From a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain railway in France, travelers have shared their most memorable finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after getting off the bus, one visitor pondered about their choice. But the first doubts quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This delightful town provides more than a swim. Guests can wander through beautiful piazzas and stone-paved alleys housing bustling places to eat. Man-made diving platforms make the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Local spots provide flaky pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Classic Sounds in Berlin
For lovers of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul music, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized venue offers a lot of fun. The vibe is fantastic, with a DJ playing exclusively vinyl. Chairs and tables are often cleared to make dance floor. Staying open until the early hours, the bar at times hosts live bands, making for a fantastic night out.
Cultural Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a quiet retreat. Travelers are able to climb to the top of a ski run and go up a large spiral lookout for stunning vistas over verdant fields. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture is on display through rustic dining serving substantial food and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a prolific naive artist, and the central spa has several mineral taps to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant choice. With several beautiful sandy beaches, its bustling center thrives nightly with families. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town delivered a genuine feel at a fraction of the cost. The lodging provided direct a path to the shore and a chic yet friendly environment.
An Iconic Mountain Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great excursion from the region. Yet, this line is said to be at risk of being closed. The ride passes over spectacular stone arches around the town of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Tourists are advised to ride this special railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting attractions and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund reveals a historical fortress constructed by Russia and later demolished during the Crimean War. Exploring the fort ruins is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in England
One can walk for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another person. This hidden area offers expansive views, marine life offshore, and an array of birdlife. The path follows along salt marsh bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of boats are visible. A hike can begin at a very old church, one of the earliest in England, and finish in a quaint coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Shut during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The drive involves many turns to ascend the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, providing incredible vistas. Travelers can access a mountain lake, still ringed with snow, directly. The journey also presents the potential for seeing animals, completing the remarkable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis transports visitors to a peaceful getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos fades for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, visitors walk along historic streets featuring grand mansions. The feel is relaxed, often broken by local cats and moments to stare back at the far-off mainland. The return journey is often spent planning plans for a comeback to this special retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Tucked away behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains a vast collection of magnificent volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection showcases detailed Renaissance-era maps and
