From a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a little-known mountain train line in France, explorers revealed their standout finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after arriving, one visitor pondered about their choice. Yet the early doubts soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This delightful location offers beyond just a swim. Tourists may meander through beautiful piazzas and narrow passageways housing vibrant eateries. Man-made platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Local spots offer flaky pastries and refreshments with friendly hospitality.
Classic Music in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized club is a lot of fun. The ambiance is fabulous, complete with a DJ spinning just vinyl records. Seating are often cleared to make dancing. Staying open late into the night, the bar sometimes hosts live music, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Cultural Traditions in a Poland's Health Resort
Journeying into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a peaceful escape. Travelers can hike to the summit of a slope and ascend a tall spiral lookout for breathtaking views over lush pastures. This area is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Lemko culture can be felt through rustic dining offering robust fare and traditional music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned naive artist, and the main area features multiple medicinal water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful discovery. Boasting multiple stunning pristine shores, its lively town center is active every night with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location provided a genuine feel at a much lower of the cost. The lodging featured easy a path to the shore and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect journey from the region. Yet, this line is reportedly threatened of closure. The journey passes over breathtaking viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Travelers are urged to see this unique line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, features interesting attractions and is accessible by boat from multiple countries. The landscape is attractive, characterized by shores, forests, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base constructed by Russia and later demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the fort ruins is free, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can stroll for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering anyone. This undiscovered world boasts sweeping views, seals offshore, and an array of birds. The path meanders along salt marsh next to an estuary, where remains of boats lie. A hike can start at a very old place of worship, reportedly the most ancient in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt road. Shut during the colder months, it usually reopens in June. The journey requires constant turns to climb the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing excellent vistas. Visitors can reach a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, without a cable car. The journey also presents the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the memorable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Near a Metropolis
A brief journey from a vibrant city transports people to a peaceful getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos fades for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, explorers meander along tree-lined streets flanked by grand mansions. The feel is leisurely, with time broken by resident felines and opportunities to stare back at the skyline of the city. The return journey is usually filled with plans for a comeback to this unique retreat.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Located behind a Gothic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses numerous of ancient tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The display showcases exquisite old cartography and
