Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian seaside settlement to a little-known mountain railway in France, travelers have shared their most memorable encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after stepping off the bus, one visitor wondered about their decision. Yet the early doubts soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This picturesque settlement offers beyond just swimming. Guests may meander through elaborately decorated piazzas and cobbled alleys filled with busy eateries. Man-made jumping points render the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Nearby establishments offer delicious pastries and beverages with friendly welcome.
Vintage Sounds in The German Capital
For aficionados of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul music, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed music bar offers a lot of fun. The vibe is fantastic, with a DJ playing exclusively vinyl. Seating are routinely moved to create space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally has live bands, ensuring a fantastic night out.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a peaceful getaway. Guests can hike to the summit of a hill and climb a giant wooden viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over lush pastures. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Lemko culture is on display through rustic dining serving hearty fare and folk music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a prolific painter, and the town centre boasts a number of medicinal taps to taste.
Sardinian Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a excellent discovery. Featuring multiple stunning white sand coastlines, its bustling town center is active nightly with families. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot delivered a local experience at a much lower of the cost. A hotel provided direct a path to the sea and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect journey from nearby cities. However, this service is potentially threatened of closure. The journey passes over spectacular stone arches around the town of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Tourists are encouraged to see this special line soon.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish culture. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is reachable by boat from multiple countries. The countryside is striking, with rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A historical site at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress built by Russia and then attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the remains is free, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
One can walk for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another person. This secret area boasts wide-open vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birdlife. The coast path winds along marshes flanking an river mouth, where remains of boats are visible. A journey can begin at a 7th-century church, one of the oldest in England, and end in a charming coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt mountain road. Shut during winter, it typically reopens in June. The trip involves constant turns to climb the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible views. Drivers can reach a high-altitude lake, often ringed with snow, without a cable car. The drive also includes the opportunity for seeing animals, enhancing the memorable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A short journey from a bustling city takes travelers to a tranquil getaway. As the day ends, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, guests meander along quiet streets lined with beautiful homes. The rhythm is leisurely, with time broken by friendly felines and moments to look back at the far-off mainland. The trip home is often filled with thoughts for a comeback to this incredible sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Housed behind a historic building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses a vast collection of ancient tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition features exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
