Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene coastal town to a forgotten alpine railway in France, explorers revealed their most unforgettable finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, a traveler wondered about their decision. Yet the first doubts quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This delightful settlement offers more than swimming. Guests are able to stroll through ornate piazzas and narrow passageways housing busy seafood restaurants. Concrete jumping points make the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Places in town provide flaky pastries and drinks with warm service.
Vintage Sounds in Berlin
For aficionados of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul music, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar offers great enjoyment. The atmosphere is fantastic, featuring a DJ spinning exclusively vinyl records. Chairs and tables are sometimes pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Open late into the night, the bar occasionally features live music, ensuring a fantastic night out.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a quiet retreat. Guests are able to climb to the peak of a ski run and go up a giant twisting platform for stunning vistas over lush landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture can be felt through rustic cuisine with substantial fare and music. A gallery showcases the work of a noted painter, and the main area has several medicinal water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful discovery. With multiple stunning pristine coastlines, its lively centre is active every night with locals. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot provided a genuine atmosphere at a much lower of the cost. The lodging provided direct access to the shore and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect journey from a nearby city. However, the route is reportedly at risk of closure. The journey features spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Tourists are encouraged to ride this special line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting sites and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The landscape is beautiful, characterized by rocky inlets, woods, and farms. A notable location at Bomarsund marks a historical naval base built by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Exploring the fort ruins is free, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for miles along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This secret area provides expansive vistas, marine life in the water, and an profusion of birdlife. The coast path winds along salt marsh flanking an river mouth, where remains of ships lie. A hike can commence at a ancient place of worship, one of the oldest in England, and finish in a charming coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved route. Shut during the colder months, it typically opens in June. The trip involves constant bends to climb the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking scenery. Visitors can reach a high-altitude lake, often surrounded by snow, directly. The route also includes the chance for wildlife sightings, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Major City
A short journey from a bustling city transports visitors to a car-free island. As the day ends, the urban energy fades for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, guests walk along historic lanes featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, with time paused by local felines and chances to look back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is often filled with plans for a next visit to this special sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Housed behind a Gothic church is a archive that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds thousands of rare volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display includes exquisite 16th-century cartography and
