Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a overlooked mountain railway in France, visitors revealed their most memorable encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their choice. But the first suspicions quickly faded upon entering Piran. This delightful location provides beyond just a swim. Guests can wander through beautiful piazzas and narrow alleys lined with vibrant seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Places in town provide delicious pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Classic Sounds in Berlin
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated music bar offers immense fun. The vibe is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing exclusively vinyl. Seating are routinely pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Open late into the night, the bar sometimes hosts performances, making for a great evening.
Cultural Traditions in a Poland's Resort Town
Crossing into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a peaceful getaway. Travelers may walk to the top of a slope and ascend a tall wooden lookout for magnificent panoramas over verdant landscapes. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering substantial dishes and folk music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a renowned folk artist, and the town centre boasts a number of mineral water fountains to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant find. Boasting multiple wonderful pristine coastlines, its lively town center thrives in the evenings with locals. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot delivered a local feel at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation featured convenient entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect day trip from the region. However, this service is potentially threatened of closure. The ride features spectacular bridges around the town of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Travelers are encouraged to experience this picturesque railway before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, with shores, woods, and farmland. A notable location at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress built by Russia and then demolished during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is without charge, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to walk for miles along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another soul. This secret landscape boasts sweeping views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of wildlife. The path follows along estuarine flanking an estuary, where remains of boats can be seen. A walk can begin at a ancient church, reportedly the earliest in England, and end in a pretty town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt mountain road. Shut during winter, it usually reopens in early summer. The journey features many turns to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible scenery. Drivers can reach a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, by car. The route also presents the opportunity for wildlife sightings, completing the memorable experience.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A quick ferry ride from a bustling metropolis takes visitors to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the city chaos dissipates for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests meander along historic roads flanked by beautiful homes. The rhythm is leisurely, with time interrupted by resident cats and moments to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is often accompanied by plans for a next visit to this unique sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Located behind a 14th-century building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains thousands of magnificent tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The display includes detailed Renaissance-era maps and
