From a Venice-like Slovene coastal town to a overlooked alpine railway in France, explorers have shared their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after stepping off the bus, a traveler questioned about their choice. Yet the initial doubts quickly faded upon entering Piran. This picturesque town offers more than a swim. Tourists are able to stroll through ornate public squares and stone-paved lanes filled with busy seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Local spots serve up flaky pastries and drinks with warm welcome.
Retro Sounds in Germany's Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and Motown, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized club is a lot of fun. The vibe is fantastic, featuring a DJ using just vinyl records. Furniture are often cleared to create space to dance. Operating late, the bar sometimes features live bands, ensuring a memorable evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a peaceful escape. Guests may walk to the top of a slope and ascend a giant twisting platform for stunning views over green landscapes. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. The local heritage is on display through rustic restaurants serving hearty food and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a renowned folk artist, and the town centre has multiple mineral taps to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant find. Boasting multiple stunning sandy beaches, its lively centre thrives in the evenings with locals. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location provided a local feel at a much lower of the price. Accommodation provided direct a path to the beach and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great journey from a nearby city. Yet, this line is reportedly under threat of shutting down. The journey passes over spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to ride this picturesque line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable attractions and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, featuring shores, woods, and farms. A significant location at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and later destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the remains is without charge, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to stroll for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This undiscovered world offers wide-open views, seals in the water, and an abundance of birdlife. The path winds along estuarine flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A hike can commence at a 7th-century chapel, reportedly the oldest in England, and end in a quaint town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt mountain road. Shut during winter, it typically opens in early summer. The journey features many bends to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering breathtaking views. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the potential for seeing animals, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A short journey from a bustling metropolis takes travelers to a peaceful getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle fades for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, visitors meander along tree-lined roads featuring beautiful homes. The feel is slow, frequently broken by resident cats and opportunities to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The return journey is usually filled with ideas for a future return to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Tucked away behind a historic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains a vast collection of ancient books, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display features exquisite old cartography and
