Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known mountain railway in France, visitors revealed their most unforgettable discoveries from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after getting off the bus, a traveler questioned about their choice. But the first suspicions rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This charming location offers beyond just swimming. Visitors are able to stroll through ornate Venetian squares and stone-paved lanes lined with vibrant eateries. Man-made diving platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town provide delicious pastries and drinks with genuine service.
Vintage Music in Berlin
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and Motown, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated venue offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ using exclusively vinyl records. Furniture are sometimes pushed aside to make dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar at times hosts live bands, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a serene escape. Guests can hike to the peak of a slope and go up a tall twisting lookout for magnificent views over verdant landscapes. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture is on display through traditional restaurants serving hearty fare and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa features multiple medicinal water sources to try.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent choice. Boasting multiple stunning pristine shores, its vibrant center comes alive nightly with families. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town delivered a more authentic feel at a much lower of the cost. Accommodation offered direct entry to the shore and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from a nearby city. However, the route is reportedly under threat of closure. The ride passes over photogenic bridges around the locality of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are encouraged to experience this picturesque line soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable attractions and is reachable by boat from several countries. The countryside is attractive, with shores, woods, and farmland. A historical fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base established by Russia and subsequently demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is complimentary, with a small fee for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can hike for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another person. This hidden world provides wide-open views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birds. The coast path winds along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A walk can commence at a very old chapel, one of the oldest in England, and conclude in a quaint coastal town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Shut during the colder months, it typically opens in late spring. The drive involves constant bends to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking vistas. Drivers can reach a mountain lake, often surrounded by snow, by car. The journey also presents the potential for spotting bears, enhancing the memorable experience.
Island Getaway Near a Major City
A quick boat trip from a vibrant city transports people to a car-free getaway. As the sun sets, the urban energy is replaced for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, explorers meander along historic lanes featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, with time broken by local felines and opportunities to gaze back at the far-off city. The ferry back is often spent planning thoughts for a comeback to this special retreat.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Tucked away behind a historic building is a library that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds thousands of magnificent volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection features exquisite old cartography and
