Top 5 destinations for this summer

Desperate to go somewhere cool this year? To find out what's hot this summer season, Relaxnews took a look at Kayak's destination data, based on millions of flight and hotel searches from its global network of websites.

Desperate to go somewhere cool this year? To find out what's hot this summer season, Relaxnews took a look at Kayak's destination data, based on millions of flight and hotel searches from its global network of websites.

The zeitgeist, it seems, is firmly in Germany this year -- here, the top five yearly gainers:

1. Palma de Mallorca, Spain (+666 percent)
The bustling streets of Palma are a refreshing alternative to the beach resorts that cram the coast. After seeing the cathedral and visiting the museums, visitors can settle down to a meal in one of Palma's charming outdoor cafes or simply lose themselves in the winding backstreets of the Mallorcan capital. Ryanair launched six new flights last month -- so perhaps best to go before it gets even busier.

2. Hamburg, Germany (+395 percent)
Hamburg is Germany's unsung hero, a northern port town which seems almost Scandinavian in atmosphere. The port festival in May brings in well over a million visitors, but despite a cooler clime than the rest of Germany this makes a superb destination all year round. Don't miss a trip round one of the old 'museum ships' or the beach clubs in the summer.

3. Dusseldorf, Germany (+272 percent)
Dusseldorf is small and charming, as well as being easily accessible from the Netherlands and Belgium. High-end shopping abounds here, making it a hub for luxury lovers, although there's plenty to do on the cultural side too. The Japanese gardens are a particular highlight and home to the only Japanese temple in Europe.

HT Image

4. Berlin, Germany (+220 percent)

Germany's ever-changing capital gives the country a hat-trick in upcoming destinations. Berlin is chic and wild in equal measures, always up for a party despite the creeping gentrification which is changing some of the better-known suburbs. Still, for history, music, art, media, food, drinking and fun, it's a world-class destination.

5. Tenerife, Spain (+ 212 percent)
The natural beauty of Tenerife can be lost among the faceless hotels, but this Spanish island has been undergoing something of a renaissance of late. Hiking the volcanic scenery or trekking the ancient forests may not be everybody's cup of tea, but it's a reminder that the Canaries don't have to be about sun, sea and sand. The island boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites thanks to Mount Teide and its national park, both a magnet for anyone interested in the great outdoors.