Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a little-known mountain train line in France, explorers revealed their standout finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after stepping off the bus, an explorer questioned about their choice. But the initial doubts rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This delightful town presents beyond just a swim. Guests are able to stroll through beautiful piazzas and narrow passageways filled with vibrant eateries. Concrete diving platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Nearby establishments offer delicious pastries and beverages with warm service.
Vintage Sounds in The German Capital
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated music bar offers immense fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing exclusively vinyl records. Seating are routinely cleared to create dancing. Operating late into the night, the bar at times has performances, ensuring a great evening.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a peaceful retreat. Visitors are able to climb to the top of a hill and ascend a tall wooden platform for magnificent views over verdant fields. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Lemko culture can be felt through traditional cuisine with robust food and traditional music. A museum showcases the work of a noted naive artist, and the main area has several mineral water sources to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful choice. Boasting three beautiful sandy coastlines, its bustling centre is active nightly with families. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location delivered a local atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. Accommodation provided convenient a path to the shore and a chic yet friendly environment.
A Scenic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from nearby cities. But, this service is potentially at risk of shutting down. The trip includes photogenic viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are advised to ride this unique line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable attractions and is reachable by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is striking, featuring shores, forests, and farmland. A notable fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century outpost constructed by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the fort ruins is without charge, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to hike for miles along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This secret landscape provides wide-open vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birds. The path meanders along estuarine bordering an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A journey can begin at a 7th-century church, among the most ancient in England, and finish in a pretty town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt mountain road. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in early summer. The drive involves constant turns to navigate the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering excellent vistas. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, often covered in snow, directly. The journey also includes the chance for spotting bears, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a vibrant city takes people to a car-free getaway. As the sun sets, the urban energy fades for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, visitors walk along quiet roads featuring historic houses. The rhythm is leisurely, with time interrupted by resident felines and opportunities to look back at the far-off city. The trip home is usually spent planning thoughts for a comeback to this unique place.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Tucked away behind a Gothic building is a collection that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains thousands of magnificent books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition features exquisite old cartography and
