Trifter

Beautiful people, beautiful scenery, lots of lovely ways to kill time and don’t forget the food. The yummy, read-about-it-in-the-books cuisine. Every country with its own. So grab your kids, your significant other, and start planning. But first of all, keep on reading, for today you are truly in luck: we’ve gathered for you the six most interesting (and cost effective!) summer destinations in Europe, in no particular order. The real Europe.

1. Paris, France

   From the fabulous dance parties by the Seine to the wonders of coq-au-vin.

   Paris is something to behold, indeed. The incredibly well preserved architecture is a feast to the eyes, and the friendliness of the inhabitants (an eclectic mix of nationalities) will make you feel welcomed, no matter where you are. Insider tip: check out the spontaneous parties that catch on by the Seine, you’re in for a treat. What to do first? Dine at a French cuisine restaurant. You’ll thank me later.

2. Sibiu, Romania

   Read more in Europe

   « Traveling to Italy and Greece: An Itinerary

   Beautiful Places in Europe »

   Experience both a medieval city and a capital of European Culture.

   Sibiu is one of the oldest, most well preserved cities in Europe. Located in Transylvania, the land of Dracula and the extra strong “palinca” (a local alcoholic beverage), Sibiu will be nothing short of a trip in a medieval Europe. Very well preserved architecture, street acts on every corner, troubadours and the traditional Romanian hospitality – these are all waiting for you. Imbue yourself with a truly cultural experience; you’ll definitely have something to talk to your grandchildren about.

3. Halkidiki, Greece

   Golden sands of ancient time, and the sanctuary of an angry sea god.

   Have you ever wanted to visit ancient Greece ruins without the hassle of waiting in a long cue, or having it spoiled by tourists and, in the same time, sip some pina coladas on a luxurious Bahamas beach? If you answered yes, Halkidiki is the answer to your prayers. And if you answered no, you might want to reconsider. We’re sure you just didn’t know about Halkidiki. Let us tell you, the region consists of three peninsulas: Kassandra, Agio Oros and Sithonia. This is a mythical land, where sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and evergreen trees grow on majestic mountains. A must see? The sanctuary of Poseidon, the ancient sea god, in Posidi. So get ready for a great tan and a leap into ancient history!

4. Berlin, Germany

   The pulsating heart of Middle Europe, ready to make you feel its love.

   If you’re a woman of opposites, then you’ll find Berlin to suit your tastes perfectly. Where else could you find such a fine mix of Nordic reserve and Southern joviality? The best beer in Europe is to be found here, and also the remnants of the worst conflict ever to plague mankind. We weren’t kidding about opposites, you know. To get a feel for the real Berlin, you’d need a lifetime, so let’s just skip to the interesting parts: the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Berliner Rathaus, Berliner Dom, Alexanderplatz, Tiergarten, the beautiful museums and the incredible Zoo. Ask any berliner, and they’ll point you in the right direction. They’re such nice people, you know…

5. Amsterdam, Holland

   The Venice of hippies.

   Or rather it would have been, should hippies have gotten to it first. Amsterdam is mainly a tourist attraction. In absence of tourist, the city would have crumbled. You might get alarmed, what if that happens? Fear not, for it could never happen. Because Amsterdam is the most open-minded city in the world. It is so lax and so tolerant, that it will never fall short of tourists. You can stroll down his canals, you can visit his outrageous museums, you can even pay a visit to a coffee shop (please bear in mind that coffee shops do not actually serve coffee). No matter what you do, who you are or what your cultural particulars are, you’ll feel at home in Amsterdam.

6. Sicily, Italy

   Not just the birthplace of the Mafia, but actually the world’s first multicultural society.

   And why is that? Well, for starters, let’s just say that it’s the first thing anyone conquerers from Africa and the Middle East saw when they came after Europe. And guess what? They conquered. Sicily has been ruled by Asians and Africans, besides all the Europeans that thought they should start somewhere if they wanted to conquer. And that leaves Sicily as the most cosmopolitan European region. So if you want the best of Greek culture, Roman vestiges, Arab hot blood, Byzantine bishops and Norman coolness, Sicily is the place to visit. Starting with its architecture, which is a mix of all possible styles, and continuing with its food, which is, again, a mix of all possible cuisines. You’ll come home feeling as if you just visited the whole world (plus you’ll know the difference between Italians and Sicilians). Now that’s worth a few entertaining dinner conversations.

So that settles it. These are our recommendations for a truly interesting summer. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but we’ll go ahead and add another mind-bending piece of information: you can grab them all! Yes, you’ve read well, since distances are so small in Europe, a very good plan can get you through all of them. That way, you’ll get to experience the real Europe in just one trip. You’ll admire its ancient, medieval and even recent history, you’ll get to taste all the delicious food, you’ll meet all of its people but, most of all, you’ll relax and feel welcomed. Because Europe is all about that: peace and relaxation. And such is our wish for your summer vacation. So keep this in mind when you start planning for expensive, „exotic” vacations: you don’t need that, you don’t need the stress (both on your wallet and on your mind), you just need a little Europe in your life. Go on, have fun!