Starting with a Venice-like Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked alpine railway in France, travelers revealed their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after arriving, one visitor wondered about their selection. However the initial hesitations rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque location presents more than a swim. Visitors are able to stroll through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and narrow passageways filled with busy places to eat. Man-made jumping points make the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Nearby establishments offer crisp pastries and refreshments with warm service.
Vintage Sounds in The German Capital
For lovers of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed music bar is immense fun. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ using just vinyl records. Furniture are often pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Open until the early hours, the bar at times has performances, making for a great experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Crossing into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a serene getaway. Visitors can hike to the summit of a hill and go up a giant twisting platform for breathtaking panoramas over lush pastures. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture can be experienced through traditional restaurants with robust fare and folk music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a noted folk artist, and the main area has several medicinal water fountains to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent choice. Featuring multiple beautiful pristine beaches, its vibrant town center is active every night with residents. While the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot provided a genuine atmosphere at a fraction of the price. A hotel provided convenient entry to the beach and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb excursion from the region. Yet, this service is potentially under threat of closure. The journey features spectacular viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Travelers are advised to experience this unique line soon.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, has interesting sites and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The landscape is attractive, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A notable site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress built by Russia and then attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the fort ruins is complimentary, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to hike for hours along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This hidden landscape offers expansive vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an array of wildlife. The coast path meanders along salt marsh bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of ships lie. A walk can start at a very old place of worship, among the most ancient in England, and end in a pretty town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Shut during winter, it typically opens in early summer. The drive requires many bends to climb the steep southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking scenery. Visitors can access a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also includes the opportunity for wildlife sightings, enhancing the unforgettable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A short journey from a vibrant city transports travelers to a tranquil island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy is replaced for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors meander along tree-lined streets featuring grand mansions. The rhythm is relaxed, frequently broken by friendly felines and moments to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is usually accompanied by thoughts for a next visit to this special place.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Housed behind a historic building is a archive that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses thousands of rare tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The display features gorgeous Renaissance-era maps and
