From a Venetian-inspired Slovenian coastal town to a overlooked mountain train line in France, travelers have shared their standout finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after arriving, one visitor wondered about their choice. But the first hesitations rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This charming location offers more than a swim. Tourists can wander through elaborately decorated public squares and stone-paved passageways housing bustling places to eat. Concrete jumping points render the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Local spots offer delicious pastries and drinks with friendly welcome.
Vintage Tunes in Germany's Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and Motown, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed music bar offers a lot of fun. The ambiance is fabulous, featuring a DJ spinning only vinyl records. Furniture are often pushed aside to make dancing. Staying open until the early hours, the bar at times features live music, ensuring a memorable experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a peaceful getaway. Visitors can hike to the top of a ski run and go up a giant wooden lookout for magnificent panoramas over green fields. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture is on display through traditional dining offering robust fare and folk music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a renowned painter, and the main area features a number of spring water sources to try.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent choice. With several beautiful pristine beaches, its vibrant center thrives nightly with families. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location delivered a genuine experience at a much lower of the cost. Accommodation provided easy entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great journey from nearby cities. However, the route is potentially under threat of being closed. The ride passes over photogenic stone arches around the town of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Tourists are urged to see this picturesque railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong culture. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is accessible by boat from several countries. The landscape is beautiful, characterized by shores, forests, and farms. A significant site at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and then destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is free, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
One can walk for hours along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This undiscovered area offers sweeping views, seals in the water, and an abundance of birds. The path follows along marshes bordering an estuary, where remains of boats are visible. A journey can commence at a 7th-century church, among the most ancient in England, and end in a pretty town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt road. Shut during winter, it typically reopens in June. The journey requires constant bends to navigate the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible scenery. Travelers can access a mountain lake, still ringed with snow, directly. The route also presents the chance for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A brief journey from a major metropolis transports travelers to a car-free getaway. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, visitors stroll along quiet lanes featuring grand mansions. The rhythm is relaxed, often paused by local felines and moments to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is usually filled with ideas for a comeback to this incredible retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Tucked away behind a 14th-century building is a library that is free to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds a vast collection of magnificent books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection includes exquisite Renaissance-era maps and