Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after stepping off the bus, one visitor pondered about their decision. But the first suspicions rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque settlement presents beyond just swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through elaborately decorated public squares and stone-paved lanes housing bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete jumping points render the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Local spots serve up crisp pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Vintage Music in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized music bar offers a lot of fun. The atmosphere is terrific, complete with a DJ using just vinyl records. Seating are sometimes pushed aside to create dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar at times has performances, ensuring a great night out.
Cultural Legacy in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a serene getaway. Travelers may walk to the peak of a ski run and climb a large spiral platform for magnificent panoramas over green landscapes. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Lemko culture is on display through traditional cuisine with substantial food and traditional music. A gallery showcases the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa boasts several spring taps to try.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant choice. With several wonderful white sand coastlines, its bustling center thrives in the evenings with locals. While the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location offered a more authentic experience at a fraction of the cost. Accommodation featured easy access to the shore and a elegant and warm ambiance.
A Historic Mountain Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect day trip from nearby cities. But, the route is reportedly threatened of closure. The journey features breathtaking viaducts around the area of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Travelers are advised to see this picturesque line before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is accessible by boat from multiple countries. The landscape is attractive, featuring shores, forests, and farmland. A historical location at Bomarsund marks a historical fortress established by Russia and then attacked during the Crimean War. Walking through the fort ruins is complimentary, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can hike for miles along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering anyone. This hidden landscape provides wide-open views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of wildlife. The path winds along marshes flanking an estuary, where wrecks of ships lie. A journey can commence at a 7th-century chapel, reportedly the oldest in England, and end in a quaint coastal town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt mountain road. Shut during winter, it typically opens in late spring. The trip requires numerous switchbacks to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent scenery. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, sometimes covered in snow, by car. The route also presents the chance for wildlife sightings, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a major city takes people to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests stroll along historic roads flanked by beautiful homes. The feel is leisurely, frequently broken by resident felines and chances to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is often filled with plans for a next visit to this unique place.
Winning Tip: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Located behind a historic building is a archive that is free to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds a vast collection of magnificent books, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection includes exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
