Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian town by the sea to a overlooked mountain train line in France, visitors have shared their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, an explorer questioned about their decision. But the first hesitations soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This charming settlement offers beyond just swimming. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and cobbled passageways housing busy places to eat. Concrete diving platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Nearby establishments offer delicious pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Classic Sounds in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul music, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated venue promises great enjoyment. The ambiance is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing just records. Chairs and tables are routinely cleared to create space to dance. Staying open late, the bar at times has live bands, ensuring a memorable experience.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a peaceful escape. Visitors may walk to the peak of a hill and go up a large wooden platform for magnificent vistas over green pastures. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture is on display through traditional restaurants with robust fare and music. A gallery celebrates the work of a noted painter, and the town centre boasts multiple mineral water fountains to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful find. With three beautiful pristine coastlines, its lively centre thrives nightly with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town offered a more authentic atmosphere at a much lower of the price. Accommodation featured direct access to the shore and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect excursion from a nearby city. However, this service is potentially threatened of closure. The journey features spectacular bridges around the town of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Tourists are advised to experience this unique railway before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable sites and is accessible by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is striking, featuring coastline, forests, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical naval base constructed by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is complimentary, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to walk for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering anyone. This undiscovered landscape provides expansive vistas, seals offshore, and an abundance of birds. The trail winds along marshes next to an river mouth, where remains of ships can be seen. A hike can begin at a very old place of worship, among the earliest in England, and end in a quaint town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Closed during the colder months, it typically opens in June. The trip features constant bends to navigate the steep southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible scenery. Travelers can reach a mountain lake, often surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the chance for spotting bears, completing the memorable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Near a Major City
A short boat trip from a vibrant metropolis takes people to a tranquil island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, guests meander along quiet streets flanked by historic houses. The pace is slow, with time broken by friendly felines and chances to stare back at the far-off city. The return journey is usually spent planning plans for a future return to this incredible retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Housed behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds thousands of magnificent books, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition features gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
