Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known mountain railway in France, visitors revealed their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after stepping off the bus, a traveler questioned about their choice. Yet the early doubts quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This charming town presents more than a swim. Visitors can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and cobbled alleys housing vibrant places to eat. Man-made jumping points turn the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Local spots offer flaky pastries and drinks with friendly welcome.
Retro Sounds in Berlin
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized club promises immense fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, with a DJ using exclusively vinyl records. Seating are routinely moved to allow for dance floor. Staying open until the early hours, the bar occasionally hosts live music, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Cultural Traditions in a Poland's Health Resort
Crossing into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a peaceful retreat. Visitors may walk to the summit of a ski run and ascend a large twisting viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over verdant fields. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain people. Their culture can be felt through traditional dining with substantial dishes and music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned folk artist, and the town centre boasts multiple medicinal water fountains to try.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a excellent find. With multiple wonderful sandy coastlines, its lively town center thrives every night with residents. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot provided a local feel at a fraction of the cost. The lodging featured convenient entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a superb journey from a nearby city. Yet, this service is reportedly under threat of being closed. The ride includes breathtaking bridges around the town of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Travelers are advised to experience this picturesque line soon.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish culture. The capital, Mariehamn, has interesting attractions and is accessible by boat from several countries. The countryside is striking, featuring shores, woods, and farms. A notable site at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and then demolished during the Crimean War. Visiting the site is free, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for hours along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This undiscovered landscape offers expansive vistas, marine life offshore, and an abundance of birds. The coast path meanders along estuarine next to an estuary, where remains of boats can be seen. A journey can commence at a ancient church, reportedly the most ancient in England, and end in a charming coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely known as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Inaccessible during winter, it usually reopens in early summer. The drive features many switchbacks to climb the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, offering excellent vistas. Visitors can drive up to a high-altitude lake, sometimes covered in snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the opportunity for wildlife sightings, completing the unforgettable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A short boat trip from a bustling metropolis takes travelers to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the urban energy is replaced for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, visitors stroll along quiet roads featuring grand mansions. The feel is slow, frequently paused by friendly cats and opportunities to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is usually accompanied by ideas for a future return to this unique retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Housed behind a Gothic church is a library that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses a vast collection of magnificent volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The display includes exquisite 16th-century maps and
