Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain train line in France, travelers disclosed their most memorable finds from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Right after arriving, one visitor wondered about their selection. Yet the early suspicions rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This delightful settlement provides beyond just swimming. Visitors can wander through beautiful Venetian squares and cobbled lanes lined with busy places to eat. Concrete platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Local spots offer delicious pastries and refreshments with warm hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in Germany's Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed venue is great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, featuring a DJ using exclusively vinyl records. Chairs and tables are routinely pushed aside to create dance floor. Staying open late into the night, the bar sometimes features live music, ensuring a fantastic night out.
Ethnic Legacy in a Poland's Resort Town
Crossing into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a quiet getaway. Travelers are able to climb to the summit of a ski run and go up a large twisting lookout for breathtaking vistas over verdant pastures. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a mountain people. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering robust food and folk music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a prolific painter, and the main area has a number of spring taps to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful discovery. With three stunning white sand coastlines, its vibrant centre is active nightly with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location delivered a more authentic atmosphere at a much lower of the price. The lodging featured convenient a path to the sea and a elegant and warm ambiance.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb journey from the region. However, this service is said to be at risk of shutting down. The trip features spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Visitors are encouraged to experience this picturesque railway before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, features notable museums and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The countryside is striking, with rocky inlets, woods, and farms. A notable site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Visiting the site is free, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can walk for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another person. This secret world provides sweeping views, seals in the water, and an array of birdlife. The coast path winds along marshes flanking an river mouth, where remains of boats are visible. A walk can commence at a 7th-century church, one of the most ancient in England, and end in a charming coastal town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely known as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt road. Shut during winter, it usually opens in late spring. The journey requires numerous switchbacks to climb the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking views. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, sometimes ringed with snow, directly. The route also presents the potential for spotting bears, adding to the remarkable experience.
Island Getaway Near a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a major city takes visitors to a tranquil getaway. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, guests meander along historic streets featuring grand mansions. The pace is slow, with time broken by friendly cats and chances to look back at the distant city. The trip home is often accompanied by thoughts for a future return to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Housed behind a Gothic church is a library that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds thousands of magnificent volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition showcases exquisite old cartography and
