Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene coastal town to a forgotten alpine train line in France, visitors disclosed their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after stepping off the bus, an explorer wondered about their choice. Yet the early hesitations rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming settlement presents more than swimming. Visitors can wander through ornate public squares and cobbled alleys lined with busy eateries. Concrete platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Places in town offer flaky pastries and beverages with genuine hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For lovers of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed music bar is immense fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, featuring a DJ using just vinyl. Chairs and tables are often pushed aside to make space to dance. Open late, the bar at times hosts live bands, making for a fantastic evening.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a quiet escape. Travelers are able to climb to the peak of a hill and ascend a large wooden lookout for magnificent views over green pastures. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic cuisine offering hearty food and music. A museum showcases the work of a prolific naive artist, and the town centre has several medicinal water fountains to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a excellent find. Boasting multiple beautiful white sand beaches, its bustling town center comes alive every night with families. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location offered a local feel at a fraction of the price. A hotel provided easy a path to the shore and a chic yet friendly environment.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great day trip from the region. Yet, this line is said to be under threat of shutting down. The ride features photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Travelers are urged to ride this unique line soon.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting attractions and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is striking, with rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund reveals a historical outpost constructed by Russia and later destroyed during the Crimean War. Visiting the remains is complimentary, with a small fee for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing anyone. This hidden area boasts sweeping vistas, marine life offshore, and an abundance of wildlife. The trail follows along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels are visible. A walk can begin at a 7th-century place of worship, reportedly the earliest in England, and conclude in a quaint coastal town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved road. Shut during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip features constant switchbacks to navigate the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking scenery. Travelers can access a mountain lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The journey also includes the opportunity for seeing animals, completing the remarkable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A short boat trip from a major city takes visitors to a peaceful getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, explorers meander along tree-lined lanes featuring historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, often broken by local felines and opportunities to stare back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is often accompanied by plans for a future return to this unique sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Located behind a historic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains numerous of rare tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection features exquisite old cartography and