Whether with the whole family or with your partner, you can experience a lot in the Czech Republic. Besides medieval flair you can enjoy local beer and goulash in cities like Prague and Krumlov and the spas in the west of the country invite you to relax. Read more about the small country in the middle of Europe in this article, which enchants everyone who has been there!

Czech Republic: Nature, good food and recreation

Centrally located in Central Europe, rich in castles and chateaux and local beers, the Czech Republic is a country with much to discover. In addition to skiing and winter sports areas, you can discover towns and villages with medieval and baroque charm. The capital Prague invites you to shop and stroll and gives you an insight into the history of the country through the many historic buildings. To start with, here is a short overview of what you should know before your next holiday in the Czech Republic!

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Czech Republic: location on the map

Here you get an overview of the location of the Czech Republic. The country borders Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia.

Getting there: What you should know before your vacation

Before you start your next trip to the Czech Republic, you should learn a few things about the country. We have summarized the most important things for you here. First of all, the Czech Republic has kept the Czech crown as currency, the small change is called Heller. Even though you can pay with debit or credit card almost everywhere nowadays, you should get some change before you start your trip – just in case.

Here are 4 first facts you should know:

1. A speed limit of 130 km/h applies on Czech motorways
2. Alcohol may only be purchased from the age of 18
3. Life in the Czech Republic is relatively cheap

Climate: Warm summers & cold winters

The weather in the Czech Republic is mostly temperate, which is what you are used to in Germany. Depending on your preference, the country is designed for holidays around the year. Are you spontaneous and want to make a city trip through the Czech Republic? The months of May to September are best for this, as it can get very cold and gloomy in the winter. However, if you are a fan of winter sports, the cold months are perfect for you!

Here again in brief the best times for your trip:

• December till March: Winter sports
• May to September: City breaks
• June to August: Mountaineering and Outdoor
• September: All activities possible

Here you can find a current overview of the weather in Czechs:

Prague: City trip in the heart of the Czech Republic

Want to experience the perfect city break for the weekend? Then Prague is the perfect place to go. The so-called city of a hundred towers is known for combining the diversity of Europe. Medieval, Baroque and Gothic – in Prague you’ll find something from every period of history.

In addition to monuments, you can go shopping in the city centre, stroll along the Vltava River and in the evening try culinary specialties and local beer in one of the many restaurants. Check out our favourite route to discover the whole city here!

Map: Explore Prague in one day

Prague has a lot to offer. Besides shopping and restaurants, you can experience culture at its best in Prague. So that you can start your trip relaxed and do not forget any sights, we have put together an itinerary that takes you through the city. Our route includes a great mix of culture, shopping, culinary delights and more and brings you closer to Prague in just one day. See Prague’s landmarks like the Prague Castle and enjoy the view over the whole city from the Petřín lookout tower. After a successful day, you can end the evening in Prague’s Old Town.

City tour: Sightseeing and shopping

Here you find again briefly the intermediate stops of the route:

• Start: St. Vitus Cathedral
• Prague Castle
• PetÅín lookout tower
• Charles Bridge
• Prague City Hall Clock
• End: Old Town Square with shopping mall

Check out our route through the city on this map!

Insider tip: Signal Festival

Every year in October the Signal Festival takes place in Prague, where the whole city is bathed in light, installed and presented by artists and technologists. The video gives you some impressions of the beautiful festival!

Tour: View of the shopping mile in Prague

Shopping is your thing and you like to go shopping in the big city? In Prague you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth. Here you will find luxury boutiques like Gucci, Prada and Hermés as well as fast fashion offers like H&M for the smaller purse. Here you will find an insight into the beautiful shopping mile, which invites you to stroll and wander.

Luxury brands are right up your street? Then find out about your favourite brand and learn all about the latest brands in our XXL brand guide.

Krumlov: Holiday resort in the south of the Czech Republic

Krumlov – or locally Český Krumlov – on the Vltava River is located directly on the largest river in the Czech Republic. As a real travel highlight, you simply must have seen this UNESCO – World Heritage City! The core of the city is the beautiful, historic old town, with numerous medieval buildings.

