Starting with a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known mountain train line in France, travelers disclosed their standout finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after stepping off the bus, an explorer wondered about their decision. But the first suspicions soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This delightful location presents beyond just a swim. Tourists may meander through beautiful piazzas and cobbled passageways lined with bustling eateries. Concrete diving platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Places in town serve up flaky pastries and beverages with genuine hospitality.
Retro Tunes in The German Capital
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul music, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated music bar is immense fun. The vibe is fantastic, with a DJ using only vinyl records. Chairs and tables are sometimes cleared to make dancing. Open until the early hours, the bar at times has live music, making for a great night out.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Journeying into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a serene escape. Guests are able to climb to the summit of a ski run and ascend a giant wooden lookout for magnificent panoramas over green landscapes. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage can be felt through rustic cuisine offering robust fare and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a renowned painter, and the town centre has multiple medicinal water fountains to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent find. Featuring multiple beautiful white sand coastlines, its lively town center is active every night with locals. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot provided a genuine feel at a a quarter of the price. A hotel featured direct a path to the beach and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect journey from a nearby city. However, this service is potentially threatened of shutting down. The ride passes over photogenic viaducts around the town of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to see this special line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is easy to get to by ferry from several countries. The countryside is striking, characterized by coastline, woods, and farms. A significant location at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical naval base constructed by Russia and then demolished during the Crimean War. Visiting the site is without charge, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can walk for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This undiscovered world boasts wide-open views, marine life in the water, and an abundance of birds. The coast path follows along marshes flanking an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels are visible. A walk can begin at a ancient church, one of the earliest in England, and end in a charming town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt road. Shut during winter, it typically opens in June. The drive features many bends to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking scenery. Drivers can reach a high-altitude lake, often surrounded by snow, by car. The journey also presents the opportunity for spotting bears, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A brief boat trip from a bustling city takes visitors to a tranquil getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, guests stroll along quiet roads flanked by beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, with time interrupted by friendly cats and chances to stare back at the distant city. The return journey is often spent planning plans for a future return to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Ancient Manuscripts in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Tucked away behind a 14th-century building is a collection that is free to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains a vast collection of ancient books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition features gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
