Starting with a Venice-like Slovene coastal town to a overlooked mountain railway in France, travelers have shared their standout encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Right after getting off the bus, one visitor questioned about their choice. But the early suspicions quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This charming location presents beyond just swimming. Guests may meander through beautiful Venetian squares and stone-paved passageways housing bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town provide flaky pastries and beverages with warm welcome.
Retro Music in Berlin
For aficionados of classic rock, retro pop, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated venue is immense fun. The ambiance is fantastic, featuring a DJ spinning just vinyl records. Seating are often pushed aside to create space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally features performances, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a serene retreat. Visitors can hike to the summit of a ski run and go up a giant spiral lookout for stunning panoramas over verdant fields. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Lemko culture can be felt through traditional dining with hearty dishes and traditional music. A museum celebrates the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa features multiple mineral taps to try.
Sardinian Seaside Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful discovery. Featuring multiple wonderful sandy beaches, its vibrant center is active in the evenings with locals. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a more authentic atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. The lodging offered easy entry to the shore and a stylish but welcoming environment.
An Iconic Alpine Rail Line 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 perfect day trip from a nearby city. But, this line is said to be at risk of shutting down. The trip passes over breathtaking stone arches around the area of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Travelers are encouraged to experience this picturesque railway while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, has interesting museums and is accessible by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is attractive, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A historical fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the fort ruins is without charge, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to stroll for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another soul. This undiscovered world provides sweeping views, seals in the water, and an array of wildlife. The path follows along salt marsh bordering an river mouth, where remains of old vessels can be seen. A hike can begin at a ancient chapel, one of the most ancient in England, and finish in a charming town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved route. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically reopens in early summer. The journey involves numerous bends to ascend the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking views. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, still ringed with snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Major City
A short journey from a bustling metropolis takes people to a peaceful getaway. As the day ends, the urban energy dissipates for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, explorers meander along quiet streets flanked by grand mansions. The feel is leisurely, frequently paused by local felines and chances to look back at the far-off city. The trip home is often filled with ideas for a next visit to this special sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a Gothic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains thousands of ancient volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition features exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
