From a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a overlooked alpine train line in France, explorers revealed their most memorable finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their choice. But the initial suspicions soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement offers beyond just a swim. Guests are able to stroll through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and stone-paved passageways lined with busy places to eat. Man-made diving platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town serve up crisp pastries and drinks with friendly welcome.
Vintage Music in The German Capital
For lovers of classic rock, 1960s pop, and Motown, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated venue is a lot of fun. The ambiance is fantastic, featuring a DJ spinning only vinyl records. Furniture are often pushed aside to create space to dance. Staying open late, the bar sometimes has live music, ensuring a memorable evening.
Cultural Legacy in a Polish Spa Town
Journeying into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a peaceful getaway. Visitors can hike to the peak of a slope and climb a giant twisting lookout for stunning views over green fields. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture is on display through rustic restaurants serving substantial fare and music. A gallery displays the work of a noted folk artist, and the central spa boasts multiple mineral water sources to try.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant discovery. Featuring multiple stunning white sand beaches, its lively centre thrives nightly with residents. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot provided a local atmosphere at a a quarter of the cost. A hotel featured easy access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb journey from nearby cities. But, the route is said to be at risk of closure. The ride includes photogenic bridges around the town of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Visitors are urged to experience this picturesque line before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable sites and is accessible by ferry from several countries. The landscape is beautiful, featuring coastline, woods, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund marks a historical outpost constructed by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the site is without charge, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another person. This hidden landscape provides expansive vistas, seals offshore, and an profusion of birds. The path follows along marshes next to an river mouth, where wrecks of boats lie. A hike can start at a very old church, one of the oldest in England, and conclude in a pretty coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically reopens in June. The journey involves many turns to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking views. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The route also offers the opportunity for wildlife sightings, adding to the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Escape Close to a Major City
A brief boat trip from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a peaceful getaway. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, guests stroll along tree-lined streets featuring historic houses. The feel is relaxed, with time broken by local cats and chances to gaze back at the far-off city. The return journey is usually accompanied by plans for a future return to this special sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Housed behind a Gothic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of magnificent tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition showcases detailed Renaissance-era cartography and
