From a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain railway in France, visitors have shared their standout finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their selection. But the first doubts quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This delightful location offers beyond just a swim. Tourists can wander through beautiful public squares and narrow alleys filled with bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Places in town provide flaky pastries and refreshments with warm hospitality.
Vintage Sounds in Germany's Capital
For fans of classic rock, retro pop, and soul, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar is immense fun. The vibe is fabulous, with a DJ spinning only vinyl records. Furniture are sometimes cleared to make dancing. Staying open late into the night, the bar at times has live music, ensuring a great evening.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Crossing into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a quiet getaway. Visitors may walk to the peak of a hill and ascend a tall spiral platform for breathtaking panoramas over green pastures. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Lemko culture can be felt through traditional restaurants serving robust fare and music. A gallery showcases the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa features a number of medicinal water sources to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant find. Boasting three beautiful white sand shores, its vibrant town center thrives in the evenings with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town delivered a genuine feel at a much lower of the cost. A hotel featured convenient entry to the beach and a chic yet friendly environment.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb excursion from a nearby city. But, the route is reportedly threatened of being closed. The journey passes over photogenic stone arches around the town of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Visitors are advised to experience this unique line while they can.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting attractions and is easy to get to by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is attractive, characterized by shores, forests, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund marks a historical outpost built by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the fort ruins is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to stroll for miles along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another soul. This hidden world provides sweeping vistas, seals in the water, and an profusion of birdlife. The trail meanders along estuarine flanking an river mouth, where remnants of boats lie. A journey can begin at a ancient place of worship, reportedly the oldest in England, and conclude in a charming town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved route. Shut during the colder months, it usually reopens in early summer. The drive involves numerous switchbacks to ascend the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent views. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, still ringed with snow, directly. The route also offers the chance for seeing animals, adding to the memorable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a vibrant city transports travelers to a tranquil getaway. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, guests stroll along historic roads featuring historic houses. The pace is leisurely, frequently paused by local felines and opportunities to stare back at the distant city. The return journey is usually spent planning ideas for a comeback to this incredible place.
Top Discovery: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a historic building is a library that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses thousands of rare volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection features gorgeous old cartography and
