Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian seaside settlement to a overlooked alpine railway in France, explorers revealed their standout encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after stepping off the bus, a traveler questioned about their decision. However the first hesitations quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This charming location presents beyond just a swim. Visitors can wander through ornate Venetian squares and stone-paved lanes lined with vibrant seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Places in town provide flaky pastries and refreshments with warm service.
Classic Sounds in The German Capital
For fans of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized music bar is great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, complete with a DJ using just vinyl. Chairs and tables are routinely cleared to make dancing. Open late, the bar at times features live bands, making for a memorable evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a peaceful getaway. Travelers can hike to the top of a ski run and go up a tall twisting lookout for magnificent panoramas over verdant landscapes. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Lemko culture can be experienced through traditional restaurants serving robust food and folk music. A museum showcases the work of a noted folk artist, and the main area features multiple spring water fountains to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful discovery. With multiple stunning pristine shores, its lively town center is active every night with locals. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town provided a more authentic atmosphere at a much lower of the cost. A hotel offered convenient entry to the beach and a chic yet friendly environment.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great journey from nearby cities. But, this service is potentially at risk of being closed. The ride passes over spectacular viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to see this special railway before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is striking, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A significant location at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical outpost established by Russia and later attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the remains is free, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
One can walk for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This secret landscape offers wide-open views, seals offshore, and an array of birds. The path winds along salt marsh flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of boats are visible. A hike can start at a 7th-century church, reportedly the oldest in England, and conclude in a pretty town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Shut during winter, it usually opens in June. The journey features numerous bends to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, without a cable car. The journey also includes the chance for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable experience.
Ferry Escape Close to a Major City
A brief journey from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a tranquil island. As the day ends, the urban energy is replaced for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests meander along historic streets flanked by historic houses. The pace is relaxed, with time broken by friendly cats and moments to stare back at the far-off city. The ferry back is usually accompanied by thoughts for a next visit to this special place.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a historic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses numerous of magnificent volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes exquisite 16th-century cartography and