Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene coastal town to a little-known mountain train line in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after arriving, one visitor pondered about their selection. Yet the early hesitations soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque settlement presents more than swimming. Visitors can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and stone-paved passageways filled with busy seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Nearby establishments provide delicious pastries and refreshments with warm hospitality.
Retro Sounds in The German Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated music bar is immense fun. The vibe is fabulous, featuring a DJ spinning only vinyl records. Chairs and tables are routinely pushed aside to make space to dance. Open late into the night, the bar at times features performances, making for a memorable evening.
Cultural Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a serene escape. Travelers are able to climb to the summit of a ski run and go up a giant wooden lookout for stunning vistas over green landscapes. This region is home to the Lemkos, a mountain people. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering robust fare and traditional music. A gallery displays the work of a prolific folk artist, and the town centre features several spring taps to try.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a excellent discovery. Boasting multiple wonderful white sand coastlines, its bustling town center comes alive in the evenings with residents. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a local experience at a a quarter of the cost. A hotel featured easy access to the beach and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect excursion from the region. However, this service is potentially at risk of shutting down. The ride includes photogenic bridges around the locality of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to ride this special railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is beautiful, featuring coastline, woods, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century naval base established by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This secret landscape offers expansive vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birds. The trail meanders along estuarine flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of ships lie. A walk can start at a 7th-century chapel, one of the earliest in England, and conclude in a charming town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually opens in early summer. The journey involves many turns to navigate the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering excellent views. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, often covered in snow, directly. The route also offers the opportunity for spotting bears, adding to the memorable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Major City
A quick boat trip from a vibrant metropolis takes visitors to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the urban energy is replaced for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, visitors stroll along tree-lined lanes featuring grand mansions. The feel is relaxed, often paused by friendly felines and opportunities to stare back at the distant mainland. The return journey is often spent planning plans for a future return to this incredible place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Located behind a Gothic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds thousands of magnificent tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection features gorgeous Renaissance-era maps and
