From a Venetian-style Slovenian seaside settlement to a little-known alpine train line in France, visitors disclosed their standout finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after getting off the bus, one visitor wondered about their selection. But the first hesitations quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This charming location offers more than a swim. Guests can wander through beautiful public squares and stone-paved alleys housing busy seafood restaurants. Concrete jumping points make the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Local spots offer flaky pastries and drinks with genuine welcome.
Vintage Tunes in The German Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed venue is immense fun. The ambiance is fantastic, complete with a DJ using exclusively records. Furniture are sometimes moved to create dancing. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally hosts live bands, making for a memorable night out.
Cultural Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Crossing into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring presents a quiet retreat. Travelers may walk to the peak of a hill and ascend a large wooden viewing tower for magnificent panoramas over green fields. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture is on display through traditional dining serving hearty fare and music. A museum displays the work of a renowned painter, and the central spa boasts a number of mineral taps to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant find. Boasting several wonderful sandy shores, its lively town center thrives every night with locals. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a genuine atmosphere at a much lower of the price. The lodging featured easy access to the shore and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from a nearby city. Yet, this line is said to be at risk of being closed. The ride includes photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Travelers are urged to experience this picturesque line while they can.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable sites and is reachable by ferry from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, with coastline, woods, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund reveals a historical naval base built by Russia and later demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the fort ruins is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can stroll for miles along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This hidden landscape boasts sweeping vistas, seals in the water, and an abundance of birdlife. The path winds along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where wrecks of boats lie. A journey can start at a very old church, among the earliest in England, and conclude in a quaint town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt road. Inaccessible during winter, it usually reopens in June. The journey features numerous switchbacks to ascend the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing incredible scenery. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, often ringed with snow, without a cable car. The route also presents the potential for wildlife sightings, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Near a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis transports visitors to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the city chaos is replaced for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, visitors walk along historic roads featuring grand mansions. The rhythm is slow, with time paused by friendly felines and moments to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The trip home is usually filled with thoughts for a next visit to this special retreat.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Housed behind a Gothic church is a library that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains thousands of ancient books, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection includes gorgeous old maps and
