Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain train line in France, visitors disclosed their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after arriving, a traveler wondered about their decision. However the first suspicions soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This charming town provides beyond just swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through elaborately decorated piazzas and narrow passageways filled with busy seafood restaurants. Man-made diving platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Places in town serve up flaky pastries and refreshments with friendly welcome.
Classic Sounds in The German Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated music bar offers immense fun. The ambiance is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing just records. Chairs and tables are sometimes cleared to create space to dance. Operating late into the night, the bar occasionally features performances, making for a memorable night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a serene retreat. Visitors may walk to the top of a slope and ascend a tall spiral viewing tower for breathtaking panoramas over lush landscapes. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional dining offering substantial dishes and folk music. A gallery showcases the work of a renowned painter, and the town centre features multiple medicinal water sources to try.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful choice. Boasting several beautiful sandy shores, its bustling center is active nightly with locals. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town provided a more authentic experience at a fraction of the cost. The lodging offered convenient entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect day trip from nearby cities. However, this service is reportedly threatened of shutting down. The ride features photogenic bridges around the locality of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are encouraged to experience this unique railway before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting sites and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The natural surroundings is striking, with coastline, forests, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical naval base established by Russia and later demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the fort ruins is free, with a charge for the information center.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
One can walk for hours along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing anyone. This secret landscape boasts sweeping vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birdlife. The path meanders along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where wrecks of ships lie. A hike can commence at a ancient chapel, one of the earliest in England, and finish in a pretty coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved route. Shut during winter, it typically opens in early summer. The drive involves many turns to climb the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent scenery. Visitors can reach a high-altitude lake, sometimes ringed with snow, directly. The journey also offers the chance for seeing animals, enhancing the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Escape Near a Metropolis
A brief journey from a vibrant metropolis transports visitors to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, visitors meander along tree-lined roads featuring historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, with time interrupted by friendly cats and moments to stare back at the distant city. The ferry back is often spent planning ideas for a next visit to this incredible retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a 14th-century church is a library that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains numerous of ancient books, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection features exquisite old maps and
