From a Venetian-inspired Slovenian seaside settlement to a little-known mountain train line in France, explorers revealed their most unforgettable finds from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after arriving, a traveler pondered about their choice. Yet the early suspicions quickly faded upon entering Piran. This charming location offers beyond just a swim. Tourists are able to stroll through beautiful public squares and cobbled lanes filled with vibrant places to eat. Concrete platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Local spots offer delicious pastries and drinks with warm welcome.
Retro Tunes in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized music bar promises great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ playing just vinyl. Chairs and tables are often pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Open until the early hours, the bar occasionally features live music, guaranteeing a fantastic experience.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a serene escape. Visitors are able to climb to the peak of a slope and go up a giant wooden lookout for breathtaking vistas over lush pastures. This area is home to the Lemkos, a mountain people. Lemko culture can be experienced through traditional dining serving robust food and folk music. A museum displays the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa features a number of mineral water sources to try.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant find. Boasting several stunning pristine shores, its vibrant centre thrives every night with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot offered a local atmosphere at a a quarter of the price. A hotel offered convenient a path to the shore and a elegant and warm environment.
A Historic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great excursion from the region. Yet, this service is reportedly under threat of being closed. The journey passes over photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Travelers are urged to ride this picturesque railway soon.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct culture. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable attractions and is reachable by boat from several countries. The landscape is beautiful, characterized by coastline, woods, and farmland. A historical location at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century naval base constructed by Russia and later destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the fort ruins is without charge, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can hike for hours along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another person. This hidden landscape boasts expansive views, seals bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birdlife. The trail meanders along marshes next to an river mouth, where remnants of ships can be seen. A walk can begin at a very old chapel, among the oldest in England, and conclude in a pretty town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved route. Closed during winter, it usually opens in June. The journey features numerous switchbacks to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible views. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, still ringed with snow, directly. The drive also offers the potential for spotting bears, enhancing the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A quick journey from a vibrant city takes travelers to a car-free island. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, visitors walk along quiet lanes lined with historic houses. The feel is leisurely, often broken by friendly felines and moments to look back at the skyline of the city. The return journey is usually filled with ideas for a next visit to this special retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Located behind a 14th-century building is a library that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds a vast collection of rare books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition features gorgeous Renaissance-era maps and
