Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene coastal town to a forgotten alpine railway in France, visitors revealed their most memorable finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Right after stepping off the bus, one visitor wondered about their selection. Yet the first hesitations soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement presents more than swimming. Visitors are able to stroll through beautiful Venetian squares and narrow lanes housing busy places to eat. Concrete jumping points make the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Local spots provide flaky pastries and drinks with friendly service.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For fans of classic rock, retro pop, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated club promises a lot of fun. The ambiance is terrific, complete with a DJ playing exclusively records. Chairs and tables are often cleared to allow for dance floor. Staying open late into the night, the bar occasionally features live music, guaranteeing a memorable evening.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a peaceful getaway. Guests are able to climb to the summit of a ski run and ascend a large wooden viewing tower for breathtaking views over green pastures. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain community. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic restaurants serving hearty food and folk music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a prolific painter, and the main area boasts several mineral water fountains to try.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful find. Boasting multiple stunning sandy shores, its lively center is active in the evenings with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a more authentic feel at a much lower of the price. Accommodation provided easy access to the sea and a elegant and warm ambiance.
An Iconic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great day trip from nearby cities. However, this service is said to be under threat of being closed. The journey passes over breathtaking stone arches around the town of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Tourists are urged to see this unique line soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is easy to get to by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is beautiful, with rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A significant site at Bomarsund reveals a historical fortress constructed by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the remains is free, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
One can walk for hours along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing anyone. This secret landscape provides expansive views, marine life in the water, and an profusion of birdlife. The trail winds along marshes bordering an estuary, where remains of ships can be seen. A journey can begin at a ancient church, one of the oldest in England, and conclude in a quaint town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved route. Closed during winter, it usually reopens in early summer. The journey requires constant switchbacks to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent vistas. Drivers can reach a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, by car. The drive also offers the opportunity for spotting bears, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a major metropolis transports people to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the urban energy is replaced for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, explorers walk along quiet roads featuring historic houses. The rhythm is slow, often paused by local felines and moments to gaze back at the distant city. The ferry back is usually filled with ideas for a next visit to this incredible place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Housed behind a Gothic building is a archive that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains thousands of ancient tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition features gorgeous Renaissance-era maps and
