Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a overlooked alpine train line in France, travelers have shared their standout discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after getting off the bus, an explorer wondered about their choice. Yet the initial hesitations quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This delightful town provides more than swimming. Guests are able to stroll through elaborately decorated public squares and cobbled passageways lined with bustling places to eat. Man-made diving platforms turn the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town serve up flaky pastries and beverages with warm service.
Vintage Music in The German Capital
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed music bar offers immense fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing exclusively vinyl records. Chairs and tables are often pushed aside to allow for space to dance. Open until the early hours, the bar occasionally has live music, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Cultural Traditions in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a serene retreat. Guests are able to climb to the peak of a slope and climb a giant wooden viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over green pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Lemko culture is on display through rustic cuisine with substantial food and music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a renowned folk artist, and the main area boasts multiple medicinal water sources to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant choice. Featuring three beautiful pristine beaches, its bustling town center comes alive in the evenings with families. While the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot offered a genuine experience at a fraction of the price. A hotel offered direct access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming environment.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect journey from nearby cities. However, the route is potentially under threat of being closed. The trip features breathtaking viaducts around the town of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Travelers are advised to see this unique railway soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct identity. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting sites and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund reveals a historical outpost constructed by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the fort ruins is free, with a charge for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can walk for miles along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another person. This undiscovered world boasts sweeping vistas, seals offshore, and an array of wildlife. The coast path winds along estuarine flanking an river mouth, where remnants of old vessels lie. A walk can begin at a 7th-century chapel, reportedly the earliest in England, and finish in a pretty town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt mountain road. Closed during winter, it typically opens in early summer. The drive requires numerous switchbacks to navigate the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible views. Travelers can reach a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, directly. The journey also offers the opportunity for spotting bears, completing the unforgettable adventure.
Island Getaway Near a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a bustling metropolis takes visitors to a car-free island. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, guests stroll along quiet roads featuring historic houses. The feel is leisurely, with time paused by resident cats and chances to stare back at the distant city. The return journey is usually accompanied by thoughts for a next visit to this incredible place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Tucked away behind a historic church is a archive that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses a vast collection of magnificent volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes gorgeous old cartography and
