Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known alpine train line in France, visitors disclosed their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after getting off the bus, a traveler questioned about their decision. Yet the early hesitations rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque town provides more than swimming. Visitors can wander through ornate public squares and stone-paved lanes lined with busy eateries. Man-made platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Places in town provide delicious pastries and drinks with warm service.
Vintage Music in The German Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated music bar is a lot of fun. The ambiance is terrific, featuring a DJ using just vinyl. Chairs and tables are routinely cleared to allow for space to dance. Operating late, the bar occasionally hosts live music, making for a fantastic night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Journeying into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a serene retreat. Visitors may walk to the summit of a hill and go up a giant twisting viewing tower for stunning panoramas over verdant fields. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture can be felt through traditional dining offering hearty food and traditional music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a noted painter, and the central spa boasts a number of spring water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant choice. Boasting multiple wonderful white sand coastlines, its lively town center comes alive nightly with residents. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location delivered a genuine feel at a fraction of the price. A hotel provided easy entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb journey from nearby cities. However, this line is potentially at risk of shutting down. The journey includes photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Tourists are advised to ride this unique line while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The landscape is beautiful, with shores, forests, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the site is without charge, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
One can walk for hours along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing anyone. This hidden world provides wide-open views, seals bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of wildlife. The coast path meanders along salt marsh flanking an river mouth, where remains of boats lie. A hike can commence at a very old chapel, among the oldest in England, and conclude in a charming town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically opens in early summer. The drive requires numerous turns to ascend the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, directly. The journey also includes the potential for wildlife sightings, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A short ferry ride from a major metropolis takes people to a car-free island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, guests walk along quiet streets lined with historic houses. The feel is slow, often broken by local cats and opportunities to gaze back at the far-off city. The return journey is often filled with thoughts for a next visit to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Housed behind a historic building is a collection that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains thousands of magnificent books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition features gorgeous 16th-century maps and
