Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian coastal town to a little-known mountain railway in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after stepping off the bus, a traveler pondered about their choice. However the first hesitations soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This charming town presents beyond just swimming. Visitors may meander through elaborately decorated public squares and narrow passageways lined with vibrant seafood restaurants. Man-made jumping points render the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Places in town offer flaky pastries and drinks with warm service.
Classic Tunes in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and Motown, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated club offers great enjoyment. The atmosphere is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing only vinyl records. Seating are often pushed aside to create space to dance. Operating late into the night, the bar occasionally features live bands, ensuring a memorable evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Health Resort
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a peaceful getaway. Visitors can hike to the summit of a hill and climb a tall wooden viewing tower for breathtaking views over lush fields. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic dining offering hearty food and traditional music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a prolific naive artist, and the main area boasts several mineral water sources to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful discovery. With several stunning white sand shores, its lively centre thrives nightly with locals. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location delivered a local experience at a fraction of the price. Accommodation featured convenient a path to the shore and a elegant and warm environment.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great journey from the region. However, this service is reportedly under threat of being closed. The ride includes spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Travelers are urged to see this special railway before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a distinct culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting attractions and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The countryside is striking, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farms. A notable fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress established by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the site is without charge, with a small fee for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can stroll for hours along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing anyone. This hidden area boasts sweeping vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of wildlife. The path winds along salt marsh next to an estuary, where remains of ships lie. A journey can start at a 7th-century place of worship, reportedly the earliest in England, and conclude in a charming town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Shut during the colder months, it usually opens in late spring. The journey features numerous bends to climb the steep southern section of the Carpathians, offering incredible vistas. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, often ringed with snow, by car. The journey also offers the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Escape Near a Major City
A short journey from a major metropolis transports travelers to a peaceful island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, guests meander along quiet roads flanked by grand mansions. The pace is slow, often paused by resident felines and chances to stare back at the far-off city. The trip home is often spent planning ideas for a next visit to this incredible sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a 14th-century building is a library that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds a vast collection of magnificent tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The display features exquisite 16th-century cartography and
