From a Venetian-inspired Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten mountain railway in France, visitors revealed their standout encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after getting off the bus, one visitor pondered about their selection. However the initial hesitations quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This delightful settlement provides more than swimming. Visitors can wander through beautiful public squares and stone-paved lanes housing vibrant places to eat. Concrete jumping points turn the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Nearby establishments offer crisp pastries and beverages with genuine service.
Retro Tunes in Germany's Capital
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated club promises a lot of fun. The atmosphere is terrific, featuring a DJ using exclusively vinyl. Furniture are often moved to allow for dance floor. Staying open late into the night, the bar occasionally hosts live bands, ensuring a great experience.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a serene escape. Guests are able to climb to the peak of a ski run and climb a large wooden platform for magnificent views over verdant landscapes. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Lemko culture can be experienced through traditional dining offering substantial food and music. A museum displays the work of a renowned folk artist, and the main area boasts several spring water sources to sample.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant find. Featuring multiple wonderful pristine coastlines, its vibrant town center thrives every night with families. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location provided a more authentic atmosphere at a a quarter of the price. A hotel provided direct a path to the shore and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb day trip from the region. However, this service is potentially at risk of being closed. The ride includes breathtaking stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Tourists are encouraged to experience this special railway while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The countryside is beautiful, featuring coastline, woods, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress established by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is without charge, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
One can walk for miles along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another person. This undiscovered world provides wide-open views, seals in the water, and an profusion of wildlife. The path meanders along marshes next to an estuary, where remains of old vessels are visible. A walk can begin at a 7th-century chapel, among the oldest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually reopens in early summer. The trip features constant switchbacks to ascend the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent scenery. Drivers can access a mountain lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The drive also offers the potential for seeing animals, adding to the memorable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Near a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a major city takes travelers to a car-free island. As the day ends, the urban energy dissipates for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, explorers walk along tree-lined lanes flanked by beautiful homes. The rhythm is relaxed, often broken by resident cats and moments to look back at the far-off city. The trip home is often filled with ideas for a next visit to this special sanctuary.
Top Discovery: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Located behind a Gothic building is a collection that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses a vast collection of ancient tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection includes gorgeous old cartography and
