From a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a forgotten mountain train line in France, explorers have shared their most memorable finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Right after arriving, one visitor questioned about their decision. Yet the first hesitations quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This charming location presents more than a swim. Guests may meander through beautiful piazzas and cobbled alleys filled with busy eateries. Concrete platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Local spots provide delicious pastries and drinks with genuine hospitality.
Retro Tunes in The German Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed music bar promises a lot of fun. The vibe is fabulous, with a DJ using just records. Seating are often pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Open late, the bar at times hosts performances, making for a fantastic night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a serene retreat. Travelers can hike to the peak of a hill and ascend a tall spiral platform for stunning vistas over lush fields. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture can be experienced through traditional restaurants serving robust fare and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a noted naive artist, and the town centre has a number of medicinal water sources to try.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant find. Featuring three stunning pristine beaches, its lively centre thrives every night with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot delivered a local atmosphere at a fraction of the price. A hotel offered easy entry to the shore and a elegant and warm ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb excursion from nearby cities. Yet, this service is reportedly at risk of shutting down. The journey includes spectacular stone arches around the town of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Travelers are urged to ride this special railway soon.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable attractions and is accessible by ferry from nearby countries. The countryside is striking, with rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A notable fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and then destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the fort ruins is without charge, with a charge for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another person. This hidden landscape boasts wide-open views, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of wildlife. The coast path winds along estuarine bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A hike can begin at a very old church, one of the earliest in England, and end in a charming coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt mountain road. Shut during winter, it typically reopens in early summer. The journey requires numerous bends to navigate the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible scenery. Drivers can access a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, directly. The journey also offers the chance for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A brief journey from a bustling city takes visitors to a car-free island. As the day ends, the city chaos fades for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, guests walk along tree-lined streets lined with beautiful homes. The feel is relaxed, frequently broken by local cats and chances to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is often filled with plans for a comeback to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Tucked away behind a 14th-century building is a archive that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses thousands of rare volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection showcases gorgeous old maps and
