From a Venetian-inspired Slovenian town by the sea to a little-known alpine railway in France, travelers revealed their most unforgettable discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after stepping off the bus, an explorer pondered about their choice. But the initial doubts quickly faded upon entering Piran. This charming settlement provides more than swimming. Visitors can wander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and narrow alleys lined with busy seafood restaurants. Concrete platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Local spots offer crisp pastries and refreshments with genuine service.
Vintage Music in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and soul music, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed venue offers immense fun. The ambiance is terrific, complete with a DJ using exclusively vinyl. Furniture are sometimes moved to allow for space to dance. Operating late, the bar sometimes features live music, guaranteeing a great night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a quiet retreat. Travelers are able to climb to the top of a ski run and ascend a giant wooden viewing tower for magnificent vistas over green fields. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain people. Their culture can be experienced through rustic restaurants offering robust dishes and music. A museum showcases the work of a prolific folk artist, and the central spa boasts a number of spring water sources to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful find. With several wonderful pristine shores, its bustling center thrives in the evenings with residents. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot delivered a local feel at a much lower of the cost. A hotel offered direct entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great excursion from nearby cities. Yet, the route is reportedly under threat of being closed. The journey features photogenic viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Travelers are urged to see this special line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a strong culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is striking, with coastline, woods, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund reveals a historical fortress built by Russia and later attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the site is without charge, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing anyone. This hidden landscape offers expansive vistas, marine life in the water, and an array of birdlife. The coast path meanders along salt marsh bordering an estuary, where remnants of old vessels can be seen. A journey can commence at a ancient chapel, one of the earliest in England, and end in a charming town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt mountain road. Closed during winter, it typically opens in late spring. The trip involves many switchbacks to navigate the steep southern section of the Carpathians, offering breathtaking vistas. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, still covered in snow, by car. The drive also offers the chance for seeing animals, enhancing the memorable experience.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A brief journey from a major metropolis transports visitors to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, explorers meander along quiet streets flanked by historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, frequently interrupted by friendly cats and chances to gaze back at the distant city. The trip home is usually filled with plans for a future return to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Housed behind a historic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of rare tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection showcases gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
