How to Choose the Ideal Tourist Destination Among the Most Trendy and Unmissable for Summer 2023

1.**Greece**: an evergreen destination offering history, culture, nature and relaxation. Among the most popular locations are Parga, a picturesque town on the Ionian Sea with a Venetian castle and an enchanting bay, and Meteore, a magical place where you can admire the monasteries built on high rocks. Greece is also famous for its islands, such as the Cyclades, the Ionian and Crete, where you can enjoy the sun, the sea and the nightlife. A curiosity: did you know that in Greece there are around 6000 islands, of which only 227 are inhabited?
2. **Turkey**: a fascinating country that unites East and West. Here you can visit Istanbul, the city of sultans and mosques, but also of spices and bazaars. You can then discover Cappadocia, a volcanic region where the famous "underground cities" and the "chimney fairies", mushroom-shaped rock formations, stand. Finally, you can relax on the beaches of Bodrum or Antalya, or take a gulet cruise along the coast. A curiosity: did you know that Turkey is the only country in the world that extends over two continents, Europe and Asia?
3. **Cyprus**: the island of Aphrodite and a thousand-year history. Here you can visit Nicosia, the only capital in the world divided between two states, the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot. You can then explore the archaeological sites of Paphos and Kourion, where the famous Roman mosaics and Greek theater are located. Finally, you can enjoy the crystal clear sea of Larnaca or Ayia Napa, or take a walk among the traditional villages of the hinterland. A curiosity: did you know that Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia?

Then, even with a limited budget , the following are certainly worth taking into consideration:

4. **Bulgaria**: a country rich in history, culture and nature, offering golden beaches on the Black Sea, snow-capped mountains, cities of art and Orthodox monasteries. The cost of living is very low and you can find accommodation, restaurants and transport at reasonable prices.
5. **Morocco**: a fascinating and varied country, offering deserts, oases, mountains, imperial cities and colorful medinas. The cost of living is low and you can find traditional accommodation such as riads, restaurants offering typical dishes such as couscous and tajine, and markets where you can buy local crafts.

But if your climate or ideal temperature for your holidays is not the heat and not the sea, but the romantic charm of a fireplace in the mountains or adventurous places in Northern Europe, then your ideal destinations could be:

1. **Switzerland**: an elegant and refined country, offering Alps, lakes, valleys, meadows and cosmopolitan cities. Temperatures are low to moderate and precipitation is moderate. The town of Interlaken is worth visiting. Here you can immerse yourself in nature and practice various outdoor sports, such as hiking, paragliding, rafting and bungee jumping. Interlaken is also an elegant and refined city, where you can stay in luxury hotels and taste the typical products of Swiss gastronomy, such as chocolate and cheese. Fun fact: in Switzerland there is a village called Bergün that has banned tourists from taking photos, because the landscape is too beautiful and could cause envy in those who cannot visit it. Anyone who violates the rule risks a symbolic fine of 5 Swiss francs.

2. **Scotland**: A country rich in history, legends and traditions, offering castles, hills, lochs, islands and cultural cities. Temperatures are low to moderate and rainfall is abundant. Curiosity: in Scotland there is a very particular tradition regarding the first day of the year, called Hogmanay. It involves bringing a piece of coal to your neighbors' door, to wish them warmth and prosperity. Some even go so far as to kiss everyone they meet on the street!

