Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a overlooked mountain train line in France, travelers revealed their standout encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Right after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their choice. But the first doubts rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This picturesque settlement offers beyond just swimming. Guests are able to stroll through ornate piazzas and stone-paved passageways filled with vibrant places to eat. Man-made platforms turn the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town serve up flaky pastries and beverages with friendly service.
Vintage Music in The German Capital
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized venue offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, complete with a DJ playing exclusively vinyl records. Chairs and tables are routinely moved to make dancing. Staying open until the early hours, the bar at times hosts live music, making for a fantastic experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a quiet getaway. Guests may walk to the summit of a slope and climb a large spiral lookout for breathtaking views over green pastures. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage can be felt through traditional restaurants offering robust fare and music. A museum displays the work of a prolific naive artist, and the main area features several mineral water sources to taste.
Sardinian Seaside Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant discovery. Featuring several beautiful pristine shores, its vibrant centre thrives every night with locals. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot delivered a local feel at a much lower of the price. A hotel featured easy access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb journey from nearby cities. Yet, the route is said to be threatened of closure. The ride includes spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Visitors are encouraged to ride this unique railway before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, characterized by coastline, forests, and farms. A significant site at Bomarsund marks a historical outpost established by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the fort ruins is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can hike for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another person. This undiscovered world offers expansive views, marine life offshore, and an profusion of birds. The path follows along marshes bordering an estuary, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A hike can commence at a 7th-century church, one of the earliest in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely known as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Closed during winter, it typically opens in early summer. The drive features many switchbacks to navigate the steep southern section of the Carpathians, providing incredible views. Visitors can drive up to a high-altitude lake, often surrounded by snow, by car. The drive also presents the potential for spotting bears, adding to the memorable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A quick journey from a major metropolis takes people to a peaceful getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle fades for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, guests stroll along historic lanes featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, frequently paused by local felines and opportunities to stare back at the distant mainland. The trip home is usually filled with ideas for a future return to this special retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Tucked away behind a Gothic church is a archive that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains numerous of rare books, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection features gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
