Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine train line in France, visitors revealed their most unforgettable finds from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after stepping off the bus, one visitor wondered about their selection. Yet the first doubts quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This delightful settlement offers more than swimming. Visitors can wander through ornate piazzas and narrow lanes lined with bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Places in town offer flaky pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Vintage Music in Berlin
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed music bar is great enjoyment. The vibe is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing exclusively records. Chairs and tables are sometimes cleared to create dance floor. Operating late into the night, the bar at times has live music, ensuring a fantastic night out.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a quiet escape. Guests can hike to the peak of a ski run and go up a large twisting platform for stunning panoramas over lush pastures. This region is home to the Lemkos, a mountain community. The local heritage can be felt through traditional dining with substantial food and music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a prolific folk artist, and the town centre boasts several spring taps to try.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. Featuring several stunning sandy beaches, its vibrant center comes alive every night with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town delivered a more authentic atmosphere at a a quarter of the cost. A hotel provided convenient a path to the sea and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect day trip from a nearby city. However, the route is reportedly at risk of closure. The ride features photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Visitors are urged to experience this picturesque line soon.
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, offers notable sites and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, characterized by rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century naval base constructed by Russia and subsequently demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the site is free, with a ticket for the information center.
Coastal Tranquility in England
One can hike for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another person. This hidden landscape boasts expansive views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birdlife. The trail winds along estuarine flanking an estuary, where remnants of old vessels lie. A walk can start at a ancient place of worship, reportedly the earliest in England, and conclude in a charming coastal town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved route. Shut during the colder months, it typically reopens in early summer. The drive involves constant switchbacks to climb the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking scenery. Drivers can access a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, by car. The journey also presents the potential for seeing animals, adding to the unforgettable experience.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A short boat trip from a vibrant city takes visitors to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, visitors walk along quiet streets featuring grand mansions. The pace is leisurely, with time paused by resident felines and opportunities to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The return journey is often accompanied by thoughts for a future return to this special retreat.
Top Discovery: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Tucked away behind a Gothic building is a archive that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses numerous of ancient tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection features gorgeous 16th-century maps and
