Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian seaside settlement to a overlooked alpine train line in France, explorers revealed their standout finds from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after stepping off the bus, an explorer wondered about their decision. Yet the early doubts soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This delightful settlement offers beyond just a swim. Guests are able to stroll through beautiful Venetian squares and narrow lanes filled with bustling eateries. Concrete jumping points make the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Places in town offer flaky pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Classic Music in The German Capital
For fans of classic rock, 1960s pop, and Motown, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated club promises a lot of fun. The vibe is terrific, complete with a DJ playing exclusively records. Seating are often pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Staying open late into the night, the bar sometimes hosts performances, guaranteeing a memorable evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Journeying into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a serene retreat. Guests can hike to the summit of a slope and go up a large wooden viewing tower for magnificent vistas over green landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage is on display through rustic dining with hearty fare and music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a prolific folk artist, and the town centre has multiple medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant discovery. Featuring three wonderful sandy shores, its bustling town center thrives in the evenings with locals. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot provided a local experience at a a quarter of the cost. The lodging provided direct entry to the shore and a elegant and warm ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great journey from the region. Yet, the route is potentially threatened of shutting down. The journey features spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Visitors are advised to ride this picturesque line while they can.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting sites and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The landscape is striking, characterized by shores, woods, and farmland. A historical location at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the fort ruins is complimentary, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can walk for hours along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another soul. This undiscovered area provides wide-open vistas, seals in the water, and an profusion of birds. The path winds along salt marsh flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of boats are visible. A journey can commence at a ancient place of worship, reportedly the most ancient in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt road. Inaccessible during winter, it usually opens in late spring. The trip involves many switchbacks to navigate the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing excellent vistas. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, still ringed with snow, without a cable car. The route also offers the potential for spotting bears, adding to the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Near a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a major metropolis takes visitors to a car-free getaway. As the day ends, the city chaos fades for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, explorers meander along historic lanes featuring beautiful homes. The feel is relaxed, with time paused by resident cats and chances to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is often filled with ideas for a comeback to this incredible sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Tucked away behind a historic building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains thousands of magnificent volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes detailed 16th-century cartography and
