From a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain railway in France, travelers revealed their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after arriving, a traveler wondered about their selection. But the initial hesitations quickly faded upon entering Piran. This picturesque town offers beyond just a swim. Tourists can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and narrow passageways lined with vibrant places to eat. Man-made jumping points turn the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town offer flaky pastries and beverages with friendly welcome.
Vintage Music in The German Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed music bar is immense fun. The atmosphere is terrific, with a DJ playing only records. Furniture are sometimes moved to allow for space to dance. Staying open until the early hours, the bar occasionally hosts live music, making for a fantastic night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a serene retreat. Guests are able to climb to the summit of a ski run and ascend a giant spiral viewing tower for stunning panoramas over verdant landscapes. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Lemko culture can be experienced through traditional restaurants with robust dishes and music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a prolific painter, and the main area boasts multiple medicinal water fountains to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful choice. With three beautiful pristine shores, its bustling town center is active in the evenings with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town offered a local feel at a much lower of the cost. A hotel featured direct a path to the sea and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from a nearby city. But, this service is potentially threatened of being closed. The journey includes photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Tourists are encouraged to see this picturesque line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a distinct identity. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting museums and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is striking, with shores, woods, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and subsequently demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is free, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can walk for miles along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing anyone. This hidden world boasts expansive vistas, marine life offshore, and an abundance of birdlife. The trail follows along salt marsh flanking an river mouth, where remnants of ships can be seen. A hike can start at a ancient place of worship, reportedly the most ancient in England, and conclude in a pretty town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved road. Inaccessible during winter, it usually opens in early summer. The journey features many bends to climb the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent scenery. Travelers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The journey also includes the opportunity for spotting bears, completing the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Getaway Near a Major City
A short journey from a bustling metropolis takes visitors to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the city chaos dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, visitors walk along tree-lined lanes featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, often paused by local felines and moments to stare back at the distant mainland. The ferry back is often filled with plans for a comeback to this special sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Tucked away behind a Gothic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses a vast collection of magnificent tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition features gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
