Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian town by the sea to a forgotten mountain railway in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Right after arriving, an explorer questioned about their selection. Yet the early doubts rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque location offers beyond just a swim. Tourists may meander through ornate public squares and cobbled lanes housing vibrant places to eat. Man-made diving platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Nearby establishments offer delicious pastries and drinks with friendly service.
Classic Tunes in The German Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed club offers immense fun. The atmosphere is terrific, featuring a DJ spinning only records. Seating are routinely cleared to allow for dance floor. Open late, the bar sometimes features live music, making for a fantastic evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Health Resort
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a peaceful escape. Guests are able to climb to the peak of a hill and go up a tall wooden lookout for magnificent vistas over verdant fields. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage can be felt through rustic restaurants offering robust food and folk music. A museum showcases the work of a prolific folk artist, and the main area features several mineral water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant discovery. Featuring multiple beautiful sandy beaches, its bustling center is active nightly with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot delivered a local atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. Accommodation offered easy a path to the beach and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Historic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect excursion from nearby cities. Yet, this line is reportedly under threat of shutting down. The ride passes over spectacular bridges around the town of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Travelers are urged to experience this picturesque railway before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong culture. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting museums and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is striking, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A notable fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical outpost built by Russia and subsequently demolished during the Crimean War. Visiting the site is without charge, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can walk for miles along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another person. This hidden landscape boasts expansive vistas, marine life offshore, and an profusion of birdlife. The coast path meanders along estuarine flanking an estuary, where remains of old vessels lie. A journey can begin at a 7th-century church, reportedly the earliest in England, and conclude in a charming town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt road. Shut during the colder months, it typically opens in June. The drive involves numerous turns to navigate the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing excellent scenery. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, still surrounded by snow, directly. The drive also presents the potential for wildlife sightings, completing the remarkable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A brief journey from a major city takes people to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, guests walk along quiet lanes flanked by grand mansions. The feel is relaxed, often broken by friendly cats and opportunities to stare back at the skyline of the city. The trip home is often spent planning plans for a future return to this unique retreat.
Top Discovery: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Tucked away behind a 14th-century church is a library that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains numerous of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition features gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
