Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain train line in France, explorers revealed their standout encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after stepping off the bus, one visitor pondered about their choice. But the initial suspicions rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming location offers more than swimming. Guests are able to stroll through elaborately decorated piazzas and cobbled passageways lined with bustling eateries. Concrete jumping points make the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Local spots serve up crisp pastries and drinks with warm welcome.
Classic Tunes in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and Motown, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized venue promises immense fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing just vinyl records. Seating are sometimes pushed aside to create dancing. Staying open until the early hours, the bar occasionally features performances, ensuring a fantastic night out.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Spa Town
Crossing into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a serene getaway. Guests can hike to the top of a hill and ascend a large spiral platform for magnificent vistas over green pastures. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Lemko culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine with substantial food and traditional music. A museum displays the work of a noted folk artist, and the town centre boasts multiple medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. Featuring multiple beautiful white sand beaches, its lively center thrives in the evenings with residents. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot provided a more authentic feel at a a quarter of the cost. The lodging featured convenient entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect excursion from a nearby city. But, this service is said to be under threat of closure. The journey includes breathtaking stone arches around the area of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Travelers are advised to ride this special railway soon.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, features notable attractions and is accessible by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is beautiful, characterized by coastline, woods, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress built by Russia and then attacked during the Crimean War. Exploring the fort ruins is without charge, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can stroll for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing anyone. This undiscovered world offers sweeping vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birdlife. The trail follows along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where remains of boats lie. A hike can commence at a 7th-century place of worship, among the earliest in England, and end in a charming town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt mountain road. Closed during the colder months, it usually opens in late spring. The drive involves many turns to navigate the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent views. Travelers can reach a high-altitude lake, still surrounded by snow, by car. The route also includes the potential for wildlife sightings, adding to the memorable experience.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a vibrant metropolis transports travelers to a tranquil island. As the day ends, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, visitors meander along quiet lanes flanked by historic houses. The pace is slow, frequently paused by friendly cats and chances to look back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is often accompanied by thoughts for a future return to this special sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Located behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds a vast collection of ancient volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition showcases detailed 16th-century maps and
