Anyone entering Szczecin by bridges over the Oder River can see the towering red-brick gothic Cathedral and an elegant, pale silhouette of a Renaissance castle with green towers, which used to be the seat of the dukes of the Griffins dynasty who ruled the Duchy of Pomerania. The Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle has five wings and two courtyards. Acting as a cultural institution it organizes an array of cultural events: concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, conferences and meetings to popularize science, as well as to spread knowledge about the history of West Pomerania. The largest wing houses an Opera. In the wing that housed a mint in the olden days one can find today Cultural and Tourist Information Centre. There is a panoramic terrace on the rooftop of the northern wing from where splendid views can be appreciated. The wing’s basement houses a Vault with sarcophaguses of six princes. The Duke Boguslaw X hall, which used to be a princely chapel, is now a concert hall with a polychromatic ceiling decorated in Renaissance style. A 17th century astronomical clock is the Castle’s special tourist attraction. Also a room dedicated to Eilhard Lubinus and the Witches’ Cell are definitely worth a visit.

The town square of Paralimni is dominated by the metropolitan, three-aisled church, dedicated to St George, the patron saint of the town. The church was finished in 1966 in a traditional Byzantine style and is full of contemporary frescoes. The impressive fresco which decorates the dome depicts the “All Powerful” surrounded by the Archangels, the Prophets and numerous saints. The gothic church of St George is located next to the metropolitan church in the main square of Paralimni. According to a marble inscription, it was erected in 1859 in the place of an older Byzantine church, parts of which have been incorporated in this one. Part of its northern wall is covered with a large fresco depicting St George killing a dragon.

Dortmund’s TV tower, 212 metres high, and located in Westfalenpark. At one point in time, it was the tallest building of Dortmund. The views will show you the impressive views of the Westfalen Park and the city itself. Take the lift up towards the sky, eat and have a drink in the revolving restaurant and stroll around the 70-hectare park.

Fig Tree Bay is the most precious gem in this coastal tiara and is named after the solitary fig tree that was planted here by eastern invaders in the 17th century. On the headland of the bay one can see the recently revealed, glass-covered Hellenistic tombs. A selection of watersports abound at these beaches, ranging from skiing and paragliding to snorkelling and scuba diving, and boats wait on the piers to take you on unforgettable trips. The bay also has excellent facilities, with sunbeds and parasols available for hire. It provides disabled access and is serviced by a lifeguard.