Like most European cities, the best way to experience Prague is on foot; savoring the sights and sounds up close and at your own pace. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and hit the streets.

1Walk Down Wenceslas Square

The centerpiece of the New Town, and likely your first visit after arriving at the train station, is the monument to the Czech hero Saint Wenceslas. The Good King himself looks down a grand boulevard lined with unique and colorful buildings on its way to the former city walls of the Old Town. The equestrian statue is ringed by four other Czech patron saints.

This large square has long been a gathering place for protests and demonstrations, including the peaceful Velvet Revolution that gradually seized power from the Czech communist government in the late twentieth century.

2Circle the Old Town Square

At the bottom of Wenceslas Square, you’ll be entering the Old Town of Prague; note the sudden change in street layout and architecture. Old Town Square in the center of the old walled city is an absolute must-see for every Prague visitor; predictably, it is often crowded. Try to visit early in the morning or, even better, late in the evening to enjoy a quiet square.

At the top of every hour, tourists gather around the Astronomical Clock to watch its chime. This complex clock marks the hour of the day in a twenty-four hour cycle, phases of the sun and moon, and the passing of the seasons. The hourly chime is small and quiet–it wasn’t originally built to entertain large crowds–so don’t expect a big flashy show.

3Make the Climb to Prague Castle

On the other side of the wide Vltava River, on top of a steep hill, is the large compound of Prague Castle. Not named for any one particular building, this fortified mini city has been the center of Czech power for centuries; from medieval kings to modern parliament.

From the top ramparts, look out over the contrasting architecture and red roofs of the Prague skyline stretching out below. Try to find the characteristic towers and steeples of the churches and the defense towers along the old city wall.

Crowds clear out at night, leaving the square around St. Vitus’ Cathedral and the normally jam-packed Golden Lane all yours for an evening exploration.

4The Jewish Quarter Jaunt

Prague’s Jewish Quarter–like those of many European cities–was originally a ghetto in which Jews were forced to live by suspicious Christian leaders. Today, it’s a vibrant, modern neighborhood with some well-preserved and well-presented Jewish heritage sites.

In addition to the museums and synagogues, don’t miss a look at the Old Jewish Cemetery. In the middle ages, Jews were only allowed to bury their dead in this tiny graveyard, so things got…vertical. Graves were stacked upon one another, and tombstones were placed wherever there was room. As the ground settled unevenly over the stacked graves, markers tilted and fell at strange angles, making this a fascinating–if somber–sight to see.

5Cross the Charles Bridge

Connecting the Old Town with the Castle Quarter, this bridge is the real star of the city. When you visit Prague, expect to cross this bridge several times; and expect to see something new each time you do.

Statues line both railings of this wide fourteenth-century bridge, but the most famous is that of the Bohemian Saint John of Nepomuk–look for the sad-looking man with a halo of five stars. According to legend, this Czech priest was martyred right here on this bridge, thrown into the river below for refusing to divulge the Bohemian queen’s secrets heard in confession. Touch the well-rubbed engraving at the base of the statue and wish for good luck when you pass.

After all this walking and statue-rubbing, the best way to unwind is with a few glasses of fabulous Czech beer or one of the local specialties like the plum brandy slivovice. You can even enjoy a few surprisingly cheap drinks between your walks–the locals won’t mind.

Der Beitrag Top Five Walks in Prague erschien zuerst auf Fritzguide.

Whether colorful as a candy pack or just completely in pink or smurfy blue – the 12 most colorful places in the world tell the dreary urban uniform gray to fight with color. But playing with color is more like a decorative painting.

The travel portal Travelcircus has located for you the 12 most colorful places in the world. So your next vacation will be guaranteed an unforgettable journey with urban color noise and good mood factor. After all, who can not start happy holidays with so much color?

The most important facts:
★ Discover 12 unique places with the most colorful cityscapes you have ever seen
★ The reasons for the color scheme of the colorful places could not be more different: While a film production quickly turns a city into a blue smut place, the colorful house facades in Burano serve as a guide and orientation guide.
★ Especially the Italian coastline Cinque Terre is a real paradise for all who are looking for exciting photo opportunities with five different colorful places.

