Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a overlooked alpine train line in France, explorers have shared their standout encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after stepping off the bus, a traveler wondered about their selection. But the early doubts soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This picturesque town offers beyond just a swim. Visitors can wander through beautiful Venetian squares and narrow lanes lined with busy seafood restaurants. Man-made platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Nearby establishments serve up flaky pastries and beverages with friendly hospitality.
Retro Music in Berlin
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated music bar offers immense fun. The ambiance is fantastic, with a DJ spinning only vinyl. Chairs and tables are sometimes moved to allow for dancing. Staying open late, the bar occasionally has live bands, making for a memorable night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Health Resort
Journeying into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a peaceful escape. Guests are able to climb to the summit of a ski run and ascend a large spiral viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over verdant pastures. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain community. The local heritage can be felt through rustic dining offering hearty food and music. A museum displays the work of a noted naive artist, and the main area boasts several mineral taps to try.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant find. Featuring three beautiful pristine beaches, its bustling town center thrives nightly with families. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location provided a genuine experience at a a quarter of the cost. Accommodation offered direct a path to the shore and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great journey from the region. However, this line is said to be threatened of shutting down. The journey features breathtaking stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Visitors are encouraged to ride this picturesque line while they can.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is reachable by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, with rocky inlets, woods, and farms. A notable location at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical naval base built by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is free, with a small fee for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can stroll for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This hidden area provides expansive vistas, seals offshore, and an array of birdlife. The trail winds along marshes next to an river mouth, where remains of ships lie. A hike can begin at a ancient place of worship, one of the most ancient in England, and finish in a charming coastal town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved road. Closed during the colder months, it typically opens in early summer. The journey requires constant bends to navigate the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible vistas. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, still covered in snow, directly. The drive also presents the potential for wildlife sightings, adding to the memorable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A short journey from a major city takes travelers to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the urban energy fades for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors walk along tree-lined streets lined with beautiful homes. The pace is leisurely, often interrupted by local cats and moments to gaze back at the far-off city. The trip home is usually accompanied by thoughts for a future return to this unique retreat.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Tucked away behind a 14th-century church is a library that is free to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains thousands of rare tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition showcases exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
