From a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten alpine railway in France, visitors revealed their most memorable finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after getting off the bus, an explorer pondered about their choice. However the first suspicions rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This delightful town presents beyond just a swim. Visitors may meander through elaborately decorated public squares and cobbled alleys filled with busy places to eat. Man-made diving platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Places in town provide delicious pastries and beverages with warm welcome.
Classic Sounds in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized music bar promises a lot of fun. The ambiance is fabulous, with a DJ playing only records. Seating are sometimes moved to make space to dance. Staying open until the early hours, the bar sometimes features performances, guaranteeing a fantastic evening.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Spa Town
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a quiet escape. Guests are able to climb to the top of a slope and climb a giant wooden viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over verdant fields. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage is on display through rustic cuisine serving robust food and music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a noted painter, and the main area features a number of mineral water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. With several beautiful white sand coastlines, its vibrant town center is active nightly with families. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town offered a genuine feel at a a quarter of the cost. A hotel provided easy entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly environment.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb journey from the region. However, this line is said to be under threat of closure. The trip includes spectacular stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Visitors are urged to experience this picturesque line before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is accessible by boat from multiple countries. The countryside is beautiful, with shores, woods, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund reveals a historical fortress established by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the remains is without charge, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to walk for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another soul. This undiscovered world provides wide-open vistas, seals offshore, and an profusion of wildlife. The path follows along salt marsh bordering an river mouth, where remains of boats are visible. A walk can start at a ancient place of worship, one of the most ancient in England, and conclude in a pretty coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Shut during winter, it typically reopens in late spring. The drive involves numerous switchbacks to ascend the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering incredible scenery. Drivers can reach a high-altitude lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also includes the chance for wildlife sightings, enhancing the unforgettable adventure.
Island Getaway Near a Metropolis
A short ferry ride from a major metropolis takes visitors to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos dissipates for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, explorers walk along historic streets flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is relaxed, frequently paused by friendly felines and chances to look back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is often filled with ideas for a next visit to this unique sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Housed behind a historic church is a library that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses thousands of rare tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display includes exquisite old cartography and
