From a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a little-known mountain train line in France, visitors disclosed their most unforgettable discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Right after arriving, a traveler questioned about their selection. But the early hesitations quickly faded upon entering Piran. This delightful location provides more than swimming. Visitors can wander through beautiful public squares and narrow alleys lined with bustling eateries. Concrete jumping points make the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for all ages. Places in town offer flaky pastries and beverages with warm service.
Vintage Sounds in Berlin
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and soul, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized venue offers a lot of fun. The vibe is fabulous, with a DJ playing exclusively records. Furniture are often pushed aside to create space to dance. Staying open until the early hours, the bar sometimes features live music, ensuring a memorable night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a quiet escape. Visitors are able to climb to the peak of a hill and go up a tall wooden viewing tower for breathtaking panoramas over green landscapes. This area is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture is on display through traditional restaurants serving hearty food and folk music. A gallery showcases the work of a noted painter, and the main area boasts multiple spring water sources to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful find. With multiple wonderful white sand coastlines, its vibrant center is active in the evenings with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location offered a local feel at a a quarter of the price. A hotel provided convenient entry to the shore and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great day trip from a nearby city. Yet, the route is potentially under threat of being closed. The ride passes over spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Travelers are advised to see this unique railway before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, has interesting museums and is accessible by ferry from several countries. The countryside is beautiful, with rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A historical fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress established by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the fort ruins is complimentary, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can walk for hours along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another soul. This hidden area provides wide-open vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of wildlife. The trail meanders along salt marsh bordering an estuary, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A journey can start at a 7th-century church, among the earliest in England, and conclude in a quaint coastal town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved road. Shut during the colder months, it usually opens in June. The journey involves many bends to navigate the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking scenery. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, often covered in snow, by car. The drive also offers the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable experience.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A short boat trip from a vibrant metropolis takes people to a peaceful island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors stroll along historic roads lined with beautiful homes. The pace is relaxed, often broken by local felines and opportunities to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The return journey is often spent planning ideas for a comeback to this incredible place.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Housed behind a 14th-century building is a archive that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses a vast collection of ancient tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The display features detailed 16th-century cartography and
