From a Venice-like Slovenian seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain train line in France, travelers have shared their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after arriving, a traveler pondered about their selection. However the first suspicions rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming settlement provides beyond just swimming. Guests can wander through ornate piazzas and cobbled alleys housing bustling seafood restaurants. Man-made jumping points turn the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Local spots offer crisp pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Vintage Music in The German Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized club promises immense fun. The atmosphere is terrific, complete with a DJ using just vinyl records. Furniture are routinely pushed aside to allow for dancing. Operating late, the bar occasionally hosts live bands, guaranteeing a memorable night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Crossing into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a serene escape. Travelers may walk to the summit of a ski run and ascend a giant twisting platform for breathtaking panoramas over verdant fields. This area is home to the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage can be felt through traditional restaurants serving robust dishes and music. A gallery celebrates the work of a renowned folk artist, and the main area boasts multiple medicinal taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant find. With several wonderful pristine beaches, its lively town center comes alive nightly with locals. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot offered a more authentic feel at a a quarter of the price. The lodging featured convenient a path to the beach and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb journey from the region. However, this line is said to be at risk of closure. The journey passes over photogenic viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Travelers are encouraged to see this unique railway while they can.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is accessible by ferry from several countries. The landscape is striking, featuring coastline, woods, and farms. A historical fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical naval base established by Russia and then attacked during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is free, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
One can hike for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another person. This hidden landscape boasts sweeping views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of wildlife. The trail winds along marshes bordering an estuary, where remains of ships can be seen. A hike can begin at a 7th-century chapel, reportedly the earliest in England, and finish in a charming coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt road. Shut during winter, it typically reopens in late spring. The journey involves many turns to navigate the steep southern section of the Carpathians, providing incredible views. Travelers can access a mountain lake, still ringed with snow, directly. The drive also includes the opportunity for wildlife sightings, completing the memorable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Near a Metropolis
A short boat trip from a vibrant city transports people to a tranquil getaway. As the evening approaches, the urban energy is replaced for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, explorers meander along historic streets featuring beautiful homes. The pace is relaxed, often interrupted by local felines and chances to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is often filled with ideas for a comeback to this unique retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Located behind a historic building is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of rare books, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection showcases detailed old cartography and
