Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine train line in France, travelers revealed their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after arriving, an explorer pondered about their decision. Yet the first hesitations soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This charming location offers beyond just swimming. Guests are able to stroll through beautiful Venetian squares and cobbled lanes housing bustling eateries. Concrete diving platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Nearby establishments offer flaky pastries and beverages with warm service.
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 themed venue promises great enjoyment. The vibe is terrific, complete with a DJ spinning only vinyl records. Chairs and tables are routinely moved to create dance floor. Open late into the night, the bar sometimes has performances, making for a memorable evening.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a quiet retreat. Guests can hike to the peak of a ski run and climb a tall spiral lookout for magnificent views over verdant fields. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage can be felt through rustic cuisine offering substantial food and traditional music. A museum celebrates the work of a noted naive artist, and the main area features a number of spring water sources to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant find. Featuring three wonderful white sand shores, its vibrant town center comes alive in the evenings with locals. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location offered a more authentic atmosphere at a a quarter of the cost. Accommodation featured easy entry to the beach and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect day trip from the region. Yet, this service is reportedly threatened of shutting down. The trip includes breathtaking bridges around the area of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to ride this special railway soon.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting attractions and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is beautiful, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century outpost constructed by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Walking through the remains is without charge, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can stroll for hours along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing anyone. This hidden landscape offers expansive vistas, seals in the water, and an abundance of wildlife. The coast path follows along salt marsh next to an estuary, where remnants of ships can be seen. A walk can begin at a 7th-century church, among the oldest in England, and finish in a quaint coastal town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved route. Shut during the colder months, it usually reopens in early summer. The drive involves numerous bends to ascend the steep southern section of the Carpathians, offering incredible vistas. Drivers can access a high-altitude lake, sometimes covered in snow, without a cable car. The route also presents the opportunity for spotting bears, completing the remarkable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a major city transports visitors to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle fades for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, explorers stroll along quiet lanes flanked by beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, with time broken by local felines and opportunities to gaze back at the distant mainland. The trip home is usually filled with thoughts for a future return to this unique retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Housed behind a 14th-century church is a archive that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains a vast collection of ancient volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition features exquisite Renaissance-era cartography and
