From a Venice-like Slovenian seaside settlement to a little-known mountain train line in France, explorers have shared their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Right after getting off the bus, one visitor wondered about their choice. Yet the first doubts quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This picturesque settlement presents beyond just a swim. Visitors may meander through ornate public squares and cobbled lanes filled with busy seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Local spots offer delicious pastries and beverages with genuine hospitality.
Retro Tunes in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed venue is great enjoyment. The vibe is terrific, featuring a DJ spinning exclusively vinyl records. Chairs and tables are sometimes moved to make dance floor. Operating late into the night, the bar sometimes hosts live bands, ensuring a great evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Poland's Resort Town
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a quiet getaway. Visitors may walk to the peak of a hill and go up a tall wooden lookout for breathtaking vistas over green pastures. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture can be experienced through rustic dining with substantial fare and music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a prolific painter, and the main area boasts multiple spring water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent find. Boasting three beautiful sandy coastlines, its lively town center comes alive in the evenings with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location offered a more authentic feel at a a quarter of the price. A hotel offered convenient access to the beach and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect day trip from nearby cities. However, the route is potentially threatened of shutting down. The ride passes over breathtaking stone arches around the town of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Tourists are urged to ride this unique railway soon.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, features interesting sites and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is attractive, with coastline, woods, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress established by Russia and later destroyed during the Crimean War. Visiting the fort ruins is complimentary, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
One can walk for miles along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This secret world boasts wide-open vistas, marine life in the water, and an profusion of birds. The path winds along marshes bordering an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A walk can begin at a ancient chapel, reportedly the oldest in England, and finish in a pretty town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually opens in late spring. The trip involves many switchbacks to climb the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering breathtaking scenery. Travelers can reach a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, directly. The journey also presents the potential for spotting bears, completing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Near a Major City
A short journey from a major metropolis transports visitors to a tranquil island. As the evening approaches, the city chaos fades for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, explorers stroll along historic streets flanked by beautiful homes. The rhythm is relaxed, with time broken by friendly felines and moments to stare back at the distant city. The trip home is often filled with thoughts for a comeback to this incredible place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Tucked away behind a 14th-century building is a library that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds a vast collection of ancient volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display showcases detailed old cartography and