Between beautiful colorful houses you can wander through the narrow streets and let the historical flair affect you. For real foodies is also provided, because Krumlov has numerous cafes and real specialties to offer.

Our insider tip: Every year in December, the traditional Christmas market takes place on the main square in Krumau, which invites you to stroll, feast and shop with its glittering lights.

Map: Tour of the city

Our tour starts in the huge castle complex that towers over Krumlov on a mountain. Just a five-minute walk from the old town, it’s also super central and the perfect starting point for your sightseeing. The best part? The entire castle grounds are free to walk around, with only some exhibitions and tours of the buildings requiring an entrance fee. So you can enjoy the first hours in Krumau relaxed with a walk through the castle gardens and courtyards and then start the further way down to the old town.

Here again briefly the best sights of the sightseeing:

• Cesky Krumlov Castle
• Mantle Bridge
• Budweiser Gate
• Krumlov castle tower
• Old Town

Insights about Krumlov: city centre and castle

This short video will bring you closer to the city before your trip. Get an impression of the beautiful buildings! Maybe we have awakened your travel longing?

West Bohemian Spa Triangle: Pure Romanticism

The West Bohemian Triangle includes three of the most romantic towns in the Czech Republic – Franzensbad, Marienbad and Karlsbad. The Czech Republic has a long history of spas and health resorts and has built a reputation as one of the best spa countries in the world. Many famous people have visited the spas for relaxation and recreation, including Mark Twain, Goethe and the Russian Tsar Peter the Great.

Map: The spa triangle in the west of the Czech Republic

On this map you can see the route how to explore all three cities in one day. You start in either Mariánské Lázn? or Karlovy Vary, as the cities are really arranged like a triangle on the map. Franzensbad is right in between and forms the center of the route.

Marienbad: Idyllic spa town in the Czech Republic

You finally need a bit of relaxation from the stress of everyday life and want to really relax again? Then Mariánské Lázn? is the perfect place for you to do something good for your body. The spa resorts in the Czech Republic are relaxation for body and mind, the tranquility there works wonders.

For people with health problems Mariánské Lázn? is a wonderful place, because more than 40 mineral springs contribute to the improvement of various diseases. In addition to the numerous wellness offers, you can take trips and walks in the nature and discover beautiful lakes and forests.

This map shows you the route you can walk through the city to discover the most popular six springs. Each of the springs has a different effect on the body, which you should know about beforehand. The good thing is that each of the springs is freely accessible to everyone.

Here again the sources at a glance:

• Forest spring (Lesni pramen)
• Cross spring (Pavilon KÅížového pramen)
• Ambrose Spring (Ambrožův pramen)
• Caroline Spring
• Ferdinand Source
• Rudolf Spring

Here you can see the Caroline Spring, which rises in a beautiful temple-like building!

City centre: Historical centre as in Goethe’s time

The cityscape of Mariánské Lázn? is characterized by green spaces, mineral springs and mountain ranges. Anyone who has been there knows how difficult it is to distinguish the actual city from a park. Beautiful hotels in historic buildings line the streets and the fresh air is good for the soul. Here you will first get a glimpse of the beautiful historic city centre of Marienbad.

Fancy a trip? Two more countries

After relaxing in the Czech Republic, you’re in the mood for action, outdoors, hiking and even more cities? Then check out our travel texts on Belgium and Austria here, which are guaranteed to bring you closer to your next short trip or family holiday!

Belgium

Whether alone, as a couple or with child and cone: The small country west of Germany has some lovers, because just like in the Netherlands, you will also find beautiful coastal towns with North Sea access and endless sandy beaches. Many towns in the interior and towards the coast were largely spared during the Second World War and for this reason you can still find medieval buildings and also the city layout is based on the classic market centre. Which places you should not miss in Belgium and what you can experience there, we tell you in this article.

• Vacation in Belgium

Cagliari: capital of Sardinia – city trip & pure relaxation

The largest city on the island with about 160,000 inhabitants is the heart of Sardinia. Cagliari is located directly on the sea, but its historical architecture makes it a real metropolis. A holiday and relaxation resort, at the same time a typical city for a city trip. It combines breathtaking nature and big city flair in one. Whether you want to go for a swim on Poetto’s house beach, discover the history of the city in the historic quarter “Il Castello” or taste the best fish in town in the San Bendetto market. All this and more can be found there.

