From a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain train line in France, explorers disclosed their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Right after arriving, one visitor pondered about their selection. Yet the first hesitations quickly faded upon entering Piran. This picturesque settlement presents beyond just swimming. Visitors can wander through ornate public squares and narrow lanes housing bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms make the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Places in town serve up crisp pastries and beverages with friendly welcome.
Retro Music in The German Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar offers a lot of fun. The ambiance is terrific, featuring a DJ spinning exclusively vinyl. Chairs and tables are often cleared to create dancing. Operating late into the night, the bar at times has live bands, ensuring a great evening.
Cultural Traditions in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a peaceful retreat. Travelers may walk to the top of a slope and climb a large twisting platform for stunning panoramas over verdant landscapes. This region is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage can be felt through rustic dining offering substantial food and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa features a number of medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. With multiple stunning pristine beaches, its bustling center thrives in the evenings with locals. While the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location offered a genuine atmosphere at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation featured direct a path to the sea and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from a nearby city. But, this service is said to be at risk of shutting down. The ride passes over photogenic viaducts around the area of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to see this special line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting attractions and is accessible by boat from several countries. The countryside is striking, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A significant site at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century outpost built by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the fort ruins is free, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in England
It is possible to walk for miles along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This secret world boasts expansive vistas, marine life in the water, and an abundance of wildlife. The trail winds along salt marsh bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of ships can be seen. A hike can commence at a ancient place of worship, among the oldest in England, and finish in a pretty coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved route. Inaccessible during winter, it usually opens in early summer. The drive requires many switchbacks to ascend the steep southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent scenery. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, still covered in snow, without a cable car. The route also offers the chance for seeing animals, completing the remarkable experience.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A quick ferry ride from a vibrant city transports visitors to a peaceful getaway. As the sun sets, the city chaos is replaced for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, guests walk along historic lanes featuring grand mansions. The pace is slow, with time broken by resident felines and opportunities to stare back at the far-off mainland. The return journey is often spent planning thoughts for a comeback to this special sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Tucked away behind a Gothic building is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains thousands of rare volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection includes exquisite 16th-century cartography and
