Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian town by the sea to a forgotten mountain train line in France, explorers have shared their most unforgettable discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after getting off the bus, a traveler questioned about their selection. Yet the initial suspicions quickly faded upon entering Piran. This delightful town provides beyond just swimming. Tourists can wander through elaborately decorated public squares and cobbled lanes filled with bustling eateries. Man-made jumping points make the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Nearby establishments offer delicious pastries and drinks with friendly service.
Classic Sounds in Berlin
For aficionados of classic rock, 1960s pop, and Motown, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized venue offers a lot of fun. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ playing only vinyl. Chairs and tables are routinely pushed aside to create dance floor. Open late, the bar sometimes hosts live music, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a serene escape. Travelers can hike to the summit of a ski run and climb a large spiral lookout for magnificent vistas over green landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. The local heritage is on display through traditional dining with substantial fare and music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa features a number of spring water sources to taste.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent discovery. Boasting three beautiful white sand coastlines, its bustling centre thrives every night with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town delivered a genuine experience at a a quarter of the cost. A hotel provided convenient access to the sea and a chic yet friendly environment.
An Iconic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great day trip from a nearby city. However, this service is reportedly at risk of closure. The trip passes over breathtaking viaducts around the town of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to see this unique railway soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish culture. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable attractions and is reachable by ferry from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is striking, characterized by shores, woods, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund reveals a historical outpost constructed by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the remains is free, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can hike for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This secret world offers expansive vistas, seals offshore, and an abundance of wildlife. The path meanders along marshes next to an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A walk can begin at a ancient chapel, among the most ancient in England, and end in a quaint town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt road. Inaccessible during winter, it usually opens in early summer. The journey involves many turns to climb the steep southern section of the Carpathians, providing excellent scenery. Travelers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, sometimes ringed with snow, by car. The drive also includes the chance for seeing animals, enhancing the remarkable experience.
Island Getaway Close to a Major City
A short boat trip from a vibrant metropolis takes visitors to a tranquil getaway. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle fades for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, visitors stroll along quiet roads flanked by grand mansions. The feel is relaxed, often broken by local cats and opportunities to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is usually spent planning ideas for a future return to this unique place.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Housed behind a 14th-century church is a archive that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains numerous of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The display features gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
