Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian coastal town to a little-known alpine railway in France, travelers disclosed their standout finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after getting off the bus, an explorer wondered about their decision. But the early suspicions rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming town offers more than a swim. Guests are able to stroll through elaborately decorated piazzas and stone-paved passageways housing busy places to eat. Concrete jumping points render the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town offer crisp pastries and refreshments with warm service.
Vintage Music in Berlin
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and Motown, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed venue is a lot of fun. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ playing just vinyl records. Seating are routinely pushed aside to make dance floor. Operating late into the night, the bar occasionally hosts performances, making for a memorable evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a quiet getaway. Visitors may walk to the summit of a slope and climb a giant wooden platform for stunning panoramas over lush fields. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain people. Lemko culture can be felt through traditional restaurants with robust fare and traditional music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned naive artist, and the town centre boasts multiple spring water fountains to try.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent choice. Featuring multiple beautiful white sand shores, its bustling town center thrives every night with families. While the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a local feel at a much lower of the price. A hotel offered easy access to the beach and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from the region. But, the route is reportedly threatened of being closed. The journey features photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Visitors are urged to experience this special railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is striking, characterized by rocky inlets, woods, and farms. A notable location at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base constructed by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the remains is free, with a small fee for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
One can hike for hours along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This hidden area offers wide-open vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of wildlife. The coast path follows along marshes next to an estuary, where remnants of ships can be seen. A journey can start at a 7th-century place of worship, reportedly the earliest in England, and conclude in a charming coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved road. Shut during the colder months, it typically opens in early summer. The trip features many bends to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking views. Travelers can reach a high-altitude lake, still covered in snow, directly. The journey also offers the chance for spotting bears, enhancing the remarkable experience.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A short journey from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, visitors meander along historic lanes flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is leisurely, with time broken by friendly felines and moments to look back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is usually spent planning plans for a comeback to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Located behind a 14th-century building is a library that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains thousands of rare tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection showcases gorgeous old cartography and
