The 10 most popular holiday destinations for Germans

Spain, of all countries, the Germans most popular destination, will not open its borders to foreign tourists until July 1. It is possible that Germans will be able to enter as early as June 21. Mallorca (photo), the Canary Islands, the Costa del Sol or the Costa Blanca — the Spanish islands and the beaches of the mainland match the preferences of the Germans. They want sun, beach and bathing fun.

Italy ranks second on the popularity scale. A dash across the Brenner Pass takes you to Lake Garda (photo) or the mountains of South Tyrol, to the pulsating metropolises of Milan, Venice or Rome. Culture and breathtaking landscapes, good food and hospitality: Germans have taken Italy into their hearts. As of June 3, entry for EU citizens will be possible again.

It's not yet clear whether travel warning will be lifted for non-EU countries. Nevertheless, as one of the most popular destinations for Germans, Turkey is also preparing for the return of tourists, whether they come for a beach holiday in Antalya (photo) or to soak up culture in Istanbul. Turkey has June 15 firmly in its sights and is preparing airports, beaches and hotels accordingly.

Austria is the ideal destination for family vacationers and hikers, offering holiday options between peaks and mountain lakes, plus a perfect infrastructure. Relaxation is guaranteed. Hiking holidays are highly likely to become more attractive this summer. Austria is ready for everything. Restaurants and hotels are already open, and tourists from abroad can enter the country again from June 15.

The island archipelago of the Aegean Sea with Crete, Rhodes, Santorini or Mykonos lures with beautiful beaches and guaranteed sunshine. There are also many ancient sites to discover, the most famous of which is the Acropolis in Athens. German tourists appreciate the enormous diversity of the country. From July 1, tourists are expected to be welcomed back in Greece.

Germany's western neighbor ranks 5th, with its popular beaches on both the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean ⁠— from Normandy to the Côte d'Azur. With its lavender fields, beaches and picturesque cities, the Provence is particularly appealing to German holidaymakers. The whole country is looking forward to the June 15, when the borders are expected to open again for tourists.

The coastline of the Adriatic Sea with its idyllic bays can be reached by car for Germans, which could be a great advantage this summer. The offers range from classic beach holidays to hiking, diving or sailing trips and cultural tourism. German holidaymakers and members of some other EU countries have been able to travel to Croatia again since May 26.

Germany's eastern neighbor offers unspoiled nature and bathing fun at the Baltic Sea. The Polish Baltic Sea coast is 788 kilometers (490 miles) long. Beach and spa hotels are eagerly looking forward to the return of German tourists — like here in Sopot. Polish authorities are working on a hygiene certificate for hotels. They too are hoping to reopen to international tourism on June 15.

The Netherlands are considered a family-friendly destination. The holiday parks are extremely popular with German holidaymakers (photo). Camping holidays in the Netherlands also have a bit of a tradition. German citizens have never been banned from entering the country, if they comply with the regulations and accept restrictions. But holiday parks and campsites will not open until July 1.

The situation for tourists in Egypt is unclear. The country's borders are still closed to foreign tourists. Package tourists in particular spend their holidays in the country on the African continent. It is an inexpensive holiday destination with a guarantee of sunshine. But it is uncertain when the situation will return to normal in holiday resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.