Starting with a Venice-like Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten alpine train line in France, explorers revealed their standout discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their decision. But the early suspicions rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This picturesque town offers more than a swim. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated public squares and cobbled passageways lined with vibrant places to eat. Man-made diving platforms make the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Nearby establishments provide delicious pastries and refreshments with genuine welcome.
Classic Sounds in Berlin
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized venue promises great enjoyment. The ambiance is fabulous, with a DJ spinning just records. Seating are sometimes pushed aside to allow for dancing. Staying open late into the night, the bar at times features live music, ensuring a great evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a peaceful retreat. Travelers are able to climb to the top of a ski run and go up a large twisting viewing tower for stunning vistas over verdant fields. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain community. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic cuisine serving robust dishes and music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a renowned naive artist, and the central spa boasts several mineral taps to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent find. Featuring three beautiful pristine shores, its vibrant town center comes alive every night with residents. While the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town offered a genuine atmosphere at a much lower of the cost. The lodging provided easy access to the shore and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb excursion from a nearby city. Yet, this service is potentially under threat of being closed. The ride features breathtaking stone arches around the town of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to experience this unique line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a distinct culture. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable sites and is reachable by boat from multiple countries. The countryside is attractive, characterized by rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A notable fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century outpost built by Russia and later destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the fort ruins is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to walk for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering anyone. This hidden world provides sweeping vistas, seals offshore, and an array of birds. The path winds along marshes next to an river mouth, where remains of old vessels can be seen. A journey can commence at a ancient chapel, one of the most ancient in England, and conclude in a pretty coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt mountain road. Shut during winter, it usually reopens in June. The journey involves constant turns to climb the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the potential for spotting bears, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A short journey from a major city transports travelers to a peaceful getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle fades for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, visitors walk along quiet roads flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is leisurely, frequently paused by local felines and moments to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The ferry back is usually spent planning plans for a next visit to this unique retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Located behind a 14th-century building is a collection that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains numerous of magnificent tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection includes detailed old cartography and
