Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine train line in France, explorers revealed their most memorable encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after stepping off the bus, a traveler pondered about their decision. However the first doubts rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This charming location offers beyond just a swim. Tourists may meander through elaborately decorated piazzas and stone-paved lanes lined with vibrant eateries. Man-made diving platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Places in town offer crisp pastries and beverages with genuine welcome.
Retro Tunes in The German Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed music bar offers great enjoyment. The atmosphere is fantastic, complete with a DJ playing exclusively records. Chairs and tables are routinely pushed aside to allow for space to dance. Staying open late, the bar at times features live music, guaranteeing a fantastic night out.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a serene retreat. Travelers may walk to the peak of a hill and ascend a tall wooden lookout for magnificent views over verdant fields. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic cuisine serving hearty food and traditional music. A gallery showcases the work of a renowned folk artist, and the central spa has a number of medicinal water sources to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful discovery. Featuring three stunning sandy shores, its vibrant centre thrives every night with locals. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town delivered a more authentic feel at a a quarter of the price. The lodging featured direct access to the shore and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Historic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect journey from the region. Yet, the route is said to be at risk of closure. The journey includes photogenic bridges around the area of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to ride this special line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is beautiful, with rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A notable site at Bomarsund reveals a historical fortress established by Russia and then attacked during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
One can hike for hours along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This secret landscape provides wide-open vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birds. The coast path winds along marshes next to an estuary, where remnants of ships can be seen. A walk can begin at a ancient place of worship, one of the most ancient in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved route. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically opens in late spring. The journey requires many bends to navigate the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent vistas. Visitors can reach a high-altitude lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the chance for wildlife sightings, enhancing the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A quick journey from a bustling city takes people to a peaceful getaway. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, explorers walk along quiet lanes lined with historic houses. The feel is relaxed, with time paused by local cats and opportunities to gaze back at the distant mainland. The ferry back is usually filled with thoughts for a future return to this incredible place.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a historic church is a archive that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds thousands of rare books, with a star attraction being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The display includes detailed Renaissance-era cartography and
