Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian town by the sea to a little-known mountain railway in France, explorers have shared their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Right after arriving, an explorer questioned about their decision. But the initial doubts quickly faded upon entering Piran. This charming town provides more than a swim. Guests can wander through beautiful piazzas and narrow passageways filled with bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete jumping points turn the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town offer flaky pastries and beverages with friendly welcome.
Retro Tunes in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized club promises a lot of fun. The vibe is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing exclusively records. Seating are routinely cleared to create dancing. Open late, the bar occasionally hosts live music, guaranteeing a great evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a serene escape. Guests are able to climb to the peak of a slope and ascend a giant twisting viewing tower for magnificent vistas over verdant landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Lemko culture is on display through traditional dining offering robust food and music. A gallery showcases the work of a noted painter, and the town centre has a number of mineral taps to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant find. Featuring three wonderful sandy shores, its vibrant centre comes alive nightly with families. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location provided a genuine atmosphere at a a quarter of the price. The lodging offered direct access to the shore and a elegant and warm ambiance.
A Historic Alpine Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great day trip from a nearby city. However, the route is potentially at risk of closure. The ride passes over photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to ride this special line while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong culture. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable attractions and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is striking, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress constructed by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the site is complimentary, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to walk for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This undiscovered area offers wide-open views, seals in the water, and an abundance of birdlife. The path winds along marshes flanking an estuary, where remains of ships are visible. A journey can commence at a 7th-century place of worship, among the earliest in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved route. Closed during winter, it usually opens in June. The drive features numerous bends to ascend the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering breathtaking scenery. Drivers can access a mountain lake, often surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the potential for spotting bears, completing the memorable experience.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A quick ferry ride from a major city transports visitors to a peaceful island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests walk along historic streets featuring historic houses. The rhythm is leisurely, with time broken by local felines and moments to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The ferry back is often spent planning ideas for a next visit to this incredible place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Located behind a historic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses thousands of magnificent books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display includes detailed old maps and
