Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Right after getting off the bus, one visitor questioned about their selection. But the initial doubts soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque town presents beyond just a swim. Guests may meander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and cobbled alleys filled with vibrant places to eat. Man-made diving platforms turn the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Places in town provide flaky pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Retro Music in Berlin
For aficionados of classic rock, retro pop, and Motown, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated music bar promises great enjoyment. The vibe is fabulous, featuring a DJ using exclusively vinyl records. Chairs and tables are often pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally features performances, guaranteeing a fantastic experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a quiet escape. Guests may walk to the top of a ski run and go up a tall spiral viewing tower for magnificent views over lush pastures. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Lemko culture is on display through rustic restaurants offering substantial fare and folk music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a prolific naive artist, and the central spa features several medicinal water fountains to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent find. Featuring several stunning pristine shores, its lively center thrives in the evenings with families. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town delivered a more authentic feel at a a quarter of the price. The lodging featured direct a path to the beach and a elegant and warm ambiance.
A Historic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect day trip from a nearby city. Yet, the route is potentially under threat of shutting down. The journey passes over spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Visitors are encouraged to experience this picturesque line while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong culture. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting sites and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The landscape is striking, with shores, woods, and farms. A significant site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost built by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the site is free, with a small fee for the information center.
Coastal Tranquility in England
One can walk for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another person. This secret world provides wide-open vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birdlife. The coast path meanders along salt marsh flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels lie. A journey can begin at a ancient church, reportedly the oldest in England, and end in a charming coastal town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Shut during winter, it typically reopens in June. The trip features numerous bends to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering incredible views. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, still covered in snow, without a cable car. The route also presents the opportunity for spotting bears, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Near a Metropolis
A short boat trip from a vibrant city transports people to a car-free getaway. As the day ends, the city chaos dissipates for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests walk along tree-lined lanes flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is slow, frequently interrupted by friendly cats and chances to stare back at the distant mainland. The return journey is usually accompanied by thoughts for a future return to this special retreat.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Tucked away behind a Gothic church is a archive that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains a vast collection of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The display includes gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