1Positano, Italy

Can this beauty be reality? Yes! On the Amalfi Coast there is always a beguiling scent of lemon trees in the air, while the cliffs lined with picturesque towns form a spectacular backdrop. The showcase of the romantic area is the community of Positano. It is a unique sight because of its glittering church dome of yellow and green tiles, which stands out among the cube houses and the steep rocky slope.

More than impressive are the many colorful and mostly yellow-orange houses. It is not surprising that this coastal nest is said to be the most romantic place in Italy.

Travel Tip: Visit the Santa Maria Assunta Church with its colorful majolica brick roof. If you are exhausted in the mountainous city from the climb on the many steep stairs, Positano invites you really to do nothing: Here you can, for example, quite relaxed from the hotel “Il San Pietro” take the elevator to the beach.

Der Beitrag The 12 Most Colorful Cities On Earth erschien zuerst auf Fritzguide.

France’s capital and most populous city is one of those places which everyone should hope to visit at one point in their lives. It is one of the leading economic and cultural centres of the entire world and it’s perhaps the most visited city as well. Shopping, entertainment and culture in Paris is second to none and, as such, a city break is really only enough to catch a tiny glimpse of all that the city has to offer. Getting around is fairly straightforward thanks to the metro, but many attractions are quite spread out. Be sure to see the world-famous Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Chateau de Versailles, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sacré Coeur church.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the cultural centre of the province of Alsace. It is also home to the European Parliament. The city has many stunning attractions, most notably the Notre-Dame Cathedral which is the highest medieval building in Europe. The cathedral also has a splendid astronomical clock. The rest of the centre is extremely picturesque as well and is also a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strasbourg is a fairly small city and most of the sites can easily be explored on foot. Other attractions to visit include the Alsatian Museum, Palais des Rohan and the extremely picturesque area of Petite France south of the Grande Île.

Marseille

Marseille is the most well-known and frequently visited city on France’s Mediterranean coast. It is also France’s oldest city, having been established around three-thousand years ago. Marseille is a great place to go for a short city break since much of it is navigable on foot (most of the attractions are located in the historic district of Panier). Much of the area is pedestrianized and home to many bars and restaurants. Some of the many things to see in the city include the medieval fortress Château d’If, the Corniche, the Old Port, Église des Réformés church, the Joan of Arc statue and the Museum of Beaux Arts. For a beach holiday, Marseille is not usually ideal due to pollution, although there are some pleasant smaller beaches not far from the city.

Avignon

One of the main cultural and historical centres of Provence in the south of France, Avignon was designated European City of Culture in 2000. A magnificent city, yet small in size and easily navigable on foot, Avignon is a great place for a cultural city break. It is best known for being the city the Popes resided in during the middle ages. It boasts some particularly splendid Gothic architecture in its historic centre, including medieval walls, bridges and churches. One of the main attractions is the Palace of the Popes. One of the biggest and most significant Gothic buildings in Europe, the Palace of Popes boasts an impressive façade, many chapels, towers and no less than 15,000 square metres of floor space.[:]

Der Beitrag Great Cities to Visit in France erschien zuerst auf Fritzguide.

1Laugurvegur

The Icelandic Highlands, in the centre of the island, has some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Only accessible during the summer, they offer a unique opportunity to anyone visiting in July or August. The Laugurvegur trail is a hiker’s dream. A 50km trail that can be covered in two to four days, it takes you through an incredible variety of landscapes.

Starting with an easy climb up sulphur-belching volcanic rocks, you soon come to spectacular, multi-coloured hillsides from which there are views of four glaciers. In the following days you also take in an ash desert, desolate moorland, the now infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano and Iceland’s biggest forest. There are three mountain huts along the route which offer both camping and dormitory rooms, although reservations are required.

It is recommended that you start the route in Landmannalaugur and trek to Þórsmörk, as you will be rewarded by a spectacular descent into the valley around Álftavatn lake.