3. **Hungary**: Hungary is a country rich in history, culture and nature, which boasts numerous UNESCO Heritage sites. Its capital, Budapest, is a splendid and lively city, which offers monuments, museums and thermal baths. Here you can admire the Parliament, Buda Castle, St. Stephen's Basilica and the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe. And don't forget to take a relaxing bath in one of the city's many thermal baths, such as the famous Gellért or the Széchenyi. But don't stop in Budapest: also explore other fascinating cities such as Pecs, a multicultural and peaceful city that was named City of Peace by UNESCO. Or you can go to Sopron, a historic city that has been Austrian and Hungarian over the centuries. Here you can admire the Fire Tower, the symbol of the city, the Esterházy Palace and the Church of St. Michael. If you prefer contact with nature, Hungary offers you Lake Balaton, the "Hungarian sea" which has sandy beaches and shallow waters. The lake is the largest in Central Europe and offers numerous sporting and recreational activities, such as sailing, windsurfing, cycling and golf. You can also visit the villages overlooking the lake, such as Balatonfüred, Tihany or Keszthely, where you can find museums, castles and monasteries. Fun fact: Did you know that Hungary has one of the oldest children's railway lines in the world? It's called Gyermekvasút and is located in Budapest. It was built in 1948 and has a length of 11 km. The peculiarity is that it is managed almost entirely by children aged 10 to 14, who act as ticket agents, ticket inspectors and station attendants. Of course there is always adult supervision,
4. **Norway**: a fairytale and wild country, offering fjords, glaciers, mountains, lakes, forests and picturesque villages. Temperatures are low to moderate and rainfall is abundant. Curiosity: in Norway there is a museum dedicated to brunost cheese, a typical Norwegian product made from caramelized whey. The museum is located in the village of Tretten and tells the history and legends linked to this sweet and salty cheese.
5. **Iceland**: the land of ice and fire is one of the most popular destinations for travelers seeking nature, adventure and magic. Between volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, thermal lakes and the Northern Lights, Iceland offers breathtaking landscapes and a unique atmosphere. Furthermore, it is an eco-friendly destination, which focuses on sustainable tourism and renewable energy. Fun fact: did you know that Iceland is the only country in the world where you can walk between two continents? In fact, the Thingvellir fault separates the tectonic plates of Europe and America. Furthermore, in Iceland there is a national holiday called Þorrablót, which is celebrated between January and February. During this festival, traditional dishes based on sheep, pig and horse meat and offal are consumed, preserved with ancient methods such as smoking, salting or fermentation.

We end with the long haul, that is, those destinations furthest from Italy and which require more than 4 hours by plane, with a greater financial commitment, but which will certainly remain among the memories of the trips of the heart:

1. **Japan**: culture, tradition and technology in a mix of ancient and modern. Japan offers a mix of ancient and modern, sacred and profane, natural and artificial. You can go from Tokyo, the futuristic and chaotic metropolis, to Kyoto, the city of temples and Zen gardens, or from Osaka, the capital of food and entertainment, to Hiroshima, the place of memory and peace. Japan is also famous for its natural landscapes, such as Mount Fuji, the tropical islands of Okinawa or the national parks where you can admire the cherries in bloom or the colors of autumn. Fun fact: did you know that Japan has more than 3,000 natural hot springs called onsen? They are highly prized by the Japanese for their health and relaxation benefits.

2. **Peru**: The South American country is an ideal destination for those seeking history, culture and adventure. Peru is the place where you can discover the legacy of the Inca civilization, visiting archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu, Cusco or Lake Titicaca. But it is also the place where you can explore wild and varied nature, between the Andes, the Amazon forest or the coastal desert. Peru is also a top-notch gastronomic destination, with a cuisine full of different flavors and influences. Fun fact: did you know that Peru has more than 4000 varieties of potatoes? They have been cultivated for centuries in different regions of the country and are used in many typical dishes.

3. **Australia**: the most isolated continent in the world is a dream destination for those who love nature, animals and sport. Australia offers incredible and diverse scenery, from coral reefs to rainforest, from red desert to golden beaches. It is the perfect place to spot unique animals in the world, such as kangaroos, koalas or penguins. And also for practicing outdoor activities, such as surfing, trekking or camping. Fun fact: did you know that Australia has more than 10,000 beaches? If you visited one a day it would take you almost 30 years to see them all.

4. **Maldives**: an archipelago of over a thousand islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean, offering coral atolls, crystalline lagoons, white beaches and luxury resorts. Temperatures are constant around 30°C and rainfall is scarce. Fun fact: The Maldives are famous for being the lowest country in the world, with an average altitude of just 1.5 meters above sea level. This means that if global warming causes water levels to rise, the Maldives could disappear beneath the waves. For this reason, the government has decided to build artificial islands that can resist rising seas. One of these is Hulhumalé, which is home to the world's first floating mosque!
5. **Brazil**: An immense and diverse country, offering rainforests, majestic rivers, spectacular waterfalls, famous beaches and vibrant cities. Temperatures vary depending on the region, but in general they are high and rainfall is abundant. Fun fact: Brazil is known for being the largest and most populous country in South America, with a surface area of almost 8.5 million square kilometers and a population of over 210 million inhabitants. But do you know that Brazil also has the largest number of animal species in the world? It is estimated that there are around 4 million different species, including colorful birds, friendly monkeys and exotic fish. Among these, the pirarucu stands out, the largest freshwater fish in the world, which can reach 3 meters in length and 200 kilos in weight!