Starting with a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain train line in France, explorers revealed their standout encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after stepping off the bus, one visitor pondered about their decision. Yet the first doubts rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This picturesque location provides beyond just a swim. Tourists can wander through elaborately decorated public squares and stone-paved alleys housing bustling eateries. Man-made diving platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Nearby establishments offer delicious pastries and beverages with warm welcome.
Retro Sounds in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized club promises great enjoyment. The atmosphere is terrific, complete with a DJ spinning exclusively records. Furniture are routinely pushed aside to create dancing. Open until the early hours, the bar occasionally features live bands, guaranteeing a great experience.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a serene getaway. Travelers may walk to the summit of a ski run and ascend a large twisting platform for stunning vistas over verdant fields. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain people. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional restaurants with robust dishes and traditional music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a renowned painter, and the town centre boasts multiple mineral water fountains to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant discovery. Boasting several stunning pristine shores, its bustling center comes alive in the evenings with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town provided a more authentic feel at a fraction of the price. A hotel featured easy access to the shore and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb excursion from the region. However, the route is said to be under threat of being closed. The ride features breathtaking viaducts around the town of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are encouraged to experience this picturesque line while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is accessible by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is attractive, with shores, woods, and farms. A historical site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and then demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the fort ruins is without charge, with a small fee for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can walk for miles along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another person. This hidden world provides sweeping views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birds. The coast path winds along estuarine next to an river mouth, where remains of ships lie. A walk can begin at a very old place of worship, among the oldest in England, and finish in a pretty town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved route. Closed during winter, it typically opens in early summer. The drive features constant switchbacks to climb the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering breathtaking views. Drivers can access a high-altitude lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the chance for seeing animals, completing the unforgettable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Major City
A short journey from a bustling city transports travelers to a car-free island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, visitors meander along historic roads featuring grand mansions. The pace is leisurely, with time paused by resident felines and chances to look back at the skyline of the city. The trip home is usually accompanied by plans for a next visit to this special retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Located behind a historic church is a archive that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses thousands of rare volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition includes gorgeous Renaissance-era maps and