We have selected the top 10 sights for you:

1. San Benedetto Market
2. Santa Maria del Fiore
3. Mount Urpinu
4. Bastione di Saint Remy, Il Castello district
5. National Archaeological Museum
6. The Palazzo di Citta
7. The Poetto Beach
8. Castello Quarters
9. Centro Storico
10. Santuario e Basilica di Bonaria

Map: Sardinia

Sardinia lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea and is directly connected to Corsica. With a distance of 180 km to the Italian mainland it is as far away as Tunisia. So it is worthwhile to visit the neighboring island for a short time during a round trip or a stay in the north by boat. As a tip over the Italian boot, Sardinia enjoys an advantageous location. It is surrounded by Spain, France, Italy and the North African countries. This makes it an important location for the transport of goods and at the same time it draws many international impressions in the fields of art, architecture and cuisine from its neighbouring countries.

Sardinia: The most beautiful destinations & attractions

Besides the capital Cagliari, there are numerous beautiful places to discover in Sardinia. Whether you are looking for celebrities, are interested in history or want to enjoy a typical beach holiday on Europe’s most beautiful sea. Sardinia offers everything. Families can escape from everyday stress and relax in Olbia at the turquoise blue water. Couples in love can stroll through the alleys and admire the local shops and cafes. Those interested in history can explore the Catalan influenced city of Alghero and the luxury queens and luxury kings among you can even rent one of the many white yachts at the port of Porto Cervo.

Alghero: italian small-barcelona

Alghero is a very special city and stands out from the typical Italian flair. The reason for this lies in its history, over 400 years of Spanish influence can be found everywhere. The romantic old town with traditional Catalan cuisine, with typical Spanish architecture and the bilingual street signs for the Catalans living there, is therefore also called “Little Barcelona”. One even sees the Catalan flag waving beside the Sardinian, European and Italian flag.

Fortunately, Alghero’s old town is located right at the sea. Thus, one can admire the history of Alghero, that comes to life through the nicely illuminated city wall and the old church, while having a coffee with a view to the sea. Also something the Sardinians are very proud of are the world famous corals, which can be found on the beautiful north coast of Alghero. For many years the tradition of coral processing was continued there, but today mainly fake corals are sold, as they are now under species protection.

• 400 years of Catalan influence
• Spanish architecture, Catalan cuisine and flag
• Top attraction: historical city wall
• Tradition: coral processing

Olbia: beach holiday & romantic shopping streets

Another city in the north-east of Sardinia is the charming port city of Olbia. It is known for its narrow, typically Italian streets and colourful houses, the expensive shop windows and the beautiful beaches with turquoise water. The old town enchants with its playful narrow streets. Corso Umberto is probably the most famous shopping street. The small local shops, the cute cafes, the colourful little houses tempt you to treat yourself to a gelato and stroll quietly towards the harbour.

The dream beaches on the Costa Smeralda remind you of the Caribbean. White beaches, turquoise water and that in the middle of Europe! Whether endless long walks at the side of his great love or action through the high offer of water sports. On the 1.400m long beach there is something for everyone!

• Old town: narrow romantic alleys, colourful little houses
• beautiful beaches with turquoise-blue water (Costa Smeralda)
• 1,400m long beach!

Porto Cervo: Luxury holidays – yachts and boats in the port city

Porto Cervo – The epitome of Dolce Vita. Yachts, luxury villas, luxury hotels as far as the eye can see. Stars, international models and even members of the royal family relax here every year. The Italian seaside resort was acquired by the Karim Aga Khan IV in 1962 and transformed into a luxury holiday resort. With 700 ship berths it is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean. Especially for yacht fanatics the place is a real paradise. Renowned yacht clubs and white yachts of every size and type offer a wonderful contrast to the royal blue sea.