2Music Festivals

The Icelandic music scene is suprisingly large for an island with such a small population. The Icelanders have really embraced live music, resulting in successive generations of talented and independent-minded musicians. The biggest event on the musical calendar is the Iceland Airwaves festival held in October.

At night, bars and clubs all over Reykjavík become festival venues as the city is taken over with music by both popular Icelandic artists and guest performers from North America and Europe. During the day, the cafes and streets fill with young performers and artists eager to showcase their talents to the sudden influx of visitors. Airwaves is unique, as the multiple venues give you a real feeling for the people and city as well as the music.

For the really adventurous festival-goer, Iceland also hosts Aldrei fór ég Suður, usually held around April in the isolated fishing town of Ísafjörður. Organized by Icelandic blues legend Múgison, the festival is free and offers the cream of local and national talent, as well as the dramatic landscape of the West Fjords still struggling to escape from the winter.

3Strandir

Lovers of horror should not miss the Strandir coast in the West Fjords. A good starting point for a trip is the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft in Hólmavík. It contains a fascinating collection of horrific artefacts, combined with a concise and well-explained history. Highlights include a pair of trousers made from the legs of a dead man, and the ‘invisible boy’.

An overnight stay in Djúpavik is also recommended. A tiny hamlet below a spectacular waterfall, the village also contains an abandoned herring factory straight out of a horror movie. Fifteen minutes up the road from Djúpavik, you can relax in the most Northwesterly swimming pool in Europe, an outdoor delight situated on a desolate beach. From the pleasant, geothermally heated water you can watch the driftwood floating in from Siberia.

4Húsavík

Whale-watching is offered all over Iceland but the premier location is definitely Húsavík, on the Northern coast. Húsavík bay is a natural gathering place for whales of many different species and therefore offers the biggest variety and most frequent sightings. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of a Blue Whale, the planet’s biggest mammal. Húsavík is also home to the Icelandic Phallological Museum, one of the most unique museums in the world.

With a little bit of planning, Iceland offers endless opportunities for the adventurous traveler. No matter where you go on the island, make sure to ask one of the friendly locals for recommendations because Iceland is filled with hidden nooks and crannies and everybody has their favourites.

Der Beitrag Alternative Iceland: 4 Destinations Off the Beaten Track erschien zuerst auf Fritzguide.

Speaker’s Corner

A royal decree of 1855 guaranteed the right of free speech at the corner of Hyde Park near Marble Arch, and today that right is still exercised. If you go on a Sunday morning you can enjoy listening to people lecture on just about anything they like, including those two taboo subjects, religion, and politics. The hecklers in the crowd are all part of the fun. Several famous names have addressed the crowd here in the past, including Karl Marx and George Orwell.

London’s churches

There are dozens of historic churches hidden away all over London, many designed by the two famous architects Wren and Hawksmoor. Some churches offer free lunchtime concerts, or put on art exhibitions. Two of the most famous are St. Martin’s in the Fields, in Trafalgar Square, which was the model for many colonial churches in the United States; and St. Paul’s Church in Covent Garden. This church is known as the actor’s church and has memorials to many great names associated with the screen and stage, including Noel Coward and Vivien Leigh.

Highgate Cemetery

This is the most famous and picturesque of London’s several well-known Victorian cemeteries. The eastern cemetery, which contains the grave of Karl Marx is free to visit; the atmospheric and overgrown western cemetery can be visited only on a guided tour. The cemetery is known for its ornate and spectacular Victorian tombs, and two of the most interesting areas are the sections of tombs built into the side of a hill, known as the Egyptian Avenue and the Circle of Lebanon.

The Old Bailey

Anybody can come in here to listen to the proceedings at what is probably the most famous court in the world. Admission is on a first come, first served basis, and although you may not witness a notorious trial, many visitors find the experience fascinating. The building stands on the site of London’s infamous Newgate Prison and has featured in many books and movies, including A Tale of Two Cities and V for Vendetta.

