Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain railway in France, explorers revealed their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after stepping off the bus, one visitor questioned about their selection. Yet the early suspicions soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This picturesque town provides more than a swim. Guests can wander through ornate piazzas and narrow passageways housing bustling places to eat. Concrete diving platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Places in town offer delicious pastries and beverages with warm welcome.
Vintage Tunes in Germany's Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed music bar promises a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, complete with a DJ playing exclusively vinyl records. Seating are often pushed aside to create dancing. Open until the early hours, the bar sometimes hosts live music, ensuring a memorable evening.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Spa Town
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a serene getaway. Travelers are able to climb to the peak of a slope and ascend a tall twisting platform for stunning vistas over lush pastures. This area is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture can be experienced through traditional dining serving robust dishes and folk music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a noted painter, and the main area features several spring water sources to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful find. With three beautiful pristine beaches, its vibrant centre is active nightly with locals. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location offered a genuine feel at a much lower of the price. A hotel provided convenient access to the beach and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from a nearby city. However, this line is reportedly at risk of shutting down. The journey features spectacular stone arches around the area of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Visitors are advised to experience this unique line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is accessible by ferry from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is striking, characterized by coastline, woods, and farms. A significant 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 without charge, with a ticket for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can walk for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another soul. This secret landscape offers wide-open views, marine life offshore, and an abundance of birdlife. The coast path meanders along estuarine bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of ships can be seen. A walk can begin at a very old place of worship, among the earliest in England, and end in a quaint coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Shut during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The journey requires numerous switchbacks to navigate the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering excellent vistas. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The journey also presents the opportunity for spotting bears, enhancing the memorable experience.
Island Escape Near a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a bustling city takes visitors to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the city chaos fades for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, guests stroll along quiet roads lined with grand mansions. The rhythm is slow, often broken by resident cats and opportunities to stare back at the distant mainland. The trip home is usually spent planning ideas for a comeback to this incredible retreat.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Located behind a historic building is a library that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds thousands of ancient books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition features detailed Renaissance-era maps and
