From a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine railway in France, travelers revealed their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after stepping off the bus, an explorer pondered about their decision. Yet the early doubts quickly faded upon entering Piran. This picturesque location offers beyond just a swim. Tourists are able to stroll through beautiful piazzas and cobbled passageways filled with bustling eateries. Man-made jumping points render the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Places in town provide flaky pastries and drinks with genuine hospitality.
Classic Music in Germany's Capital
For lovers of classic rock, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized club promises a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, featuring a DJ spinning exclusively records. Furniture are sometimes pushed aside to create dance floor. Open late into the night, the bar sometimes features live music, making for a great night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a serene escape. Visitors are able to climb to the peak of a slope and go up a large twisting lookout for breathtaking panoramas over green pastures. This area is home to the Lemkos, a mountain people. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic cuisine offering hearty food and folk music. A gallery showcases the work of a noted painter, and the main area features a number of mineral taps to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful discovery. Boasting multiple beautiful sandy coastlines, its vibrant town center is active nightly with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot provided a genuine feel at a a quarter of the cost. A hotel offered convenient a path to the shore and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Historic Mountain Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect day trip from the region. Yet, this line is reportedly threatened of closure. The ride passes over spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Tourists are advised to see this unique railway before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a distinct culture. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is accessible by boat from several countries. The landscape is attractive, featuring shores, forests, and farms. A historical location at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost built by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the fort ruins is complimentary, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for hours along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing anyone. This secret area provides wide-open vistas, seals in the water, and an array of birds. The coast path meanders along estuarine bordering an river mouth, where remnants of ships can be seen. A hike can begin at a 7th-century chapel, reportedly the most ancient in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved route. Closed during the colder months, it usually reopens in early summer. The trip requires numerous turns to climb the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible scenery. Travelers can reach a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, directly. The journey also presents the chance for seeing animals, enhancing the memorable experience.
Island Getaway Near a Major City
A short journey from a vibrant metropolis transports travelers to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, guests stroll along tree-lined roads lined with grand mansions. The rhythm is slow, frequently broken by resident cats and opportunities to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is usually filled with ideas for a comeback to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a 14th-century church is a library that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains thousands of ancient volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection showcases exquisite Renaissance-era cartography and
