Starting with a Venice-like Slovene town by the sea to a little-known mountain railway in France, explorers have shared their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after getting off the bus, a traveler questioned about their choice. But the first hesitations quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This delightful location presents more than swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through ornate Venetian squares and narrow passageways housing busy places to eat. Man-made jumping points turn the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Places in town offer flaky pastries and drinks with genuine hospitality.
Retro Music in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated venue is immense fun. The vibe is fantastic, with a DJ using exclusively vinyl. Chairs and tables are often cleared to create space to dance. Open late into the night, the bar occasionally hosts performances, ensuring a memorable experience.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a quiet getaway. Guests may walk to the top of a hill and go up a large spiral platform for breathtaking panoramas over verdant pastures. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture can be felt through rustic cuisine with robust fare and traditional music. A gallery celebrates the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa features a number of medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful choice. Featuring multiple stunning sandy shores, its lively centre thrives nightly with residents. While the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a genuine feel at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation featured easy a path to the sea and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great day trip from the region. Yet, the route is potentially threatened of closure. The trip features spectacular stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Travelers are encouraged to ride this special line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish culture. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, with rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A historical fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical outpost constructed by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the remains is free, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for miles along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another person. This secret landscape offers sweeping vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birds. The coast path follows along estuarine flanking an estuary, where remains of boats can be seen. A journey can commence at a 7th-century chapel, one of the earliest in England, and end in a charming coastal town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Shut during the colder months, it usually opens in early summer. The trip involves many bends to climb the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible views. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, still covered in snow, directly. The journey also includes the opportunity for spotting bears, enhancing the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Near a Metropolis
A brief journey from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a tranquil island. As the evening approaches, the city chaos fades for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, guests stroll along historic streets lined with beautiful homes. The feel is relaxed, often broken by local cats and moments to stare back at the skyline of the city. The return journey is often accompanied by ideas for a comeback to this special sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Tucked away behind a Gothic building is a library that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses thousands of ancient volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The display showcases exquisite old cartography and
