From a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a little-known mountain railway in France, travelers revealed their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Right after getting off the bus, a traveler wondered about their decision. But the early hesitations quickly faded upon entering Piran. This delightful location provides beyond just a swim. Visitors may meander through ornate piazzas and cobbled lanes housing busy seafood restaurants. Man-made diving platforms make the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town offer delicious pastries and refreshments with warm welcome.
Retro Music in The German Capital
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed venue is immense fun. The ambiance is fantastic, featuring a DJ using only vinyl. Chairs and tables are sometimes pushed aside to make space to dance. Open until the early hours, the bar sometimes features performances, ensuring a memorable experience.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a serene retreat. Visitors are able to climb to the summit of a slope and go up a giant wooden lookout for stunning views over verdant fields. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage can be felt through rustic dining serving hearty fare and folk music. A museum displays the work of a noted naive artist, and the town centre has multiple spring taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant choice. With three beautiful pristine beaches, its lively center thrives in the evenings with locals. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town offered a more authentic feel at a a quarter of the price. A hotel provided easy access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect journey from nearby cities. Yet, the route is reportedly at risk of being closed. The journey includes photogenic stone arches around the area of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Visitors are urged to ride this picturesque railway while they can.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is reachable by boat from several countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, characterized by rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A notable fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century fortress constructed by Russia and later attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the fort ruins is complimentary, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can stroll for hours along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This undiscovered area offers expansive views, seals offshore, and an array of birdlife. The trail follows along salt marsh flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of ships lie. A walk can begin at a 7th-century church, among the oldest in England, and end in a charming town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Closed during winter, it typically reopens in early summer. The drive requires many turns to ascend the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent vistas. Visitors can reach a mountain lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The route also offers the opportunity for spotting bears, enhancing the remarkable experience.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A short journey from a vibrant city transports travelers to a peaceful getaway. As the sun sets, the urban energy dissipates for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, explorers walk along quiet streets flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is leisurely, often paused by resident felines and moments to stare back at the far-off city. The return journey is often accompanied by ideas for a next visit to this unique retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Housed behind a Gothic church is a archive that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses thousands of magnificent tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection features detailed 16th-century maps and
