From a Venice-like Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked alpine train line in France, explorers revealed their most unforgettable discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their selection. Yet the first suspicions quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This charming location presents beyond just swimming. Visitors are able to stroll through ornate piazzas and stone-paved alleys lined with vibrant eateries. Concrete diving platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Places in town offer flaky pastries and beverages with friendly service.
Classic Sounds in The German Capital
For aficionados of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul music, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed venue promises great enjoyment. The atmosphere is terrific, featuring a DJ playing only vinyl. Seating are often pushed aside to allow for space to dance. Staying open until the early hours, the bar sometimes hosts live bands, ensuring a great night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Health Resort
Crossing into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a quiet getaway. Visitors may walk to the peak of a hill and ascend a large wooden lookout for stunning vistas over green landscapes. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture can be experienced through rustic restaurants with robust food and traditional music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a prolific folk artist, and the central spa boasts multiple mineral taps to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful choice. Boasting three beautiful white sand coastlines, its vibrant town center is active nightly with locals. While the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot provided a more authentic feel at a fraction of the cost. A hotel provided direct a path to the shore and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect day trip from nearby cities. However, this service is reportedly under threat of closure. The journey passes over photogenic stone arches around the area of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Travelers are urged to see this picturesque railway before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is striking, featuring coastline, forests, and farmland. A notable location at Bomarsund marks a historical outpost established by Russia and later destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the remains is without charge, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in England
It is possible to walk for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This hidden world offers wide-open vistas, marine life in the water, and an abundance of birds. The trail winds along estuarine flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of ships are visible. A walk can start at a 7th-century chapel, among the oldest in England, and finish in a charming town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt road. Closed during winter, it usually opens in June. The journey involves constant bends to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering incredible views. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, often covered in snow, directly. The journey also offers the opportunity for wildlife sightings, enhancing the memorable experience.
Island Getaway Close to a Major City
A short journey from a vibrant city takes travelers to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, explorers meander along quiet roads lined with beautiful homes. The feel is relaxed, frequently interrupted by friendly felines and opportunities to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The return journey is usually filled with ideas for a future return to this special sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a Gothic building is a archive that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains numerous of magnificent volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display includes detailed old maps and
