Starting with a Venice-like Slovene coastal town to a overlooked mountain train line in France, visitors disclosed their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, one visitor wondered about their choice. But the initial doubts quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This delightful town provides beyond just swimming. Visitors can wander through ornate public squares and narrow alleys housing busy eateries. Concrete jumping points make the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Local spots provide crisp pastries and drinks with friendly welcome.
Retro Music in The German Capital
For lovers of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated venue is immense fun. The ambiance is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing just records. Furniture are sometimes pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Operating late, the bar at times features live bands, making for a fantastic experience.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a quiet escape. Guests are able to climb to the summit of a hill and go up a giant spiral platform for stunning views over lush pastures. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Lemko culture can be felt through rustic cuisine serving robust dishes and music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned folk artist, and the town centre boasts a number of mineral taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent choice. With multiple beautiful white sand coastlines, its vibrant center is active every night with locals. While the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town offered a more authentic experience at a fraction of the price. A hotel featured convenient a path to the shore and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a superb excursion from the region. Yet, this line is potentially at risk of shutting down. The trip includes breathtaking viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Travelers are urged to ride this unique railway while they can.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting museums and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, featuring coastline, forests, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost built by Russia and later demolished during the Crimean War. Visiting the site is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can hike for miles along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This hidden area offers wide-open vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birdlife. The coast path winds along estuarine flanking an river mouth, where remains of old vessels are visible. A journey can begin at a ancient church, one of the oldest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt route. Closed during the colder months, it usually reopens in June. The journey features numerous turns to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering incredible views. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, still covered in snow, by car. The drive also presents the potential for seeing animals, enhancing the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A short boat trip from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle fades for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, guests stroll along quiet lanes lined with historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, with time broken by friendly felines and moments to stare back at the distant mainland. The trip home is often filled with thoughts for a future return to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Tucked away behind a historic church is a collection that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses thousands of rare books, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition includes gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
