Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a forgotten mountain railway in France, visitors have shared their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after getting off the bus, one visitor questioned about their choice. Yet the first doubts quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This delightful location offers beyond just a swim. Tourists may meander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and cobbled alleys lined with busy eateries. Man-made diving platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town offer flaky pastries and drinks with genuine welcome.
Retro Sounds in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar is great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, complete with a DJ spinning just records. Furniture are often pushed aside to create dancing. Staying open late, the bar at times hosts live music, ensuring a memorable experience.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Health Resort
Crossing into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a peaceful escape. Travelers can hike to the peak of a hill and go up a giant spiral platform for breathtaking views over green fields. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Lemko culture can be experienced through traditional restaurants offering robust fare and traditional music. A gallery showcases the work of a noted painter, and the central spa boasts a number of mineral water sources to try.
Sardinian Seaside Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent find. Featuring several wonderful white sand coastlines, its vibrant center thrives in the evenings with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a more authentic experience at a much lower of the price. A hotel provided convenient access to the sea and a chic yet friendly environment.
A Historic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great excursion from a nearby city. But, this service is potentially at risk of closure. The trip passes over photogenic stone arches around the area of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Travelers are urged to experience this special railway soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting sites and is easy to get to by ferry from several countries. The landscape is beautiful, featuring coastline, woods, and farms. A historical fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and later attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the remains is free, with a charge for the information center.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing anyone. This secret landscape offers sweeping vistas, seals offshore, and an profusion of birdlife. The coast path meanders along estuarine next to an estuary, where wrecks of boats are visible. A hike can begin at a ancient chapel, reportedly the earliest in England, and conclude in a charming town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved mountain road. Shut during the colder months, it typically opens in early summer. The journey features many turns to navigate the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible scenery. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, sometimes ringed with snow, without a cable car. The route also includes the potential for wildlife sightings, enhancing the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A short journey from a major metropolis takes people to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos dissipates for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, guests meander along quiet streets lined with historic houses. The feel is leisurely, with time paused by friendly felines and chances to look back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is often accompanied by ideas for a comeback to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Tucked away behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of ancient tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection includes gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
