Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian town by the sea to a overlooked alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable finds from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after arriving, one visitor pondered about their selection. But the early hesitations soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement presents beyond just swimming. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and cobbled passageways lined with vibrant places to eat. Concrete diving platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town serve up flaky pastries and refreshments with warm service.
Vintage Tunes in Germany's Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized club is immense fun. The vibe is fabulous, with a DJ playing only records. Seating are sometimes pushed aside to make space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally features performances, making for a great evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a quiet retreat. Guests may walk to the summit of a slope and climb a giant twisting viewing tower for stunning views over green landscapes. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage can be felt through rustic restaurants offering robust food and traditional music. A gallery displays the work of a noted folk artist, and the town centre has several medicinal water sources to taste.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful discovery. Featuring several stunning sandy coastlines, its vibrant centre comes alive nightly with locals. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot delivered a local feel at a fraction of the cost. Accommodation featured direct access to the shore and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Historic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a superb journey from a nearby city. But, this line is reportedly under threat of shutting down. The trip includes spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to experience this special railway while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a distinct identity. The capital, Mariehamn, features interesting attractions and is accessible by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is beautiful, with shores, forests, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund reveals a historical naval base established by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the fort ruins is complimentary, with a small fee for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can stroll for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another soul. This secret landscape boasts wide-open vistas, marine life offshore, and an profusion of wildlife. The trail winds along estuarine flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A hike can begin at a very old place of worship, reportedly the earliest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Shut during winter, it typically reopens in early summer. The drive features numerous turns to climb the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing excellent views. Visitors can drive up to a high-altitude lake, often surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also offers the potential for seeing animals, completing the memorable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A quick ferry ride from a major city transports people to a peaceful getaway. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, explorers walk along quiet lanes lined with historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, frequently interrupted by local felines and moments to look back at the far-off city. The return journey is often accompanied by thoughts for a future return to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a 14th-century building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds thousands of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition includes exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