• Pure luxury: yachts, luxury villas & luxury hotels
• Visitors: Stars, Royal Family, Models
• Sardinia: Acquired in 1962 from Karim Aga Khan IV
• 700 ship berths make it the largest port in the Mediterranean

Arrival in Sardinia: flight, car trip & ferry

A fast 2 hour flight or a full day trip by car and ferry? Both have advantages and disadvantages, especially with regard to weather, season, costs and number of people. Even though many low-cost airlines attract with low prices, a flight in the high season can quickly cost several hundred euros. For a family of four this is not exactly an advantage. The cheaper option is then to travel through Central Europe to the Italian mainland and take the ferry from there. Such a trip gives you the freedom to plan by yourself and not to have to orientate on times and dates like with the popular package tours. A short stop in Milan or at the Leaning Tower in Pisa relieves the 20-hour car journey and offers further attractions, fun and unforgettable memories. However, it is best for several people to be fit to drive on such a round trip in order to take turns and give the other person a break.

Airport

Sardinia has three airports, which can be reached from Germany in about two hours. Depending on the desired destination, various airlines fly either north, east or south of Sardinia. The airports are serviced all year round and even several times during the period from May to October. However, it is most convenient to fly in January. Air Berlin, Easy Jet, Intersky, Ryanair and Tuifly are the best known (low-cost) airlines flying from Germany to Sardinia.

1. Fertilia (Northwest, near Alghero)
2. Costa Smeralda (East, Near Olbia)
3. Elmas (South, near Cagliari)

Car & Ferry

Similar to the topic of airports, there are mainly three cities that are served from the Italian mainland Sardinia. A crossing takes 7-8 hours on average, depending on how many stops you make, from which starting point you start and which final destination you have chosen. There are also crossings from France, the eastern part of Spain and the Balearic Islands and parts of North Africa, but the most popular departure points are :

1. Genoa
2. Livorno
3. Civitavecchia

A trip from Germany varies from the starting point, but you should be prepared for a minimum driving time of 20 hours by car. Therefore, one should be well prepared for such a trip concerning provisions, water, alternating drivers and overnight accommodations on the way. Predominantly at night, the following harbour cities are approached. In advance one should decide for a place in the north, east or south, so that one only comes out on the right side of Sardinia!

• Olbia
• Porto Torres
• Golfo Aranci
• Arbatax
• Cagliari

Accommodations: Hotel, cottage & camping – where to stay?

The questions of all questions when planning your holiday. What kind of accommodation do I book? Where exactly will I stay? Rather close to the beach or more central in the city centre? Nowadays there are more offers than sand at the sea, that’s why it is so difficult to find the right one. Especially when you try to please everybody. “Daddy, I need WLAN to stay connected with my friends” or “Honey, is there a big pool and maybe a massage so I can relax in the hotel? The choice of accommodation doesn’t just make you doubt.

That’s why we have searched for the best hotels for your next luxury holiday, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of camping together.

The best hotels – Insider tips for Sardinia

The most popular places for a stay in Sardinia are mainly near the sights and the beaches. Cala Goloritze, Sant Antioco and Porto Istana are the top places where there are numerous hotels. The prices therefore vary according to the place. In the north in Olbia and near the luxury harbour Porto Cervo one has to expect more expensive hotels, because the high society is more likely to stay there. Very nice hotels with a pool and not far from the sea can be found in Sardinia like sand at the sea. But if you want to dig a little deeper into your pocket and want to have a luxury holiday with direct beach proximity or even access to the sea, with great service, with top facilities and rooms that look like from the catalogue, then you’ve come to the right place.

These are the top 5 beach hotels in Sardinia:

1. Valle dell’Erica Resort Thalasso & SPA
2. Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & SPA
3. Cala Di Volpe
4. Hotel Resort & SPA Le Dune
5. Hotel Gabbiano Azzurro

Holiday flats & holiday homes

Sardinia offers a wide variety of holiday accommodation. From holiday homes to bungalows or luxury villas with all kinds of accessories, you can find everything. Have you ever thought about renting a bungalow directly by the sea? A small house for you and your family with a permanent view of the sea. Sleep problems? The direct sound of the sea lets you fall asleep without any problem and the proximity to the beach gives you more freedom in your schedule.

