From a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a overlooked mountain train line in France, explorers disclosed their standout finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after arriving, a traveler wondered about their choice. Yet the first doubts rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This picturesque town presents beyond just swimming. Visitors may meander through beautiful piazzas and stone-paved alleys housing vibrant places to eat. Concrete diving platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town serve up delicious pastries and beverages with warm welcome.
Vintage Sounds in Germany's Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated venue is great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ spinning only vinyl records. Seating are often pushed aside to create dance floor. Open until the early hours, the bar at times features live music, guaranteeing a great experience.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a peaceful escape. Visitors can hike to the top of a slope and go up a giant wooden platform for magnificent vistas over verdant pastures. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture is on display through traditional restaurants offering hearty food and folk music. A museum showcases the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa features a number of medicinal water sources to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a excellent choice. With three wonderful white sand shores, its bustling centre thrives every night with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot delivered a genuine experience at a much lower of the price. The lodging offered direct entry to the sea and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
An Iconic Mountain Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb day trip from a nearby city. Yet, the route is reportedly under threat of being closed. The trip features photogenic bridges around the area of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Tourists are advised to experience this special railway soon.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a distinct culture. The capital, Mariehamn, features notable sites and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The landscape is striking, with coastline, forests, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical naval base established by Russia and then attacked during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is complimentary, with a small fee for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can walk for hours along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This undiscovered world provides wide-open vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birds. The path winds along marshes bordering an estuary, where remains of ships lie. A journey can start at a ancient chapel, one of the earliest in England, and conclude in a charming town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt mountain road. Closed during winter, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip involves numerous bends to ascend the steep southern section of the Carpathians, providing incredible vistas. Visitors can access a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, directly. The drive also offers the potential for wildlife sightings, enhancing the unforgettable experience.
Island Getaway Near a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a vibrant city takes travelers to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, guests stroll along quiet streets flanked by historic houses. The feel is relaxed, often paused by resident felines and opportunities to stare back at the far-off city. The trip home is usually accompanied by thoughts for a comeback to this special retreat.
Winning Tip: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a historic building is a archive that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses numerous of rare volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition showcases gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
