Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a little-known alpine railway in France, explorers disclosed their most unforgettable discoveries from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after getting off the bus, one visitor pondered about their selection. Yet the early doubts soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This picturesque settlement offers more than a swim. Tourists can wander through ornate Venetian squares and cobbled lanes lined with bustling places to eat. Concrete diving platforms make the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Local spots provide flaky pastries and beverages with friendly hospitality.
Retro Sounds in Germany's Capital
For fans of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed club is a lot of fun. The atmosphere is terrific, featuring a DJ playing exclusively records. Furniture are routinely cleared to create space to dance. Staying open late into the night, the bar at times features performances, ensuring a fantastic night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Crossing into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a peaceful escape. Guests are able to climb to the top of a slope and climb a giant wooden lookout for magnificent vistas over verdant fields. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain people. Their culture can be experienced through rustic cuisine serving hearty fare and folk music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a renowned painter, and the central spa boasts several medicinal taps to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. Boasting several beautiful sandy shores, its lively centre comes alive every night with locals. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a more authentic feel at a much lower of the price. A hotel featured direct entry to the sea and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb excursion from nearby cities. However, this line is said to be at risk of shutting down. The journey includes spectacular viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Travelers are advised to experience this unique railway while they can.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, with shores, forests, and farmland. A historical location at Bomarsund marks a historical fortress constructed by Russia and later demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the fort ruins is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can hike for miles along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This secret landscape provides sweeping vistas, seals in the water, and an array of birdlife. The path follows along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where remains of boats lie. A walk can begin at a ancient church, among the oldest in England, and finish in a quaint town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Closed during the colder months, it typically reopens in June. The drive features numerous bends to ascend the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering incredible scenery. Drivers can access a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, directly. The drive also offers the potential for wildlife sightings, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Island Getaway Near a Major City
A short ferry ride from a bustling city transports travelers to a tranquil island. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, explorers meander along tree-lined roads flanked by historic houses. The pace is slow, often paused by resident felines and chances to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is usually spent planning thoughts for a next visit to this special sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Tucked away behind a 14th-century church is a library that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains thousands of rare volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The display includes detailed old maps and
