Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a forgotten alpine railway in France, visitors disclosed their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Right after stepping off the bus, one visitor questioned about their decision. But the early doubts quickly faded upon entering Piran. This picturesque settlement provides more than swimming. Tourists can wander through ornate Venetian squares and stone-paved passageways housing vibrant places to eat. Concrete platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Places in town serve up flaky pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Retro Music in The German Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and Motown, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed venue offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is fantastic, featuring a DJ spinning exclusively vinyl. Furniture are routinely cleared to make dancing. Staying open until the early hours, the bar occasionally hosts live music, guaranteeing a great evening.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring presents a quiet retreat. Travelers are able to climb to the summit of a ski run and go up a tall wooden viewing tower for breathtaking panoramas over verdant pastures. This region is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Lemko culture is on display through traditional cuisine offering hearty dishes and music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned naive artist, and the town centre boasts multiple mineral water fountains to taste.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant discovery. Featuring three stunning white sand shores, its lively centre thrives nightly with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location provided a genuine feel at a a quarter of the price. A hotel offered convenient access to the shore and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great journey from a nearby city. However, this line is said to be threatened of shutting down. The ride includes photogenic stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to experience this picturesque line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting attractions and is reachable by boat from several countries. The landscape is attractive, characterized by rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A significant site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century fortress built by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is complimentary, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can walk for miles along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This secret world boasts sweeping vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of wildlife. The path winds along salt marsh next to an estuary, where remains of old vessels are visible. A walk can begin at a 7th-century place of worship, among the earliest in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt route. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in June. The journey requires numerous turns to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking views. Visitors can reach a mountain lake, often surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also offers the chance for wildlife sightings, completing the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A short ferry ride from a vibrant city transports people to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, visitors stroll along tree-lined lanes flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is slow, with time paused by resident cats and moments to stare back at the distant city. The return journey is usually filled with thoughts for a next visit to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Housed behind a 14th-century building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds a vast collection of ancient books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The display includes detailed 16th-century cartography and