Burlington Arcade

This beautiful Victorian shopping arcade located just off Piccadilly is home to some of London’s most fascinating specialist shops. Burlington Arcade is also well known for having its own quirky rules, which include no running or whistling in the arcade. You can also watch members of the oldest police force in London, the Beadles, ceremoniously ring a bell to close the stores at 530pm every day.

Changing of the Guard

This famous ceremony takes place outside Buckingham Palace, daily from April to July at 1130 am, and on alternate days at other times during the year. The 40-minute ceremony includes marching music and complex maneuvers. You have to arrive really early for a good vantage point, although one of the best places to enjoy the ceremony from is on nearby Horseguard’s Parade, where there are fewer crowds.

The ceremony of the Keys, Tower of London

A centuries-old tradition is the nightly and ceremonial locking up of the tower by the Warder of the Tower. The Warder walks around the Tower, making sure that all the gates are locked, before handing the keys over to the Queen’s House. To obtain free tickets for this event, you must apply in writing to the Tower several months ahead of time.

Hampstead Heath

This huge expanse of parkland located a few miles to the north of central London is popular with locals and tourists alike. The heath offers miles of walking trails, kite flying, picnic spots, and a small boating pond, as well as excellent views over London. It is also a good place to see local celebrities, as many famous people choose to live in Hampstead. Several of London’s best pubs are nearby, including the Spaniards Inn, once the haunt of the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin.

London’s Canals

At one time, London’s canals were an important way to transport goods in and out of the capital. Today, many miles of canals and towpaths have been restored, and provide an unusual way to see the capital. One of the best walks is the Regent’s Canal walk, which takes in Little Venice, Primrose Hill, the zoo in Regent’s Park and Camden Lock, home to one of London’s biggest and best street markets.

London’s Royal Parks

London is one of the greenest capitals in the world, and several Royal parks make up an almost continuous open space in the heart of the city. All are ideal havens from the noise of the city, although Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens also contain several attractions for children, including a boating lake, the Princess Diana Memorial Playground and a much-loved statue of Peter Pan.

Der Beitrag 10 Free Things to Do in London erschien zuerst auf Fritzguide.

Take, for example, the number of tourists who tramp through the hallowed grounds each year. On average, more than two million people cross through the gate each year to witness the history, tradition, and spectacle provided by The Tower.

What do visitors see? Well, The Crown Jewels, for one. The jewels, which are worth more than $32 billion, have been housed in the Tower of London for almost 700 years. They were first displayed to the public in the 1660s, and today the jewels exhibit has a separate ticket office to handle the number of tourists who want to see them.

Visitors also are able to take tours with one of the 37 Yeoman Warders, who are the ceremonial defender of The Tower. They’re also those people, known as the Beefeaters, who give tours and share the history with modern-day visitors, and they’re responsible for the ceremony of the keys. In order to become a Yeoman Warder, one must have put in at least 22 years of service in the British military and received a medal for good conduct. The Yeoman Warders live with their families in apartments in The Tower.

A minimum of six ravens also live within the tower walls, and tourists who are paying attention just might catch a glimpse of one of the birds. According to legend, ravens are kept within the tower walls because, if they leave, The Tower could fall and London would crumble. Today, eight Ravens (two spares) live on the tower grounds in order to keep the edifice standing strong. Those eight ravens all have names, and they go through more than a ton of meat each year. Most favor sheep hearts.

Despite the sight-seeing attraction present at The Tower of London today, it’s important to remember that the building was originally built by William the Conqueror as a defensive stronghold. It’s seen its share of prisoners, tortures, and even executions. The fortress represents more than 1,000 years of macabre history, which likely adds to the allure for tourists.

Der Beitrag The Tower of London: More Than a Medieval Theme Park erschien zuerst auf Fritzguide.

Paris has much more to offer than the standard sights. But the “City of Love” has much more to offer than the main tourist attractions. Here are 10 tips for making your stay in Paris an unforgettable experience:

1A romantic picnic in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Parisian summer is great for outdoor walks or a roaman picnic in one of the many parks. For baguette, cheese and wine you can look for a place around the Fontaine de Médicis in the Jardin du Luxembourg or in the Parc Monceau, overlooking the Arc de Triomphe.

