Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten alpine railway in France, explorers disclosed their standout finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after getting off the bus, one visitor questioned about their choice. But the initial suspicions quickly faded upon entering Piran. This delightful location offers more than swimming. Visitors are able to stroll through beautiful Venetian squares and narrow lanes lined with bustling eateries. Concrete platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Local spots offer delicious pastries and drinks with warm welcome.
Retro Tunes in Berlin
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and Motown, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated venue is immense fun. The atmosphere is terrific, featuring a DJ spinning only records. Chairs and tables are often pushed aside to create space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally has live music, making for a fantastic evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a serene getaway. Travelers may walk to the top of a slope and ascend a giant wooden lookout for breathtaking vistas over green pastures. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Their culture can be experienced through rustic restaurants offering robust food and music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a noted painter, and the main area boasts several mineral water sources to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant discovery. With multiple wonderful sandy beaches, its vibrant center thrives every night with locals. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a local feel at a fraction of the cost. A hotel offered convenient entry to the shore and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect day trip from the region. Yet, this service is reportedly threatened of shutting down. The journey passes over photogenic bridges around the town of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to experience this picturesque line while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is accessible by ferry from several countries. The landscape is striking, characterized by shores, forests, and farmland. A historical fort at Bomarsund reveals a historical outpost established by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the remains is free, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can hike for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This hidden area offers expansive vistas, marine life offshore, and an abundance of wildlife. The trail follows along marshes flanking an estuary, where remains of old vessels lie. A hike can commence at a 7th-century church, among the earliest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely known as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved mountain road. Shut during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The journey requires constant bends to climb the steep southern section of the Carpathians, providing excellent views. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, directly. The journey also includes the chance for wildlife sightings, completing the memorable adventure.
Island Escape Near a Metropolis
A short journey from a vibrant city takes people to a tranquil getaway. As the sun sets, the city chaos is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, explorers walk along quiet streets lined with historic houses. The rhythm is slow, often broken by resident cats and opportunities to look back at the far-off mainland. The return journey is often spent planning thoughts for a comeback to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Tucked away behind a 14th-century building is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains numerous of rare books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The display includes detailed old cartography and
