From a Venetian-style Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked alpine train line in France, travelers revealed their standout encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after stepping off the bus, an explorer wondered about their selection. However the initial doubts quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This delightful location provides beyond just a swim. Visitors may meander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and cobbled lanes lined with bustling places to eat. Man-made platforms turn the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town provide flaky pastries and drinks with genuine service.
Vintage Music in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated venue is immense fun. The ambiance is fantastic, complete with a DJ spinning just records. Chairs and tables are often pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Staying open late, the bar at times has performances, guaranteeing a fantastic experience.
Cultural Legacy in a Polish Spa Town
Crossing into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a peaceful escape. Visitors may walk to the summit of a ski run and go up a giant wooden platform for stunning panoramas over green pastures. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Their culture is on display through rustic restaurants offering hearty fare and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned naive artist, and the main area has several medicinal water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful choice. Boasting multiple stunning sandy beaches, its lively centre comes alive nightly with locals. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location offered a genuine experience at a a quarter of the cost. The lodging offered convenient access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb journey from the region. But, this service is potentially at risk of shutting down. The trip includes breathtaking stone arches around the area of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Visitors are urged to ride this picturesque line while they can.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish culture. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable sites and is accessible by ferry from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is striking, featuring shores, forests, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress established by Russia and then destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the remains is complimentary, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to walk for hours along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another soul. This secret world boasts wide-open views, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birdlife. The trail meanders along estuarine bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A walk can start at a 7th-century church, one of the most ancient in England, and conclude in a quaint town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved route. Shut during winter, it usually reopens in late spring. The trip involves constant switchbacks to navigate the steep southern section of the Carpathians, providing incredible vistas. Travelers can reach a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, by car. The journey also includes the opportunity for seeing animals, enhancing the unforgettable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A short ferry ride from a bustling metropolis transports people to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the urban energy fades for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, explorers stroll along tree-lined streets flanked by beautiful homes. The feel is slow, often broken by resident cats and opportunities to look back at the distant mainland. The return journey is often accompanied by thoughts for a future return to this unique place.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Tucked away behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds numerous of magnificent books, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes exquisite 16th-century cartography and