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in northeastern Paris is one of the most romantic parks in the city. On the approximately 25-acre landscaped garden English and Chinsesischen style, there is an artificial lake, the Lac Buttes Chaumont. A suspension bridge leads to its impressive Belvedere Island, where the beautiful Sybillentempel (modeled after the temple of the same name in Rome) stands at a height of 30 meters. From here you have a great view of the distant Cathedral Sacré-Coeur. At least here it would be time to take his beloved firmly in the arm, because it could fall down.

Also worth seeing is a hidden grotto with a waterfall and up to 8 meter tall stalactites. There are also several cafés and a free public Wi-Fi network in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

In contrast to other parks in Paris, the green areas may be entered here. In sunny weather, the Parisians are fast in picnic mood and then you have to expect to find hardly a free spot on the lawn.

2Sunset on the Pont des Arts

The Pont des Arts has always been very popular. From the Louvre you can walk wonderfully between trees on the other side of the Seine. During a short break on one of the benches, it is worth taking a look at the Île de la Cité and the Pont Neuf. It is particularly romantic in the evening when the sun sets between the rooftops of Paris.

3Evening cruise on the Seine

Especially on warm summer evenings, a cruise on the Seine is a pleasant experience. Sitting together in the refreshing breeze, drinking a glass of champagne and seeing Paris from a different angle – here is time to embrace your sweetheart.

A round trip on the Seine costs € 12, -, the moorings are located near the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral. In addition to the 1-hour drive, there are also packages that include a dinner on the ship or at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Some tours also include a visit to the Moulin Rouge in the Montmartre district of Paris.

4The Statue of Liberty on the Île aux Cygnes

On the Île aux Cygnes, the Swan Island, stands one of four Statue of Liberty. These are smaller replicas of the big sister in New York. From here you can stroll on the banks of the Seine directly to the Eiffel Tower. A nice walk, especially in the late evening, when the Eiffel Tower is brightly lit.

5From the Seine to the Latin Quarter

If you want to catch a breath, you can settle down in one of the many cafes on the edge of the Seine. A cappuccino, and a good book, here time can come to a standstill.

But if you go further from the Seine River on the Place Saint-Michel to the park and Palais of Luxembourg, you come to the Latin Quarter, the Paris student district. Here was taught since the Middle Ages at the University of Latin, hence the name. In a maze of narrow streets around the Sorbonne and Pantheon crowded cafes, bookstores, art film cinemas and Zeitgeist shops.

In the many small shops you can buy beautiful postcards, art prints and posters. In the evening it gets crowded here: one restaurant joins the other, with many small bars and gyros in between. The district between the Seine and the Latin Quarter is clearly one of the most charming areas of Paris.

6Mur des je t`aime – The Wall of Love

Very close to the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, at the foot of Montmartre, hidden in a small park, is the “Mur des je t’aime”.

In 1992, two artists immortalized the phrase “I love you” in 311 languages ​​on this wall. The ideal place for a declaration of love!

7Moulin Rouge in the Parisian entertainment district Pigalle

If that’s too boring for you, you might want to venture into the nightlife district of Pigalle in the evening. On Boulevard de Clichy you will find the notorious Variety Theater Moulin Rouge with its unmistakable red mill. Pigalle is known as a tourist trap with many sex shops around Place Pigalle and street prostitution in the back streets.

In one of the many bars and cafes, you can watch the erotic bustle in the entertainment district Pigalle. Such a night trip to the entertainment district has something exciting and can quickly end with a stormy night in the hotel room …

8Walk through the bohemian district of Montmartre

Only a few streets further on, at the highest point of the city is the bohemian district of Montmartre. The hill to the north of the city has a lot more to offer besides the imposing Sacré Coeur Basilica: a great view over the whole of Paris, hidden vineyards, small streets and romantic places.

Montmatre was formerly a village and belongs only in 1859 to Paris. In the 19th century, artists such as Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec lived there, enjoyed their free lives and enjoyed themselves in the cabarets, dance halls and restaurants of the Parisians, which had been very popular in the past.

