Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain railway in France, explorers revealed their most memorable encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their selection. Yet the first doubts quickly faded upon entering Piran. This picturesque settlement provides beyond just swimming. Visitors may meander through ornate piazzas and cobbled passageways filled with busy eateries. Man-made diving platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Local spots provide flaky pastries and beverages with genuine hospitality.
Retro Music in The German Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated club promises a lot of fun. The atmosphere is terrific, complete with a DJ using exclusively records. Furniture are often cleared to allow for dance floor. Operating late into the night, the bar sometimes has live music, making for a memorable evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a serene escape. Guests may walk to the summit of a hill and go up a large twisting viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over green landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain people. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering robust food and traditional music. A gallery displays the work of a prolific naive artist, and the main area has several mineral water fountains to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant choice. Featuring three wonderful sandy beaches, its bustling town center comes alive nightly with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location delivered a more authentic feel at a a quarter of the price. A hotel provided convenient a path to the shore and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect excursion from the region. Yet, this service is potentially threatened of being closed. The ride includes photogenic stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Travelers are encouraged to ride this special railway before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, has interesting museums and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The landscape is striking, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical naval base constructed by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the remains is without charge, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This undiscovered area offers expansive vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birdlife. The trail winds along marshes bordering an estuary, where remnants of boats lie. A walk can start at a very old place of worship, among the oldest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt mountain road. Shut during winter, it usually opens in late spring. The journey requires numerous switchbacks to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, often covered in snow, by car. The journey also presents the potential for seeing animals, completing the memorable adventure.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a vibrant city transports people to a peaceful getaway. As the evening approaches, the urban energy is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, guests walk along quiet lanes featuring historic houses. The feel is relaxed, often broken by local cats and opportunities to look back at the distant mainland. The return journey is often filled with plans for a future return to this incredible place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Located behind a Gothic church is a collection that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses a vast collection of magnificent books, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The display includes detailed Renaissance-era cartography and
