Starting with a Venice-like Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten mountain railway in France, explorers have shared their standout encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their selection. But the early doubts rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This picturesque town offers beyond just swimming. Guests can wander through beautiful piazzas and stone-paved passageways lined with bustling places to eat. Concrete diving platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Local spots provide crisp pastries and beverages with genuine hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed music bar is immense fun. The vibe is terrific, with a DJ playing exclusively records. Seating are routinely pushed aside to make dancing. Open late into the night, the bar sometimes has performances, making for a great night out.
Cultural Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a peaceful retreat. Visitors are able to climb to the top of a ski run and go up a giant spiral viewing tower for magnificent views over green pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Their culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering hearty dishes and music. A museum showcases the work of a noted painter, and the main area boasts a number of mineral water sources to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent find. Boasting three wonderful pristine coastlines, its vibrant centre comes alive nightly with locals. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a more authentic atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. Accommodation provided easy access to the shore and a elegant and warm environment.
An Iconic Alpine Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect day trip from a nearby city. Yet, the route is said to be under threat of closure. The trip passes over breathtaking stone arches around the town of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to see this unique railway before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage 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, offers notable museums and is accessible by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is striking, with shores, woods, and farms. A historical fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the fort ruins is without charge, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to hike for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another person. This undiscovered landscape provides sweeping views, seals offshore, and an array of wildlife. The trail winds along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where wrecks of ships can be seen. A walk can begin at a ancient church, among the most ancient in England, and conclude in a charming coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Closed during the colder months, it typically opens in late spring. The drive involves numerous switchbacks to ascend the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing incredible vistas. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, still ringed with snow, without a cable car. The route also includes the potential for seeing animals, completing the memorable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a major city transports people to a car-free island. As the sun sets, the urban energy dissipates for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors meander along tree-lined streets flanked by beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, often paused by resident felines and moments to gaze back at the distant city. The ferry back is usually accompanied by thoughts for a next visit to this unique sanctuary.
Top Discovery: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Housed behind a 14th-century building is a archive that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains numerous of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition includes gorgeous old cartography and