In the numerous alleys with their cobblestones and steep stairs you will find bars and cafes, where you can experience the Parisian artist life. Anyone who settles here with a glass of beer and some live music for an hour can quickly get goose bumps. Because here too there is a hint of tingling eroticism in the air.

The Sacré Coeur Basilica, built between 1870 and 1914, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Paris as the view over the city is simply breathtaking. After the arduous ascent to the Basilica, many visitors take the 237 steps before Sacré Coeur for a breather, where they enjoy the impressive view over the city.

On balmy summer evenings, there is hardly any free space on the steps in front of the Sacré Coeur, as especially young people listen to the musicians playing there and enjoy the Parisian flair.

The Place du Tertre is about 200 meters from the Sacré Coeur Basilica. Throughout the year numerous painters and portraitists are exhibiting and selling their works.

9Visiting the Musée de la Vie Romantique

Since the middle of the 19th century, not much has changed in the Museum of Romantic Life. Even today, one can still see works of art and everyday objects from the time of the then resident of the house, Ary Scheffer. In addition, an exciting insight into the life of the writer George Sand can win, which led a varied love life and was associated with, among others, Frédéric Chopin.

In addition to these permanent parts of the exhibition, there is also a changing part, which always has something to do with romance and usually also with Paris. After exploring the museum, take a look at the garden. Tea is served there during the warm summer months.

10Famous tombs on the Cimetière du Père Lachaise

Actually, a cemetery visit is not the first choice for lovers, but the Père-Lachaise in Paris is definitely an exception. The historic park cemetery is the final resting place of the greatest artists, writers and musicians in the world. The beauty and uniqueness of the cemetery make it a popular destination. And you also have a great view of Paris from here.

The most interesting tombs are e.g. that of the good old Oscar Wilde or the singers Edith Piaf and Maria Callas. Many illustrious French personalities such as Honoré de Balzac, the great Molière, Proust, George Bizet and Frédéric Chopin are buried here.

The most visited grave in the cemetery is that of Jim Morrison, the singer of the legendary American rock band “The Doors”. Hordes of fans of the musician visit his final resting place every year.

Conclusion: If you are looking for a romantic and beautiful getaway, for Paris is just the thing. If you learn a little before your trip, you can spend a wonderful time in the city of love away from the well-known sights, which is ideal for dreaming.

Now it’s only time to find a hotel, book a cheap flight, pack your bags and go to Paris!

Der Beitrag 10 Of The Best Things To Do In Paris erschien zuerst auf Fritzguide.

Krakow is the second largest city in Poland but definitely the most beautiful. Known for its architecture and history, Krakow is rightly seeing a resurgence in tourism. While there are so many things to do in Krakow, for most tourists, they have to narrow their scope and choose what they can fit into their schedule.

1Wawel Hill

Boasting both the Wawel Castle, Wawel Castle Museum as well as the Wawel Cathedral, this should be tourists’ first stop on a day where they can simply wander and take in all that’s on offer.

2Jewish Quarter

A section of the city that’s been revitalized since the end of WWII, it’s rich in history and now flourishing as one of the busiest parts of Krakow, night or day.

3Church of Saints Peter and Paul

Nestled deep in the Old Town, the Church of Saints sits in front of a square, lined with life-sized statues of the Apostles. As an architectural accomplishment, you don’t have to be religious to appreciate it.

4 Auschwitz

Though outside the city, Auschwitz is a must-visit and not just for history buffs. The concentration camp of Auschwitz is a whole day trip.

5Cloth Hall

Dominating the Old Town, this structure is the best-preserved mall in the world. At Christmas, the cloth hall is stuffed with vendors during the famous Christmas market of Krakow.

Der Beitrag Top 10 Things to Do in Krakow erschien zuerst auf Fritzguide.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria has plenty to offer for all sorts of travellers. There are mountains, ancient cities and much more. While some of the coast has been horribly overdeveloped, it is also home to some of the most unspoiled beaches in Europe. Value for money is exceptionally good in much of Bulgaria, provided you avoid the overpriced and often tacky touristic resorts. Take a cheap flight to the capital, Sofia, or a package flight to a town nearer the coast and get off the beaten track a little to see what the country truly has to offer. The best beaches are in the south of the country, a region which remains fairly underrated. Sinemorets, not far from the Border of Turkey, has some particularly pleasant beaches as does the area around Sozopol.

