From a Venetian-style Slovenian coastal town to a little-known mountain railway in France, travelers have shared their standout encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after stepping off the bus, one visitor questioned about their selection. Yet the early doubts soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement offers beyond just swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through ornate Venetian squares and stone-paved alleys housing busy places to eat. Man-made jumping points turn the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Nearby establishments provide flaky pastries and refreshments with friendly hospitality.
Classic Sounds in Berlin
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and Motown, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated music bar is a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, with a DJ spinning just records. Furniture are often cleared to allow for dance floor. Open until the early hours, the bar sometimes has live music, guaranteeing a great evening.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Health Resort
Crossing into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a serene getaway. Guests can hike to the top of a ski run and ascend a tall twisting lookout for stunning panoramas over green pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Their culture can be experienced through traditional restaurants with hearty food and folk music. A museum displays the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa has multiple spring water fountains to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a excellent choice. Featuring three wonderful sandy coastlines, its vibrant center thrives nightly with locals. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location delivered a local feel at a fraction of the price. Accommodation offered easy access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Historic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect excursion from a nearby city. However, the route is potentially at risk of closure. The ride passes over breathtaking viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Tourists are advised to experience this special railway soon.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting attractions and is accessible by boat from multiple countries. The countryside is striking, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farms. A historical location at Bomarsund reveals a historical fortress built by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is complimentary, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing anyone. This secret area offers wide-open vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birds. The coast path winds along salt marsh bordering an estuary, where wrecks of ships are visible. A hike can commence at a very old church, among the oldest in England, and finish in a pretty coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically reopens in June. The drive requires many switchbacks to navigate the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking vistas. Drivers can access a high-altitude lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, directly. The route also presents the opportunity for spotting bears, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A short journey from a bustling metropolis takes visitors to a car-free island. As the sun sets, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, explorers stroll along historic lanes flanked by beautiful homes. The rhythm is leisurely, frequently broken by local cats and moments to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is usually filled with plans for a next visit to this special retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Housed behind a historic building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds numerous of ancient volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition showcases gorgeous 16th-century maps and