Villa, beach house or country house – the choice is huge. What is the best option? That is individually left to everyone. While in a country house one is rather remote and has to plan more time to the sea, the beach house with its ideal location offers perfect possibilities to save time. But this is no reason to write off the country house! The wide location also brings with it peace and quiet, so you won’t disturb anyone during barbecue evenings with loud music, singing, dancing and laughter until the early morning hours. From the equipment these offer mostly also more.

Camping at the sea Sardinia

The typical camping destination is not Sardinia as the “European version of the Caribbean”, is it? You were wrong there! In the east of the island there are a lot of campsites, but you can also find them all over the island. There are family-friendly camps with animation for children as well as quiet places close to nature.

It is not possible to go to the island completely alone with the motorhome. The ferry is mainly from the cities of Livorno or Genoa, which are located on the Italian mainland. The crossing takes 9 hours and ends in Olbia. There are also enough of 5 star campsites in Sardinia. The so-called “glamping“, which is actually glamorous camping, is more similar to holidays in a bungalow or lodge tent.

However, wild camping is forbidden in Sardinia, as the risk of forest fires is relatively high in summer and has been polluted by humans in the past.

Camping is probably not everyone’s cup of tea. For some, the advantages of a holiday close to nature are the main focus. Others, on the other hand, are very fussy when they sleep 11 months in their comfortable orthopaedic mattresses and then the camp bed doesn’t seem as comfortable as the king-size bed in the hotel. Here we have briefly summarized for you what the advantages and disadvantages of camping are.

Advantages:

• In the middle of nature
• cheaper alternative to hotel
• More comfortable for children and four-legged friends (nobody complains about the volume)
• Freedom: not bound by time and place
• greater social interaction with other families, campers

Cons:

• Toilets and showers
• Vermin
• no 100% relaxation like in a hotel; shopping, cooking, washing under more difficult conditions
• very popular camping sites: crowded, not quiet, annoying neighbours

Weather Sardinia: temperature &trend

weather today/ in 3 days

Top Beaches: Travel Videos Sardinia

Sardinia is mainly known for its beautiful beaches, which give you that Caribbean feeling. The sea runs from turquoise to azure blue, the sand is fine and white, the coast stretches for 2,000 km and fascinates with numerous bays. Sardinia has so many beautiful beaches that one can hardly get behind. Therefore we from FIV have selected the most beautiful beaches, both in the south and in the north:

1. Cala Goloritzè
2. Cala Spinosa
3. Cala Luna
4. La Pelosa
5. La Cinta
6. Poetto
7. Cala Brandinchi
8. Punta Molentis
9. Is Arutas
10. Cala Mariolu

Sardinia: Q&A

Many readers want to know more about the city, its inhabitants or its size before they travel to Sardinia. But readers are also interested in travel-relevant knowledge such as the distance to the nearest islands, the best travel time or the flight time from Germany before booking their holiday. After all, for perfect planning, you need to be well informed in order to take the right dictionary, the right outfits, pre-booked attractions nearby or the right sedatives for long flights.

How big is Sardinia?

Directly after Sicily, Sardinia is the second largest city with an area of 25,000 square kilometres. The nearest island is Corsica, which is only 12 km away. Tunisia and Italy are each 180 km away.

How many inhabitants does Sardinia have?

Sardinia has 1.6 million inhabitants.

How many inhabitants does Cagliari have?

Cagliari has 154 000 inhabitants.

How big is Cagliari?

Cagliari has an area of 85.45 square kilometers.

When is the best time to travel in Sardinia?

May to October is the best time to travel, avoiding months like July and August with temperatures of up to 40 degrees. These months are also the high season, when many Italians from the mainland spend their holidays there.

How long does one fly to Sardinia?

The average flight time from Germany to Sardinia is just under two hours.

What language do you speak in Sardinia?

Sardinia belongs to Italy, so the official language is Italian. Nevertheless in many parts the independent language “Sardinian” is spoken.

What do you call the inhabitants of Sardinia?

The inhabitants are called Sardinians and not as so often thought “Sardinian”.

