From a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain train line in France, explorers disclosed their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Right after arriving, one visitor wondered about their selection. But the first hesitations rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This delightful location offers more than swimming. Visitors can wander through ornate public squares and cobbled passageways lined with vibrant places to eat. Concrete diving platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Local spots offer crisp pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Classic Sounds in Berlin
For lovers of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul music, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated club offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is fantastic, with a DJ playing only vinyl records. Furniture are sometimes moved to make dance floor. Staying open late into the night, the bar sometimes features live music, making for a fantastic experience.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a quiet getaway. Visitors are able to climb to the summit of a hill and climb a giant wooden viewing tower for stunning vistas over green fields. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain people. Lemko culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering substantial food and music. A museum celebrates the work of a prolific folk artist, and the main area has a number of spring water fountains to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant choice. With several beautiful pristine coastlines, its lively town center is active nightly with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location offered a more authentic atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. Accommodation provided easy access to the sea and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a superb excursion from nearby cities. However, this line is potentially at risk of closure. The trip includes spectacular viaducts around the town of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are advised to ride this special railway before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, features interesting attractions and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is striking, with coastline, woods, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund marks a historical outpost built by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is without charge, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
One can stroll for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing anyone. This undiscovered landscape provides wide-open vistas, seals offshore, and an array of birdlife. The trail follows along estuarine bordering an river mouth, where remnants of ships lie. A hike can begin at a very old church, reportedly the most ancient in England, and conclude in a quaint coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt road. Shut during winter, it typically reopens in June. The journey requires constant turns to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing excellent views. Travelers can access a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the opportunity for spotting bears, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A short ferry ride from a major metropolis transports travelers to a peaceful island. As the sun sets, the urban energy dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, explorers walk along quiet roads flanked by historic houses. The pace is leisurely, with time paused by local cats and chances to gaze back at the distant city. The trip home is usually filled with thoughts for a future return to this incredible place.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Housed behind a historic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of magnificent volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection includes exquisite 16th-century cartography and
