamy old town.
Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the Wallhalla national monument, which you can visit on a boat trip on the Danube.
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