From a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known mountain train line in France, travelers disclosed their standout finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after arriving, an explorer questioned about their selection. Yet the first suspicions soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This delightful town presents beyond just swimming. Guests are able to stroll through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and stone-paved alleys filled with vibrant eateries. Man-made platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town serve up delicious pastries and beverages with warm service.
Classic Sounds in The German Capital
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated club offers immense fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, complete with a DJ spinning only vinyl records. Seating are routinely moved to create dancing. Staying open late into the night, the bar at times has performances, ensuring a great evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Poland's Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a peaceful escape. Visitors may walk to the summit of a slope and go up a large wooden lookout for stunning vistas over green fields. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Their culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine serving substantial food and folk music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a noted painter, and the central spa has multiple spring water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent discovery. With several beautiful sandy shores, its lively center is active in the evenings with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot provided a genuine atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. Accommodation featured easy access to the shore and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great day trip from nearby cities. However, this line is said to be under threat of being closed. The ride includes photogenic stone arches around the town of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Visitors are advised to experience this picturesque railway while they can.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The landscape is striking, featuring coastline, woods, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base constructed by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the fort ruins is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
One can walk for hours along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This hidden area provides wide-open vistas, marine life in the water, and an abundance of birds. The path follows along marshes bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A walk can commence at a 7th-century place of worship, among the earliest in England, and end in a charming town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip involves many turns to climb the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, offering breathtaking scenery. Travelers can reach a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, without a cable car. The journey also includes the potential for wildlife sightings, completing the memorable adventure.
Island Getaway Near a Metropolis
A brief boat trip from a bustling metropolis transports visitors to a peaceful island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy is replaced for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests meander along quiet roads flanked by beautiful homes. The rhythm is leisurely, frequently paused by resident felines and moments to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is usually spent planning plans for a next visit to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Tucked away behind a historic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of rare books, with a star attraction being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection showcases detailed Renaissance-era cartography and
