From a Venetian-inspired Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked mountain railway in France, travelers revealed their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after getting off the bus, an explorer pondered about their selection. Yet the first suspicions rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This delightful location presents more than swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and narrow passageways lined with busy places to eat. Concrete platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Places in town provide flaky pastries and refreshments with friendly hospitality.
Vintage Music in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed music bar is great enjoyment. The ambiance is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing exclusively vinyl. Furniture are often moved to create space to dance. Staying open until the early hours, the bar at times features live music, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a quiet retreat. Travelers may walk to the summit of a hill and go up a giant twisting platform for magnificent views over verdant landscapes. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional restaurants serving robust fare and music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa has multiple mineral taps to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. Featuring three wonderful white sand coastlines, its vibrant centre thrives nightly with residents. While the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town offered a local atmosphere at a fraction of the price. A hotel featured convenient a path to the shore and a elegant and warm ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great journey from nearby cities. Yet, the route is potentially threatened of shutting down. The ride features spectacular viaducts around the town of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Visitors are encouraged to experience this special line before it's too late.
Island 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 notable sites and is accessible by ferry from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, characterized by shores, woods, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the fort ruins is without charge, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another person. This hidden world boasts sweeping vistas, marine life offshore, and an profusion of wildlife. The path meanders along marshes next to an river mouth, where remains of old vessels lie. A hike can start at a very old place of worship, among the earliest in England, and finish in a charming coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The journey requires many switchbacks to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent vistas. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, by car. The journey also offers the chance for wildlife sightings, enhancing the memorable adventure.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a major city takes people to a peaceful getaway. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, visitors meander along tree-lined lanes featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is relaxed, with time paused by resident felines and moments to gaze back at the distant mainland. The ferry back is often accompanied by thoughts for a comeback to this unique sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Housed behind a historic church is a library that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses a vast collection of ancient books, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection features exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
