Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian town by the sea to a overlooked mountain train line in France, travelers have shared their most memorable encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, an explorer questioned about their selection. But the early hesitations soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This delightful location presents beyond just swimming. Visitors may meander through ornate piazzas and cobbled passageways lined with vibrant eateries. Concrete diving platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Local spots provide crisp pastries and beverages with friendly service.
Classic Sounds in The German Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated club offers a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, featuring a DJ spinning just records. Furniture are routinely moved to create dance floor. Operating late into the night, the bar at times hosts live music, ensuring a fantastic evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a peaceful escape. Guests are able to climb to the peak of a slope and go up a tall spiral viewing tower for breathtaking panoramas over green landscapes. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture can be experienced through traditional restaurants offering substantial food and music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a renowned painter, and the town centre has multiple medicinal water sources to sample.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant choice. With three beautiful white sand beaches, its lively center is active every night with families. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town delivered a more authentic feel at a fraction of the price. Accommodation featured direct entry to the beach and a elegant and warm environment.
A Historic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect excursion from a nearby city. However, this line is said to be threatened of shutting down. The ride passes over photogenic viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Tourists are advised to experience this picturesque line soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong culture. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting museums and is reachable by boat from several countries. The countryside is striking, with coastline, forests, and farms. A historical location at Bomarsund marks a historical outpost built by Russia and later demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the fort ruins is complimentary, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can hike for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This hidden world boasts wide-open vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birds. The path meanders along marshes flanking an estuary, where remains of boats are visible. A hike can start at a ancient church, reportedly the earliest in England, and end in a charming town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in late spring. The journey features numerous bends to navigate the steep southern section of the Carpathians, offering breathtaking scenery. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, sometimes ringed with snow, without a cable car. The route also presents the potential for wildlife sightings, enhancing the unforgettable experience.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A short boat trip from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a peaceful island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, guests meander along historic lanes featuring grand mansions. The rhythm is leisurely, with time broken by local felines and opportunities to stare back at the far-off city. The ferry back is often accompanied by plans for a next visit to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Housed behind a historic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds numerous of rare volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition includes detailed 16th-century maps and
