Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten alpine railway in France, travelers revealed their most memorable finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after getting off the bus, an explorer wondered about their choice. However the early hesitations quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque town offers beyond just a swim. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated public squares and stone-paved alleys housing bustling seafood restaurants. Man-made jumping points turn the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town provide crisp pastries and drinks with friendly service.
Retro Tunes in The German Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated music bar offers a lot of fun. The vibe is fantastic, complete with a DJ using just vinyl records. Furniture are often cleared to make space to dance. Open late, the bar at times features performances, ensuring a great night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a serene getaway. Visitors may walk to the top of a hill and climb a large spiral platform for magnificent vistas over green landscapes. This region is home to the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering robust food and folk music. A museum celebrates the work of a prolific folk artist, and the central spa features several medicinal water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant choice. Featuring several stunning white sand beaches, its vibrant town center is active in the evenings with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location offered a genuine feel at a fraction of the cost. A hotel offered direct a path to the beach and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from a nearby city. But, this service is potentially under threat of closure. The journey passes over breathtaking viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to ride this unique railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable attractions and is reachable by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is beautiful, characterized by shores, forests, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress constructed by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the remains is without charge, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can walk for hours along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This hidden area provides expansive views, seals in the water, and an abundance of birdlife. The trail winds along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where remnants of old vessels lie. A hike can start at a very old chapel, among the earliest in England, and finish in a quaint town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved road. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in early summer. The drive involves numerous turns to navigate the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking views. Visitors can reach a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the potential for wildlife sightings, enhancing the unforgettable experience.
Island Getaway Near a Major City
A quick journey from a bustling metropolis transports people to a tranquil island. As the day ends, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, guests stroll along historic lanes flanked by grand mansions. The rhythm is leisurely, often paused by friendly cats and moments to look back at the far-off city. The trip home is usually accompanied by thoughts for a future return to this special sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Located behind a historic church is a archive that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds thousands of magnificent tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection showcases gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
