From a Venetian-style Slovenian town by the sea to a forgotten alpine train line in France, travelers revealed their standout encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Right after arriving, an explorer wondered about their choice. Yet the first doubts rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This delightful settlement provides more than swimming. Tourists can wander through beautiful public squares and narrow lanes lined with bustling eateries. Man-made jumping points make the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Local spots offer delicious pastries and beverages with genuine service.
Retro Music in Germany's Capital
For fans of classic rock, 60s pop music, and Motown, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed music bar promises a lot of fun. The vibe is fantastic, featuring a DJ using just vinyl. Seating are sometimes moved to make space to dance. Staying open late into the night, the bar occasionally features performances, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a quiet retreat. Visitors are able to climb to the top of a ski run and ascend a large spiral viewing tower for stunning panoramas over lush pastures. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain community. The local heritage is on display through rustic restaurants serving robust food and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a renowned painter, and the town centre has several medicinal water sources to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. Boasting several beautiful white sand coastlines, its bustling centre is active nightly with locals. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot delivered a more authentic atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. The lodging featured convenient entry to the shore and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great day trip from a nearby city. Yet, the route is potentially under threat of being closed. The ride features spectacular stone arches around the town of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Tourists are encouraged to see this picturesque line while they can.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is accessible by boat from several countries. The landscape is beautiful, characterized by rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund reveals a historical fortress built by Russia and later demolished during the Crimean War. Visiting the fort ruins is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can walk for hours along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another person. This secret landscape offers wide-open vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birds. The path winds along estuarine bordering an estuary, where remnants of boats are visible. A journey can commence at a ancient church, one of the earliest in England, and conclude in a quaint coastal town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically reopens in June. The trip involves many bends to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible scenery. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, by car. The drive also includes the chance for spotting bears, completing the remarkable experience.
Ferry Getaway Near a Major City
A short journey from a major city takes travelers to a tranquil getaway. As the day ends, the city chaos dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, visitors walk along tree-lined lanes featuring grand mansions. The rhythm is leisurely, often paused by friendly cats and opportunities to gaze back at the far-off city. The ferry back is often filled with plans for a future return to this unique retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Housed behind a Gothic building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of rare tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection features gorgeous Renaissance-era maps and
