Starting with a Venice-like Slovene coastal town to a forgotten alpine train line in France, travelers disclosed their most memorable encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after getting off the bus, an explorer questioned about their decision. Yet the initial suspicions rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This charming location presents beyond just a swim. Visitors can wander through ornate Venetian squares and narrow lanes housing busy eateries. Concrete platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Local spots serve up crisp pastries and refreshments with warm service.
Retro Tunes in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized music bar offers a lot of fun. The vibe is terrific, with a DJ playing just vinyl records. Seating are routinely moved to create dancing. Open late, the bar at times hosts live bands, ensuring a great night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a peaceful getaway. Travelers are able to climb to the summit of a ski run and climb a tall wooden lookout for stunning views over verdant fields. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage is on display through traditional restaurants with substantial dishes and music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a prolific folk artist, and the town centre features multiple spring water fountains to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent choice. With multiple beautiful pristine coastlines, its lively centre comes alive in the evenings with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town delivered a more authentic experience at a much lower of the price. Accommodation provided easy access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Historic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect excursion from a nearby city. Yet, this service is reportedly under threat of shutting down. The journey includes breathtaking bridges around the locality of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Travelers are encouraged to see this special line soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The countryside is attractive, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farms. A significant site at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century outpost constructed by Russia and later attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the site is without charge, with a small fee for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can hike for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing anyone. This hidden landscape offers expansive vistas, marine life offshore, and an profusion of birdlife. The trail meanders along estuarine next to an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A walk can begin at a very old place of worship, one of the oldest in England, and finish in a quaint coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually reopens in June. The journey features many switchbacks to ascend the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible views. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, still covered in snow, directly. The route also presents the chance for wildlife sightings, enhancing the memorable experience.
Ferry Escape Close to a Major City
A short journey from a vibrant city takes travelers to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, explorers meander along quiet streets lined with historic houses. The pace is relaxed, with time broken by resident cats and opportunities to stare back at the skyline of the city. The return journey is usually spent planning ideas for a next visit to this unique retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Located behind a Gothic church is a collection that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds thousands of ancient books, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The display includes exquisite old cartography and
