Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known mountain railway in France, visitors have shared their most memorable finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after stepping off the bus, one visitor pondered about their choice. However the initial doubts soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This charming settlement presents beyond just swimming. Tourists can wander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and stone-paved lanes lined with bustling places to eat. Man-made platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town provide flaky pastries and beverages with warm service.
Retro Tunes in Berlin
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar offers a lot of fun. The vibe is terrific, featuring a DJ playing exclusively vinyl. Furniture are often cleared to make space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar sometimes has live bands, guaranteeing a great evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a quiet getaway. Guests can hike to the summit of a slope and go up a tall twisting platform for magnificent vistas over lush pastures. This area is home to the Lemkos, a mountain people. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic dining serving robust dishes and music. A gallery showcases the work of a renowned folk artist, and the town centre boasts several spring water sources to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful find. Boasting three stunning pristine coastlines, its lively town center is active every night with residents. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location provided a more authentic experience at a much lower of the cost. The lodging featured direct access to the shore and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from a nearby city. But, the route is potentially at risk of being closed. The trip passes over breathtaking stone arches around the town of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Travelers are encouraged to experience this picturesque line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting sites and is reachable by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is striking, featuring coastline, forests, and farmland. A historical fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress built by Russia and then demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the fort ruins is free, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for hours along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing anyone. This undiscovered landscape boasts expansive vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an array of birds. The trail winds along salt marsh next to an estuary, where wrecks of ships are visible. A walk can begin at a very old chapel, one of the oldest in England, and finish in a charming coastal town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The drive involves numerous bends to climb the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible vistas. Visitors can access a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, by car. The journey also offers the opportunity for wildlife sightings, completing the unforgettable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A brief boat trip from a major city takes travelers to a car-free island. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, guests stroll along tree-lined roads featuring historic houses. The feel is relaxed, with time interrupted by friendly cats and moments to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The return journey is usually accompanied by plans for a next visit to this special sanctuary.
Top Discovery: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Tucked away behind a 14th-century building is a archive that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses thousands of ancient tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The display showcases detailed old cartography and