From a Venetian-inspired Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked mountain railway in France, travelers disclosed their most unforgettable finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after getting off the bus, an explorer questioned about their decision. But the early doubts quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement offers beyond just a swim. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and cobbled lanes filled with busy seafood restaurants. Concrete platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Nearby establishments provide delicious pastries and drinks with genuine hospitality.
Vintage Music in The German Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and soul music, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized venue is great enjoyment. The atmosphere is fantastic, with a DJ playing only vinyl records. Seating are sometimes pushed aside to make dance floor. Open late, the bar sometimes has live music, making for a great evening.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a quiet retreat. Travelers may walk to the top of a slope and ascend a large wooden platform for breathtaking views over verdant landscapes. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Lemko culture can be felt through traditional restaurants offering robust dishes and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned painter, and the main area features multiple spring taps to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant choice. With several beautiful pristine shores, its lively centre is active in the evenings with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town offered a genuine atmosphere at a a quarter of the price. A hotel provided direct access to the shore and a stylish but welcoming environment.
An Iconic Mountain Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great excursion from nearby cities. However, this service is potentially under threat of being closed. The journey includes photogenic bridges around the area of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Visitors are advised to see this unique railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong identity. The capital, Mariehamn, features interesting attractions and is reachable by boat from multiple countries. The landscape is beautiful, with rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund marks a historical naval base constructed by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the fort ruins is free, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another soul. This undiscovered world provides sweeping views, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birds. The trail winds along salt marsh flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of ships lie. A hike can begin at a ancient place of worship, among the earliest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved mountain road. Closed during winter, it usually reopens in late spring. The journey involves constant bends to navigate the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing excellent views. Visitors can access a mountain lake, often surrounded by snow, by car. The journey also offers the chance for spotting bears, completing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Near a Major City
A short journey from a bustling metropolis takes travelers to a car-free getaway. As the sun sets, the urban energy is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, visitors walk along historic roads lined with grand mansions. The pace is slow, frequently interrupted by local cats and chances to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The return journey is usually filled with ideas for a comeback to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Located behind a historic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses numerous of magnificent books, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition features gorgeous 16th-century maps and