The highlights of Slovenia

Romantic moments in Bled

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This sweet and romantic village, just in the north of the country, is characterized by its beautiful alpine lake. But not only that, in the middle of the lake there is a small island with a church. The village is very small and manageable, but that’s exactly what it is. Everyone in this place simply enjoys the lake with the beautiful church in the middle of the island. Take a stroll and then have dinner in one of the sweet restaurants and the day is perfect.

Absolute nature at Bohinj Lake

Not far from Bled is Lake Bohinj. Unlike Lake Bled, this lake is crystal clear and surrounded by the Julian Alps. Once in the cold water you don’t really want to go out anymore, the lake is so fresh and pure.
But not only swimming in the lake is a popular activity in Bohinj, it is also very worthwhile to unpack your hiking boots and explore the nature, respectively the Triglav National Park.

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Ljubljana: The beautiful capital of Slovenia

Don’t forget anything on a trip to Slovenia: Ljubljana.
Slovenia’s capital is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. A small and sweet city, with small streets, canals and bridges where the eye reaches. Just pure romance.
At every corner you will find cute cafés or restaurants and beautiful, modern shops. In Ljubljana you can walk through the city without a plan and simply enjoy the ambience, drink a glass of wine and explore the student quarter. But one does not need to plan many days for this, Ljubljana is manageable and after a day trip one already knows best about it. Important for campers: Here, it is best to book a hotel or an AirBnb apartment. The prices in Slovenia are very reasonable and especially for short stays it is worthwhile to start directly from the centre.

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Discover the caves of Škocjan

There are several caves in Slovenia that can be visited. My favourite are the Škocjan Caves. Since 1986 these have also been UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attract almost 100,000 visitors annually. Reason: The Cerkvenik Bridge over the Canyon. The biggest Europe and third biggest in the world! The cave also has some stalactites to offer.

Small but fine: the coast of Slovenia

From the cave you can immediately continue to the coast of Slovenia. This one is small and there are only three cities: Koper, Piran and Izola.

Koper

Koper is the largest city on the Slovenian coast and is only 10 kilometres from the border with Italy. This can be seen not only in the bilingual street signs and the like, but also in the design of the old town. The picturesque little alleys often remind one of small coastal towns in Italy. In Koper there is the biggest port of Slovenia, and every year there is a jazz festival, “MareziJazz”. For 13 years musicians from all over Europe have come for the musical experience.

Piran

Piran is unique with its small and winding streets in the Venetian style. The village is largely car-free and can therefore best be explored on foot. This place is a must for all Slovenia travellers. The sweet old town attracts tourists every year, but is not overcrowded.

You won’t find a sandy beach in Slovenia, but on hot summer days people only romp around at Piran’s headland. Colourful towels and air mattresses wherever you look – right next to the pedestrian zone. In July the Piraner music evenings are particularly popular. Every Thursday in July, soloists and chamber music ensembles perform in the Minorite Monastery. In general, the city comes alive in summer: the Summer Festival and the Tartini Festival are just two of Piran’s top summer events.

Izola

Izola is located directly between Piran and Koper, so it is a good idea to stay in this small town to get to know the three coastal towns best. It’s more quiet here. A stroll through the old town, a view of the harbour – there is not much more here. Nevertheless, Izola is definitely worth a visit. The fishermen can still be watched at the harbour and especially the water sports attract the people to Izola.

National Park Triglav

At 2,846 metres, Triglav is the largest mountain in Slovenia. Even the Slovenian 50-cent coins depict the peak of Triglav, but Narional Park has so much more to offer. Particularly impressive: the Soca, which stretches through the Julian Alps. A river you can’t imagine turquoise, therefore untouched nature far and wide. A true paradise for fishermen and hikers. The Valley of the Soca has so much to offer: Peace and relaxation with waterfalls, mountains, tributaries, gorges and troughs. But the valley is particularly famous for activities such as hiking, cycling and water sports. Rafting, kayaking, canyoning, fishing, fly-fishing and even winter sports can be practised here.

For those who are not so keen on sports: just grab your bike and explore the area, in the Triglav National Park there is really something to see and discover everywhere.

Very recommendable: with a cable car you can reach the top of the mountain. In good weather you have a beautiful view of the valley, but beware: in bad weather you prefer to stay down because you can’t see through the clouds.

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