From a Venice-like Slovene coastal town to a forgotten mountain railway in France, travelers revealed their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after getting off the bus, one visitor wondered about their choice. However the initial doubts rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This delightful settlement presents more than a swim. Visitors can wander through ornate Venetian squares and stone-paved lanes filled with vibrant places to eat. Man-made diving platforms make the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Local spots serve up flaky pastries and refreshments with genuine hospitality.
Retro Tunes in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed music bar offers immense fun. The ambiance is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing just vinyl. Chairs and tables are sometimes moved to make dancing. Open late, the bar at times has performances, ensuring a great evening.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Journeying into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a serene getaway. Visitors may walk to the peak of a hill and ascend a tall spiral viewing tower for magnificent panoramas over verdant landscapes. This region is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. The local heritage can be felt through traditional dining offering hearty food and folk music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a noted naive artist, and the town centre features several medicinal water sources to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful discovery. With several beautiful white sand coastlines, its bustling centre thrives in the evenings with families. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot delivered a local atmosphere at a much lower of the price. Accommodation provided direct entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from a nearby city. But, this line is said to be under threat of shutting down. The trip includes breathtaking bridges around the area of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Travelers are encouraged to ride this special railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish culture. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The landscape is attractive, characterized by coastline, forests, and farmland. A historical location at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and then demolished during the Crimean War. Walking through the fort ruins is free, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in England
It is possible to walk for hours along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another person. This hidden world boasts wide-open vistas, seals offshore, and an profusion of wildlife. The path winds along marshes flanking an estuary, where remnants of ships can be seen. A walk can begin at a very old church, among the earliest in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually reopens in June. The drive features numerous turns to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing excellent vistas. Visitors can reach a high-altitude lake, still ringed with snow, by car. The journey also presents the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A brief boat trip from a major metropolis takes people to a peaceful getaway. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle fades for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors stroll along historic roads flanked by beautiful homes. The feel is leisurely, often interrupted by resident cats and moments to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The trip home is usually filled with thoughts for a comeback to this special retreat.
Top Discovery: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a Gothic building is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains numerous of rare books, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition includes gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
