Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain train line in France, explorers have shared their standout finds from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Right after arriving, a traveler pondered about their selection. Yet the early suspicions rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This charming town presents beyond just swimming. Visitors may meander through ornate public squares and stone-paved alleys filled with busy seafood restaurants. Concrete platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Nearby establishments provide crisp pastries and refreshments with genuine hospitality.
Classic Music in Berlin
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized music bar offers a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, with a DJ playing exclusively records. Seating are sometimes pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Operating late into the night, the bar at times has live music, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Cultural Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a serene escape. Visitors are able to climb to the summit of a slope and ascend a giant twisting platform for magnificent panoramas over verdant fields. This region is home to the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Their culture is on display through rustic restaurants with hearty food and traditional music. A museum celebrates the work of a prolific painter, and the town centre features several medicinal taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful find. With several wonderful pristine beaches, its vibrant town center is active in the evenings with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot provided a genuine feel at a a quarter of the price. A hotel provided easy a path to the sea and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb excursion from the region. Yet, the route is reportedly under threat of closure. The trip passes over breathtaking stone arches around the town of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Visitors are encouraged to see this special line before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is striking, with coastline, forests, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century naval base established by Russia and then demolished during the Crimean War. Walking through the fort ruins is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This hidden world offers sweeping views, seals offshore, and an profusion of birds. The trail meanders along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A journey can start at a 7th-century church, among the oldest in England, and end in a pretty town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt mountain road. Shut during the colder months, it usually reopens in June. The drive requires constant turns to climb the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent vistas. Drivers can access a high-altitude lake, sometimes ringed with snow, without a cable car. The route also includes the opportunity for spotting bears, adding to the memorable experience.
Ferry Getaway Near a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a vibrant city transports travelers to a car-free getaway. As the sun sets, the city chaos is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, guests meander along quiet roads flanked by beautiful homes. The rhythm is relaxed, often interrupted by resident felines and opportunities to stare back at the distant mainland. The return journey is often spent planning thoughts for a future return to this special sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Tucked away behind a 14th-century building is a archive that is free to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds a vast collection of rare books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition showcases exquisite old maps and
