Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain railway in France, visitors revealed their standout encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, one visitor questioned about their selection. However the first doubts quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque location offers more than swimming. Visitors can wander through ornate Venetian squares and stone-paved alleys lined with bustling seafood restaurants. Man-made jumping points turn the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for all ages. Local spots offer delicious pastries and drinks with genuine hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in The German Capital
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed venue is immense fun. The ambiance is fabulous, with a DJ playing only vinyl. Seating are often pushed aside to make dance floor. Operating late, the bar occasionally features live music, ensuring a great night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Health Resort
Crossing into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring presents a peaceful getaway. Visitors are able to climb to the summit of a slope and go up a tall spiral lookout for breathtaking views over green fields. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic restaurants offering hearty food and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a noted folk artist, and the town centre boasts a number of medicinal water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant choice. With multiple stunning pristine shores, its vibrant town center thrives in the evenings with residents. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town offered a local feel at a a quarter of the price. A hotel offered easy access to the shore and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Historic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great journey from nearby cities. However, the route is reportedly threatened of being closed. The journey features breathtaking bridges around the locality of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Visitors are encouraged to see this unique line soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a distinct culture. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting attractions and is accessible by ferry from several countries. The landscape is attractive, characterized by shores, woods, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and later demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the site is complimentary, with a ticket for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can walk for hours along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another person. This hidden landscape provides sweeping vistas, marine life offshore, and an abundance of birds. The coast path meanders along salt marsh bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A hike can start at a very old church, one of the earliest in England, and finish in a pretty coastal town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Shut during winter, it usually opens in late spring. The journey requires numerous switchbacks to navigate the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible scenery. Drivers can access a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, directly. The journey also presents the opportunity for seeing animals, enhancing the unforgettable adventure.
Island Getaway Near a Major City
A short ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis transports travelers to a tranquil island. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, guests walk along quiet lanes flanked by historic houses. The rhythm is leisurely, frequently interrupted by friendly cats and chances to stare back at the distant mainland. The return journey is usually accompanied by ideas for a next visit to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Housed behind a historic building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses a vast collection of ancient books, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display features exquisite old maps and
