Karlovy Vary (also known as Carlsbad) is the iconic Czech spa town. With its elaborate architecture and cosmopolitan clientele, it is the largest and liveliest of all Czech spas. Spread along the valley of the Tepla river, it will make you feel as if you have stepped into a romantic movie: the pastel façades of its Belle-Époque spa houses conceal lavish interiors; its stylish cafés and restaurants invite you to while away the hours over a dessert and coffee and perhaps a good novel; visitors of all ages stroll along the riverside promenade, sipping the waters from porcelain cups or nibbling on round spa wafers. However, you only need a few minutes to escape into the quiet green embrace of the surrounding hills, where you can walk along one of the many marked trails and enjoy splendid views of the city from above.

Karlovy Vary offers hotels and spa houses in all price ranges, from five-star deluxe to tourist-class. The spa, which used to specialize chiefly in metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders, now offers treatments suitable for nearly any medical condition, as well as relaxation and rejuvenation stays.

www.karlovyvary.cz