From a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a little-known mountain train line in France, explorers revealed their standout encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after arriving, a traveler wondered about their choice. However the first hesitations soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This delightful location offers more than a swim. Tourists can wander through ornate public squares and narrow alleys housing busy eateries. Man-made platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Places in town provide flaky pastries and refreshments with genuine service.
Retro Music in The German Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized club is a lot of fun. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ using just vinyl records. Seating are sometimes moved to allow for dancing. Operating late into the night, the bar occasionally hosts live music, making for a fantastic experience.
Cultural Legacy in a Poland's Resort Town
Traveling into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a peaceful retreat. Visitors can hike to the summit of a hill and go up a large spiral lookout for magnificent views over green pastures. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture is on display through rustic restaurants with substantial fare and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a noted folk artist, and the main area boasts a number of medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful choice. Featuring several stunning sandy shores, its lively town center thrives nightly with residents. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town delivered a genuine feel at a fraction of the cost. The lodging featured convenient access to the beach and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb journey from a nearby city. But, this service is reportedly threatened of closure. The journey includes breathtaking bridges around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to see this picturesque line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is easy to get to by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is attractive, featuring shores, woods, and farmland. A historical fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical naval base built by Russia and later destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the fort ruins is complimentary, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in England
One can stroll for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This secret world boasts wide-open vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birdlife. The trail follows along marshes bordering an river mouth, where remains of boats can be seen. A walk can commence at a very old church, one of the earliest in England, and finish in a charming coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Shut during winter, it usually opens in June. The drive involves numerous bends to ascend the steep southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Visitors can reach a mountain lake, still ringed with snow, without a cable car. The journey also includes the chance for seeing animals, enhancing the unforgettable adventure.
Ferry Escape Near a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a vibrant city takes visitors to a peaceful island. As the sun sets, the city chaos fades for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, guests meander along quiet streets flanked by historic houses. The rhythm is leisurely, with time paused by friendly felines and chances to stare back at the distant mainland. The ferry back is often filled with thoughts for a comeback to this incredible place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a historic building is a library that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains thousands of ancient tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection includes gorgeous old cartography and
