From a Venetian-style Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked alpine railway in France, travelers disclosed their most unforgettable finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after stepping off the bus, a traveler wondered about their decision. Yet the initial hesitations rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming settlement presents more than a swim. Visitors can wander through ornate Venetian squares and narrow passageways housing busy seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Local spots offer flaky pastries and beverages with warm service.
Vintage Tunes in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed club offers great enjoyment. The vibe is terrific, with a DJ playing only records. Seating are routinely moved to make space to dance. Operating late into the night, the bar at times has live music, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Cultural Legacy in a Poland's Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a peaceful escape. Guests can hike to the summit of a hill and go up a large twisting lookout for magnificent panoramas over green pastures. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture is on display through rustic restaurants serving hearty food and music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a prolific naive artist, and the town centre features multiple spring taps to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant find. Featuring several wonderful sandy coastlines, its vibrant center comes alive nightly with locals. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location provided a more authentic experience at a fraction of the cost. The lodging offered easy entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect day trip from the region. Yet, this line is said to be under threat of being closed. The ride features breathtaking bridges around the town of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Tourists are encouraged to experience this picturesque line before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct culture. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable sites and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is striking, characterized by coastline, forests, and farms. A historical location at Bomarsund reveals a historical fortress built by Russia and later attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the fort ruins is without charge, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to walk for hours along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This undiscovered area provides wide-open vistas, seals offshore, and an abundance of birdlife. The coast path winds along marshes next to an river mouth, where wrecks of ships are visible. A walk can start at a 7th-century chapel, one of the earliest in England, and finish in a charming town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Closed during the colder months, it usually opens in early summer. The drive requires numerous bends to ascend the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, sometimes covered in snow, without a cable car. The route also offers the potential for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable experience.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A brief journey from a bustling metropolis transports visitors to a tranquil getaway. As the sun sets, the city chaos is replaced for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests walk along quiet streets flanked by beautiful homes. The feel is relaxed, often paused by friendly felines and moments to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is often filled with ideas for a future return to this incredible retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Tucked away behind a historic church is a library that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses a vast collection of rare books, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection features exquisite Renaissance-era cartography and
