Starting with a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain train line in France, visitors have shared their standout finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after stepping off the bus, one visitor wondered about their choice. But the first suspicions soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque settlement presents more than swimming. Tourists can wander through elaborately decorated public squares and cobbled alleys lined with bustling places to eat. Concrete platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town offer crisp pastries and refreshments with warm service.
Vintage Sounds in The German Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated venue offers great enjoyment. The vibe is terrific, complete with a DJ playing only records. Furniture are sometimes moved to create dance floor. Staying open late into the night, the bar at times features performances, making for a memorable evening.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a quiet retreat. Travelers may walk to the peak of a slope and go up a giant spiral platform for magnificent views over lush pastures. This region is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage can be felt through rustic cuisine offering robust fare and music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a noted painter, and the town centre features a number of mineral water fountains to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent discovery. Boasting multiple stunning pristine shores, its lively town center thrives every night with locals. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town provided a genuine feel at a fraction of the cost. The lodging offered easy a path to the beach and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from the region. However, this line is reportedly threatened of shutting down. The ride passes over spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Tourists are encouraged to ride this picturesque railway before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong culture. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is accessible by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is striking, with shores, forests, and farmland. A significant site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base established by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the site is complimentary, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to stroll for miles along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This undiscovered area offers wide-open views, marine life in the water, and an profusion of birdlife. The coast path meanders along estuarine bordering an estuary, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A walk can commence at a very old church, among the earliest in England, and conclude in a charming coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in early summer. The journey involves constant switchbacks to ascend the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering incredible vistas. Visitors can reach a mountain lake, sometimes covered in snow, by car. The drive also offers the potential for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable experience.
Ferry Escape Near a Major City
A brief boat trip from a vibrant city transports people to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the city chaos fades for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, guests meander along historic lanes featuring grand mansions. The pace is leisurely, with time broken by resident felines and chances to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The trip home is usually accompanied by thoughts for a future return to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Tucked away behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses thousands of ancient tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition showcases gorgeous old cartography and
