From a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a overlooked mountain railway in France, visitors revealed their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Right after stepping off the bus, an explorer questioned about their choice. But the early doubts rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement provides beyond just swimming. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and narrow alleys housing busy seafood restaurants. Concrete jumping points turn the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Local spots provide flaky pastries and drinks with genuine welcome.
Retro Sounds in Germany's Capital
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul music, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized club promises immense fun. The ambiance is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing just vinyl. Seating are routinely cleared to make dancing. Open until the early hours, the bar sometimes hosts live bands, ensuring a memorable evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Health Resort
Journeying into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a peaceful retreat. Visitors can hike to the peak of a hill and ascend a large wooden lookout for stunning vistas over green fields. This area is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Lemko culture is on display through rustic cuisine with hearty food and traditional music. A gallery showcases the work of a noted naive artist, and the town centre features a number of spring taps to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. Featuring three wonderful sandy coastlines, its bustling town center comes alive nightly with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location delivered a genuine feel at a fraction of the cost. The lodging featured convenient access to the beach and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Historic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect journey from the region. But, this line is potentially threatened of shutting down. The ride passes over spectacular stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Visitors are advised to ride this special line soon.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a distinct identity. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The countryside is beautiful, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farms. A notable site at Bomarsund reveals a historical outpost established by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Exploring the remains is complimentary, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another soul. This undiscovered landscape offers wide-open vistas, seals in the water, and an profusion of birdlife. The trail follows along marshes next to an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels are visible. A hike can start at a 7th-century church, reportedly the oldest in England, and finish in a pretty coastal town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Closed during winter, it typically opens in early summer. The trip requires many bends to climb the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking views. Drivers can reach a high-altitude lake, still ringed with snow, without a cable car. The drive also includes the chance for spotting bears, completing the memorable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A quick ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis transports visitors to a tranquil island. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, guests stroll along quiet lanes flanked by grand mansions. The feel is relaxed, frequently broken by local cats and chances to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is usually accompanied by plans for a future return to this incredible place.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Housed behind a Gothic building is a collection that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains a vast collection of ancient tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition features exquisite Renaissance-era cartography and