Turkey

Like Bulgaria, Turkey has a lot to offer tourists looking for fine summer weather and great beaches. It is also a cheap destination provided that you stay away from the touristy hotspots. With great cuisine and a land steeped in history, Turkey has plenty to keep even the most demanding holidaymaker satisfied for a while. The Turkish coastline is simply enormous, covering the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea. Some of the best coastal areas in Turkey include the Datça Peninsula in the southwest, the beautiful white sands of Kaputaş Beach, also in the southwest of the country, and the stunning area of Faralya (Butterfly Valley) in Lycia on the Mediterranean.

Croatia

Croatia is a small country that is also home to some of the most picturesque towns on the Mediterranean, particularly the world-famous towns of Dubrovnik and Split. The tourist hotspots can be expensive, but it’s easy to get away from them and see the real Croatia for a lot less provided you have a bit of a sense of adventure. Croatia makes for a great budget destination thanks to the fact that it is often extremely cheap to fly there. Zagreb, the capital, is home to the main international airport and there are regular flights with budget airlines like easyJet connecting much of Europe. Some of Croatia’s best beaches can be found in Zlatni Rat (the Golden Horn) on the island of Brač and the many small islands of Kornati National Park.

Poland

Poland might not be the first country you would think of as a beach holiday destination, but you’d be wrong in making this assumption. Of course, it is very seasonal but, during the summer months, the Baltic Sea is usually pleasantly warm and the weather is often almost as hot and sunny as many places along the Mediterranean. Poland isn’t the bargain destination it used to be, but it’s still cheap compared to the UK and most other western countries. For a beach holiday in Poland, you’ll want to base yourself in the beautiful Hanseatic city of Gdańsk in the middle of Poland’s coastline. Gdańsk is part of the tri-city area of which the famous resort town of Sopot is also a part. It features a peer and an enormous sandy beach. The city of Gdańsk itself is extremely picturesque and there’s plenty of cultural and entertainment venues to keep you busy.

Der Beitrag Great Budget Beach Holiday Destinations in Europe erschien zuerst auf Fritzguide.

If you travel to one of the Major Cities in Italy in July or August, you will be wondering where all the locals are? There is a simple answer to this question. Summer in Italy means going to the beach and people are making a mass exodus towards the coast to escape the heat.

From the Italian Riviera to the farthest reaches of Sicily, there are literally thousands of miles of coastline with plenty of beautiful seaside villages. And yet, most coastal resorts will be so crowded you will feel like everyone in Italy is going to the same beach.

Also on these coasts, in addition to the usual excursion destinations, you will find many unspoilt beaches, ancient ruins, art, culture and delicious cuisine. Therefore, it is not necessary to visit a city and certainly not at 100+ Degrees heat.

So when Italy is your Travel destination in Summer, head to the beach just like the Italians. To make your search easier, here are some of the most beautiful Seaside Towns on the Italian coast.

1Positano, Amalfi Coast

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Positano is one of the most beautiful places on earth. This small town on the Amalfi Coast awes visitors with its pastel-colored houses perched on mountains that rise above the sea. Positano has lived many lives—as part of Amalfi’s maritime republic during the Middle Ages, a major trade route during the Renaissance, a forgotten fishing village, and finally, an idyllic beach town experiencing a modern-day renaissance. John Steinbeck, who lived here in 1953, wrote, “It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” Then again, you might never want to leave.

Insider Tip: Bring comfortable shoes. Amalfi has only one street, and the rest of the paths are steep staircases. On your way to the beach, stop by Le Sirenuse, Steinbeck’s stomping ground, for a meal or a drink by the pool.

Der Beitrag The most beautiful Seaside Towns in Europe erschien zuerst auf Fritzguide.