Starting with a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine train line in France, explorers have shared their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after stepping off the bus, an explorer questioned about their choice. But the early hesitations rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This delightful location provides beyond just a swim. Guests may meander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and stone-paved passageways housing vibrant eateries. Man-made platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Places in town offer crisp pastries and refreshments with genuine service.
Classic Tunes in Germany's Capital
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated club promises a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, featuring a DJ using only vinyl. Seating are sometimes cleared to allow for space to dance. Open late, the bar occasionally hosts live music, guaranteeing a great experience.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a serene escape. Guests may walk to the top of a hill and go up a large spiral platform for stunning views over green pastures. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain people. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic restaurants offering robust fare and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a prolific painter, and the main area boasts multiple spring water sources to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful choice. Boasting multiple beautiful white sand shores, its vibrant center is active in the evenings with locals. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location provided a local experience at a a quarter of the price. The lodging featured convenient access to the sea and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect journey from a nearby city. But, this line is said to be under threat of being closed. The trip includes spectacular stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to ride this picturesque line while they can.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, featuring coastline, forests, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and subsequently demolished during the Crimean War. Walking through the remains is complimentary, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for hours along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This secret area boasts wide-open vistas, seals in the water, and an abundance of birdlife. The path winds along marshes bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A walk can start at a very old chapel, one of the earliest in England, and end in a charming coastal town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved road. Inaccessible during winter, it usually reopens in June. The journey features numerous turns to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible scenery. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, still surrounded by snow, by car. The journey also offers the chance for wildlife sightings, enhancing the memorable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis transports people to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos fades for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, visitors meander along historic lanes lined with beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, often interrupted by resident felines and chances to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The trip home is usually filled with plans for a comeback to this special retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Located behind a historic church is a collection that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of rare tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display features detailed old cartography and
